2021 NCAA Tournament East Region roundtable, key questions

3. Who will be the biggest impact player of this region?

Brown

If Michigan can withstand the significant loss of Isaiah Livers and name a run in the tournament, I’d say Hunter Dickinson or Mike Smith. I was impressed with Smith’s performance against Maryland where he carved up their defense scoring and passing. Of course, we all know the Dickinson is a matchup nightmare in the paint.

Outside of that, I’d say Scottie Barnes or M.J. Walker for the Seminoles. Those two have to step up big time if Florida State is going to make noise.

Cash

This may be a popular pick, but James Bouknight is the best induvial player in this region. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see Bouknight lead the Huskies in a deep tournament run.

Childs

Frans Wagner from Michigan is the name to watch. He is NBA-ready and is a matchup nightmare. He is great on both sides of the ball.

Stevenson

I’m gonna go with Herb Jones from Alabama. He was the SEC Player of the Year and I think he will make the biggest impact.

Melton

There are many players capable of taking over in this Region, but no player will have a bigger impact than Alabama’s Herbert Jones. Jones won the SEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year and can impact a game in so many ways. Go back and watch everything that Jones did for the Tide in the SEC Tournament, and then tell me why he can’t carry Alabama to the Final Four.