We know the big names. The Jahlil Okafors, Frank Kaminskys and Karl-Anthony Towns’ of the bracket who draw all the headlines, who have led their respective teams into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. But so often this time of year, the stars aren’t the ones who will decide who reaches the Final Four.
Below are 10 names to remember as the Sweet 16 nears:
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona
One of the most versatile and best pound-for-pound defenders in the country, the 6-foot-7 sophomore forward — a future NBA starter from Philadelphia — enters the Sweet 16 averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game in the tournament.
Justise Winslow, Duke
A freakish athlete who fills out the stat sheet on a nightly basis, the freshman wing may be Duke’s most important player because of his two-way impact. Winslow often guards the opposition’s best perimeter player yet rebounds and scores at a high level. He’s a lock lottery pick.
Tyler Ulis, Kentucky
He doesn’t start for the loaded Wildcats, but he should. Smooth, poised and ultra-talented, the 5-foot-9 freshman point guard from Ohio will be counted on to handle West Virginia’s relentless press Thursday night in Cleveland.
Quentin Snider, Louisville
The talented freshman wasn’t expected to be vital to the Cardinals, but then point guard Chris Jones was kicked off the team. Snider has been up to the challenge, performing like an NCAA Tournament veteran. Louisville doesn’t get past UC-Irvine in the opening round without his career-high 16-point performance.
Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga
The son of former Trail Blazers center Arvydas Sabonis, the 6-foot-10 freshman reserve has as much upside as any forward in the country this side of Towns and Okafor. The gifted and skilled big man has averaged a double-double ( 12.5 points and 10 rebounds) in the tournament.
Traevon Jackson, Wisconsin
His likely return from a broken right foot would be a major boost for the Badgers, who have been without their starting point guard since Jan. 11. Jackson returned to practice last week, but was held out of the opening weekend. The penetrating senior lead guard makes life significantly easier for Kaminsky and friends.
Steve Vasturia, Notre Dame
Sophomore forward has a flair for the dramatic, playing his best when it matters most. His season-high 20-point explosion in the Round of 32 win over Butler was the latest example.
Tekele Cotton, Wichita State
Backcourt mates Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker draw all the headlines, but Cotton — the Shockers’ best perimeter defender — is just as important. The 6-foot-3 senior was the biggest reason for Sunday’s Round of 32 win over in-state rival Kansas, scoring a team-high 19 points and adding three assists.
Bryn Forbes, Michigan State
Cleveland State transfer has emerged as a potent deep threat, averaging 10.5 points per game in the tournament, an essential contributor for the Spartans, who are short on scoring options after seniors Travis Trice and Branden Dawson.
Abdul-Malik Abu, N.C. State
An inconsistent regular season somehow has translated into a breakout March for the massively built 6-foot-8 freshman forward from Boston who is averaging 13 points and eight rebounds in his first two NCAA Tournament games.