15. Texas (11-seed)
Camden Heide (Junior – Forward)
A reliable bench piece at Purdue in recent years, Heide has turned into a solid presence in Texas’s frontcourt this season. The numbers don’t stand out at just 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game but he does the little things for the Longhorns. Analytically, Heide would probably be one of the lowest-rated players in the Sweet Sixteen but don’t discount what he brings, especially as someone with size who’ll reliably hit a 3-pointer or two every night.
Tramon Mark (Senior – Guard)
It’s year six for Mark in college basketball though it’s been a rocky road to this point. The former Houston and Arkansas guard is having his best season in Austin, putting up 13.5 points and 3.5 rebounds while developing into a reliable shooter and playmaker for the Longhorns. Mark was a big part of their first two Tourney wins, dropping 17 points against NC State before scoring 19 in the upset over BYU. His scoring ability will be key if this run is going to continue.
Jordan Pope (Senior – Guard)
The numbers don’t quite match what he accomplished as an underclassman at Oregon State, but Pope is having the most impactful season of his career. He’s averaging 13.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while knocking down 37% of his 3-pointers for a Texas team that’s turned heads in recent weeks. Pope is just a few weeks removed from a 30-point output against Oklahoma and has already hit seven 3-pointers during the NCAA Tournament. An elite free throw shooter, he can put the ball in the net with ease and is a big reason why Texas is here after 17 points against Gonzaga on Saturday.
Dailyn Swain (Junior – Forward)
The biggest piece of the puzzle for Texas, Swain came with Sean Miller from Xavier after two very solid seasons with the Musketeers. Year three has him leading the Longhorns while averaging 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 rebounds per game while making just over 60% of his 2-point attempts and a decent clip elsewhere. Swain was Second Team All-SEC and has been in double-figures in each of his team’s three NCAA Tournament wins, yet we haven’t even really seen him at his best quite yet.
Matas Vokietaitis (Sophomore – Center)
Vokietaitis had a very solid showing as a true freshman at Florida Atlantic but has really stepped into a prominent role with the Longhorns this season. The former AAC Rookie of the Year now runs the show as Texas’s center, putting up 15.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage of 61.9% leads the SEC and he’s just a few days removed from a 23-point, 16-rebound effort against BYU. Add in his 17 points in that upset over Gonzaga and it’s clear that his impact is a big reason why the Longhorns are still dancing.