Fansided

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

By Cody Williams

Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0), forward Landen Lucas (33), guard Devonte' Graham (4), guard Wayne Selden Jr. (1) and forward Perry Ellis (34) on the court in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0), forward Landen Lucas (33), guard Devonte' Graham (4), guard Wayne Selden Jr. (1) and forward Perry Ellis (34) on the court in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 17
Next
Mar 19, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) dribbles around Utah Utes forward Brekkott Chapman (0) in first half action of Utah vs Gonzaga during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) dribbles around Utah Utes forward Brekkott Chapman (0) in first half action of Utah vs Gonzaga during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Gonzaga – Kyle Wiltjer

Let’s be clear, if the Gonzaga Bulldogs are playing, you should be watching Domantas Sabonis. The sophomore big man is one of the best players in college hoops and is a joy to watch every time out as he is seemingly unstoppable whenever he’s on the floor as an offensive force and a rebounder. However, in the Zags’ matchup against Syracuse in the Sweet 16, the player that you need to watch in regards to how things go for the Bulldogs is Sabonis’ frontcourt mate in Kyle Wiltjer.

The senior forward and former Kentucky Wildcats player in Wiltjer has been a force all season for the Zags, averaging over 20 points and six rebounds in the regular season. And while he’s been solid in terms of his production in March Madness to this point (averaging 15 points and five rebounds), this matchup against the Orange is really going to put the spotlight on the versatile big man.

Wiltjer is largely tailor-made to attack the Syracuse zone. Not only does he have the post-game to attack the interior of the zone defense no matter what, but he’s also able to step out and hit from the perimeter as a 43.2 percent three-point shooter on the year. With his ability to attack the zone with different looks and skills, he’s going to be the guy to watch in this round for the Bulldogs.

Next: Syracuse Orange

Home/March Madness