Four Players To Watch During The Final Four

Added on Apr 01, 2011 by Scott in

NCAAB

In about 36 hours from now, the Field of 68 will be narrowed to two lucky teams. There are plenty of storylines to ponder between now and then. Can VCU continue its improbable run? Will Butler make a return trip to the championship game? Is Kentucky poised to win its first title since 1998? Are the Huskies the team to beat? Like all sports, the players will decide the outcome. Leaving aside obvious choices like Kemba Walker and Matt Howard, here are four players to watch during Saturday’s double-header.

Brandon Rozzell (VCU) – Rozzell will likely draw the assignment of slowing down Butler’s Shelvin Mack. A task easier said than done, he’ll have to be prepared to contest Mack’s expected three-point barrage. However, Rozzell is no slouch from beyond the arc himself. The senior guard has scored double digits in four straight and converted 17-35 from long range in five tourney games.

Andrew Smith (Butler) – VCU’s undersized front line could have their hands full with Smith. The 6’11″ center is capable of dominating the paint and with so much attention being paid to Matt Howard, he’ll have a chance to make some noise tomorrow night. He’s recorded ten offensive rebounds in four games, which could prove vital in a matchup where second chance opportunities will be at a premium. The Bulldogs are 11-3 when he reaches double digits in scoring.

Jeremy Lamb (UConn) - No player has been more important to Connecticut’s transformation from the one-man-gang they were in December than Lamb. The freshman guard has given opponents a second scorer to worry about besides Kemba Walker. He’s averaged 16 points and knocked down 15-27 three-pointers during the Huskies current nine-game winning streak. His career-high 24 versus San Diego State in the West Region semifinals was critical to UConn advancing.

DeAndre Liggins (Kentucky) – The Wildcats ace defender will be asked to shut down the aforementioned Jeremy Lamb. Liggins value to John Calipari’s team doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. He’s long, quick and sneaky good from the perimeter, in addition to being strong in the post. In four tournament games, Liggins has pulled down 19 boards, dished 13 assists and notched seven blocked shots. Needless to say, the do-everything swingman has been key to Kentucky’s success.