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NCAA Tournament 2021: Michigan, Alabama headlines East Region

By Adam Childs

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 12: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a three-point basket during the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Arena on January 12, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 12: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a three-point basket during the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Arena on January 12, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Tournament Connecticut Huskies James Bouknight David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Tournament Connecticut Huskies James Bouknight David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Franz Wagner, Michigan

All eyes have been on Hunter Dickinson this year for the Wolverines and rightfully so, but Wagner may be the key to this team. Wagner is one of the best defenders in the country, is a matchup nightmare for almost any team, and can hit from both deep and finish at the rim. When he is playing well Michigan is nearly impossible to stop. The problem is he is prone to off games and the Wolverines struggle when that happens.

John Petty Jr, Alabama

Petty maybe just the third-leading scorer for the Crimson Tide, but he is also pulling down just over five rebounds per game. He shoots nearly 40% from deep on a team that can flat-out knock down the outside shot. The Tide has a bunch of guys that can fill it up but Petty is their key.

Cameron Thomas, LSU

Thomas is averaging 22.6 points per game and is an absolute monster on the offensive side. Before the SEC tournament, he scored 20 or more points in 11 straight games. In the two games, he didn’t score 20 in the tournament, he scored 18. He shoots 32% from deep but isn’t afraid to attack the rim. He is going to be a problem for whoever they play.

McKinley Wright IV, Colorado

Wright is the team’s leading scorer at just over 15 points per game, but he also averages 4.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He is a complete player for the Buffaloes and one that the opposing team will have to look to shut down.

James Bouknight, UConn

As long as Bouknight can stay on the court he is going to be a headache for the other team. He is averaging 19 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He isn’t a great three-point shooter but can still get hot and knock them down. He could be a big problem for Alabama in round two.

Alex Barcello, BYU

Barcello is averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He does all of this and shoots a sparkling 48% from deep. He doesn’t take a ton of threes, but he can knock them down. His best game of the year is when he went 7-7 from deep against San Francisco. If he can get hot like that the Cougars are going to be a tough out.

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