Udoka Azubuike
The transformation Udoka Azubuike made from last season to now was on full display against Baylor. He was purely dominant inside off of lobs to the rim and off-ball screen action all game. Also, his ability to play 36 minutes in the game and be as effective as he was on both ends was very impressive. In addition, Azubuike going for 23 points and 19 rebounds was tremendous with his effort being exceptional. His ability to take over games inside the paint is vital to Kansas’ overall success. If Kansas gets this Udoka Azubuike the rest of the season they will be the National Championship favorites.
UCLA
San Diego State
Brian Dutcher and his team’s undefeated season came to an end with a home loss to T.J. Otzelberger’s UNLV team. Their start to a 26-0 beginning to the season was remarkable and unexpected. However, they’re still in a phenomenal position to achieve major success with winning the conference championship and competing for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. With Malachi Flynn leading the way they have a guy who can take over games and be the best player on the floor. Having great complementary players in K.J. Feagin and Jordan Schakel on the perimeter bringing defense and shot-making gives an added dimension. They also have two mobile forwards in Matt Mitchell and Yanni Wetzel who are key contributors. Lastly, the season is only getting started for San Diego State, as they are capable of making major noise in the NCAA tournament.
BYU
Creighton
Creighton is emerging as one of the best teams in the country. One of the biggest reasons behind Creighton’s success is their defense ability to become more consistent. The ability for them to not have to rely on their offense primarily will keep them in more games. Next, the ability for Marcus Zegarowski to score and consistently make plays makes him the go-to guy for Creighton. Ty-Shon Alexander is still a dynamic scorer off the ball and is defending the perimeter at a very high level. In addition, Mitch Ballock is a pure shooter and scorer that has the ability to go off at any moment. Further, what makes this Creighton team difficult to guard is their bigs are very versatile with Christian Brown and Damien Jefferson’s ability to attack. The bench dynamic of Denzel Mahoney is crucial as it gives Creighton a secondary scorer with size who can also defend. Gregg McDermott has an offensive juggernaut that is becoming a solid defensive team and now a Final Four threat.
Images Courtesy of, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Deseret News
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