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 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) drives to the baskset past Iowa Hawkeyes forward Jarrod Uthoff (20) during the first half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Villanova – Kris Jenkins

The matchups to watch in the game between the Villanova Wildcats and Miami Hurricanes is undoubtedly going to be in the backcourt as the talented defensive guards of Villanova matchup with the explosive playmakers in the Miami backcourt. But in terms of players to watch for the Wildcats, that falls on junior forward Kris Jenkins as he will have the opportunity to carry his team in this matchup.

Again, the strength of the Hurricanes lies in their guard play, but that also leaves them a bit thin in their frontcourt. Meanwhile, Jenkins has proven throughout the season and through the first two rounds of March Madness that he’s more than capable of being an explosive playmaker for Villanova at the forward position. Though he doesn’t have tremendous size to use to his advantage, he does have great length and crazy athleticism that could very well cause the Hurricanes problems in this matchup.

Yes, the Wildcats are going to need Josh Hart and Ryan Arcidiacono to come through on both ends of the floor. But Jenkins is the player that fans need to keep an eye on as he could be the X-factor in this Sweet 16 matchup that either pushes Villanova through or can’t step up and watches them fall.

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