March Madness Sweet 16 2016: One player to watch from each team

Notre Dame – Zach Auguste

The argument could be made that, though there have been several breakout stars throughout the first two rounds in March Madness, no one player has done more for his NBA Draft stock than Notre Dame Fighting Irish senior forward Zach Auguste. The big man has been a force that has yet to be stopped in the NCAA Tournament to this point and he’s going to need to be that once again in the Sweet 16.

Through the first two games and victories for the Irish in the tournament, Auguste has scored well, but has really made his impact on the glass and as a defender. Through the two wins, the senior is averaging 13 points, 13.5 rebounds and two blocks per game. He’s the type of player that can provide palpable energy to his team on both ends of the floor and that has a propensity for being in position to make big plays for Notre Dame.

While some people might point to Demetrious Jackson as the player to watch for the Irish in the Sweet 16, August remaining effective as a defensive threat in the frontcourt and as a rebounder that can create possessions for his team is going to be critical to getting past Wisconsin. If he’s able to succeed in that, though, the Irish will have a good chance of moving on.

Next: Wisconsin Badgers