With the NCAA March Madness mens’ basketball tournament coming up, check out what an Echo analyst has to say about which teams and players to watch for.

Teams to watch:

Wichita St. Shockers (10) 30-4  MVC champions

The Shockers come into the tourney on a 15 game win streak. In that 15 game win streak, the closest margin of victory was eight; they have been winning big against their opponents. They are also a very well coached team, as coach Gregg Marshall has led this program to a sixth straight tournament berth. This also means they know how to play under the spotlight of being in the tournament. Lastly, this is a well rounded team, achieving success in all aspects of their game. They can win in a number of ways, whether it is high or low scoring, with rebounding or with shooting.

Bottom line: The combination of coaching, experience, momentum and well-roundedness makes this Wichita St. team a dangerous one.  

Statistics:

82.1 points per game (20th in the nation)

40.8 rebounds per game (5th in the nation)

62.4 points allowed per game (14th in the nation)

Team shoots 47.3% from the field and 40.8% from three point range (4th in the nation)

+19.6 scoring margin

Rhode Island Rams (11) 24-9   A-10 Champions

Similar to Wichita St., Rhode Island is on an eight game win streak coming into the tournament. Their defense has been very stingy during those eight games, giving up an average of 61.75 points per game. If they are to continue their streak into the tournament, they must continue to lock opposing offenses down. Offensively, the team is lead by guard E.C. Matthews and forward Hassan Martin, two talented players who must produce a lot for the team to be successful, as offense has not been Rhode Island’s strong suit.    

Bottom line: The Rams will not wow you statistically, but they are a solid and experienced team. If their offense can can play up to their defense, do not sleep on Rhode Island.

Statistics:

73.5 ppg (173rd in the nation)

37.5 rpg (91st in the nation)

64.9 points allowed per game (32nd in the nation)

Team shoots 45.3% from the field

33.8% from three point range

Iowa State Cyclones (5) 23-10   Big 12 Champions

Fresh off of a Big 12 tournament championship, the Cyclones have been an offensive powerhouse, with four players averaging double digits in points. It is worthy to note that those four players are all seniors who all have experience playing in the tournament, as Iowa State has made the tournament every year for the past five. The Cyclones are a team that likes to push the pace, and can catch fire quickly, which is an advantage in the tournament. However, their defense is pretty weak and their rebounding is a liability, which could hurt them, especially if they are playing against a physical team.   

Bottom line- Offense has been great for the Cyclones, and if their defense and rebounding can improve, this team could heat up and make some noise.

Statistics:

80.9 ppg (27th in the nation)

34.9 rpg (222nd in the nation)

72.0 points allowed per game (174th in the nation)

Shoot 46.9% from the field

40.2% from three point range (14th in the nation)

10.2 turnovers per game (7th in the nation); 15.8 apg (42nd in the nation)

1.55 assist to turnover ratio (5th in the nation)

 

Players to watch:

Josh Jackson (Kansas)

Freshman, 6’8”

Jackson, a very talented and athletic wing for the Jayhawks, is very important to the success of the team for a couple reasons. First of all, his athleticism and length as a defender helps to lock down opposing guards and wings. Kansas has given up at least 85 points in all of their losses, so defense is a premium for them, and Jackson is a big part of that. Secondly, on the offensive end, Jackson helps to take pressure off of Frank Mason, who teams will key in on a lot. He draws attention from other teams, freeing up space for Mason. Because of his importance to the team, Jackson must stay out of foul trouble. In Kansas’s four losses, he fouled out of one, had at least three in two of them, and did not play in the last one.   

Statistics:

16.4 ppg

7.2 rpg

3.1 apg

51.1% from the field

37.7% from three point range

Jayson Tatum (Duke)

Freshman, 6’8”

Due to a foot sprain, Tatum missed the first eight games of the year, but since then, Tatum has made leaps and bounds in his game and contributions to the team. He was a huge part of Duke’s ACC tournament victory, showcasing what he can bring to the tournament table for Duke. In the tournament, Tatum will have to continue his good work on the offensive end for Duke to succeed, specifically scoring. When Tatum has scored more than 20 points, Duke has only lost once. He creates mismatches due to his combination of size, strength, versatility and speed. Opposing big men cannot keep pace with him, and small guys are not strong or tall enough to guard him. Look for Duke to take advantage of that.

Statistics:

-16.9 ppg

-7.3 rpg

-2.2 apg

-45.3% from the field

Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame)

Junior, 6’5”

Colson is the heart and soul of a dangerous Fighting Irish team. He is often put up against much bigger players, because he is the height of a guard, but plays the power forward position. However, that has not stopped him from achieving a lot of success this year, as he has averaged a double double this year and led Notre Dame to a 25-9 record, second place in the ACC, and second place in the ACC tournament. Throughout the season, when the Fighting Irish go on runs and are playing well, Colson is at the heart of it. His sound post up game and solid mid range shooting have proven essential to his team’s success. If he can continue his quality play in the tournament, look for Notre Dame to go deep into March.  

Statistics:

-17.5 ppg

-10.2 rpg

-1.6 apg

-1.4 bpg

-52.3% from the field

-4.9 FTA pg

Josh Hart (Villanova)

Senior, 6’6”

Hart is one of the best all around players in the nation. His ability to shoot, drive, pass and defend at a high level has helped Villanova to earn the overall number one seed in the tournament. As a senior who also won the national championship last year, Hart knows how to mentally handle the spotlight of March Madness, which is just as important as the physical aspects of the game. Also as a senior, his leadership on this Wildcats team will help to determine how far they will go. Going off the point of leading his teammates, it is also important that Hart gets his teammates involved in the game. In the 11 games he has dished out more assists than his season average of 3.1, Villanova is undefeated. If Hart can continue his outstanding all around play, watch out for Villanova.

Statistics:

18.9 ppg

6.5 rpg

3.1 apg

50.8% from the field

40.7% from three