Kam Jones
How can a single player be a key to victory? Well, when you are one of the finalists for the Naismith Player of the Year award, you will always be key to a victory. That was a little bit of prognosticating on my part. The Naismith Player of the Year finalists have not been named yet, but many expect Jones to be on the list, especially if he maintains his level of play. Jones heads into the game averaging 20 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. He does that by running the offense, taking a high volume of shots, and shooting incredibly efficiently. Jones is a generational type of talent who is going to have a long and successful career in the NBA.
Marquette is so hard to beat because Jones doesn’t have to score for them to win. He usually does score, so it’s not a problem, but given his ability to affect the game in so many ways. Jones already has a triple-double this year. He is a great passer and good rebounder and as a point guard can get the ball and get the Eagles in transition for easy baskets. The point guard is a great scorer, but he heads into the game with 66 assists to 16 turnovers. He never turns the ball over and always makes the right decision. If Dayton doesn’t contain Jones, Marquette will win in a blowout.
Dayton does have the horses on the perimeter to slow down Jones a bit. Posh Alexander is one of the best defenders in basketball and is tough and physical and can make life tough for the star point guard for Marquette. That is why Jones affecting the game in a myriad of ways other than scoring is so important and what makes him one of the best players in the country. His ability to run the offense and lead Marquette is going to be important in this game.