Ranking the top 8 backcourts in the East Region who could carry their team to the second round

The Morehead State Eagles are unlikely to get through their 3/14 matchup with the Big Ten Champs, but the backcourt of Thelwell and Minix will be a handful for Illinois. Minix, the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year, averaged 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, a block, and a steal per game while shooting 54.6% from the field. 

The 6-foot-7 grad transfer from Southeastern University isn’t necessarily a lethal shooter from outside at 34% on 4.7 attempts a game but can take over a game offensively at the rim and in the mid-range. Minix is mid-major Dalton Knecht with his ability to score from all three levels and could become a star in the tournament with a 30+ point game against Illinois. The question is whether his athleticism will translate against Big Ten talent and whether the Eagles will be able to get enough stops against the Illini.

While Minix was Batman, Thelwell became his Robin, but he was overshadowed, not even named to the OVC All-Conference team. Thelwell is a quintessential point guard, averaging 10.0 points, and 6.3 assists, but isn't capable of much more. He’ll put Minix in the spots to succeed, but if asked to do it himself, Morehead State’s offense may lack the same punch.