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

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 /

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Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Wayne Selden Jr. (1) looks to drive against the Connecticut Huskies during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas – Wayne Selden

Through the first two rounds of March Madness to get them into the Sweet 16, the Kansas Jayhawks have largely been infallible—save for UConn making a second half run in the Second Round. And while the contributions of Perry Ellis and Devonte’ Graham are going to be crucial for the Jayhawks remaining successful in the tournament, the real player to watch for Kansas is going to be junior guard Wayne Selden.

Over the past two years, Selden’s shortcoming come March Madness have been widely known throughout college hoops. Despite his tremendous abilities and even great regular season play, he’s faltered in the tournament in his first two seasons. That hasn’t been the case this year, though, as he’s stepped up to be a star for the Jayhawks in both rounds as a scorer, energy guy, and a high flyer making big, momentum-changing plays with his ability to rock the rim.

However, with a player that has a reputation for struggling in the tournament, seeing him gear up for a game in the Sweet 16 has to be a bit disconcerting for Jayhawks fans. Are his old demons going to come back to haunt him? Or has Selden actually turned the corner in March? The answer to that question could ultimately determine the outcome of their matchup against Maryland.

Next: Maryland Terrapins

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