NCAA Tournament: 50 biggest individual game performances from 2010-19
By Logan Butts
2011 – Kemba Walker, 3 UConn vs 2 San Diego State, Sweet 16
After notching 33 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the second round versus Cincinnati, Cardiac Kemba continued his March onslaught with 36-3-3-2 two steals vs a stout San Diego State defense led by none other than Kawhi Leonard himself. 2011 Kemba is probably the single best NCAA Tournament run this decade.
2011 – Derrick Williams, 5 Arizona vs 1 Duke, Sweet 16
It was downright shocking to watch this beat down take place on live TV. Duke was one of the favorites heading into the tournament. Arizona seemingly could not miss that night. Derrick Williams led the way with an explosive 32 points (6-11 from the field, 5-6 from three), 13 rebounds, two steals, and one block. This is the game that made me think he would be an NBA superstar.
2012 – Draymond Green, 1 Michigan State vs 16 LIU, 1st Round
The stakes for this game weren’t very high, but there have only been three NCAA Tournament triple-doubles this decade – this game, Draymond’s performance in a first-round to UCLA in the previous tournament (23-11-10-4), and a game coming later. Yes, it was only LIU Brooklyn, but, 24-12-10 on 10-17 shooting belongs on the list. How was this guy a second-round pick?
2012 – CJ McCollum, 15 Lehigh vs 2 Duke, 1st Round
Maybe the ultimate underdog performance on this list, McCollum single-handedly dismantled Duke. He was by far the best player on the court, going for 30 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
2012 – Kyle O’Quinn, 15 Norfolk State vs 2 Missouri, 1st Round
The other standout performance from a future pro in a 2-15 upset in 2012, Kyle O’Quinn looked every bit the future NBA player in his confident performance against Missouri. 26 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, two assists, one steal, and a strong defensive night.