Most memorable players from 2021 NCAA Tournament

Buddy Boeheim – Syracuse

Like father, like son. That was the mantra from The ‘Cuse in this season’s tournament. An always dangerous lower seed, Syracuse affirmed what many thought would happen by making a run to the Sweet 16 as an 11 seed. They were led by the son of iconic coach Jim Boeheim. Buddy Boeheim was stellar in his first two round performances scoring 30 and 25 points in his first two games respectively.

While his performance in the Sweet 16 game was somewhat disappointing due to Houston’s suffocating defense, Buddy Boeheim’s legacy was cemented. It was almost written in the stars for the younger Boeheim. As a young kid, he was pictured with a college-aged Melo as his Melo and Jim Boeheim led The ‘Cuse to a national championship in 2003.

It was inevitable we would see the younger Boeheim lace up in the Tourney for himself and it was a shame we couldn’t see this father-son duo take this story into the later rounds. However, the junior has one more season in upstate New York and with no projections to be drafted this year, could give us yet another father-son tournament run.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers

It was brief Deja Vu for Ramblers’ fans as their team once again made waves knocking off 1-seed Illinois in the Round of 32. The Ramblers were led by star Cameron Krutwig, who was a freshman during the first Loyola run. This time around he was instrumental in Loyola’s victory over Illinois in an interstate battle.

Krutwig might remind more basketball viewers of someone dominating be dominating your local pickup league rather than the March Madness, but nevertheless, Krutwig balled out and gave Loyola Chicago some Illinois bragging rights with their win. Though they lost to fellow Cinderella Oregon State the Ramblers wouldn’t have come anywhere close without the 19-point, 12-rebound double-double against Illinois. Krutwig will no doubt go down in March Madness lore as part of this second Ramblers run.