March Madness 2019: One player who will dominate each region

South Region: Ethan Happ, F, Wisconsin

Happ is one of the most skilled and unique basketball players you’ll ever see. If you’ve missed him the past four seasons with the Badgers, tune in now. The senior just completed his third straight First Team All-Big Ten season, a remarkable achievement in such a crowded conference. His biggest test will be to break through in March.

Happ and the Badgers lost in the Sweet Sixteen each of his first two seasons, then missed the NCAA Tournament completely last season. But thanks to a stellar defense this year, Wisconsin has a chance to make some noise — if Happ is up to it.

Few athletes can make such an impact on both offense and defense. Happ is at the level of big-time players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Clarke in the way he gets it done on both ends, averaging 8.9 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.6 blocks per 100 possessions in addition to a heavy dose of scoring.

Happ is No. 87 on ESPN’s NBA Draft big board right now, but a big March run would do a lot for his draft hopes as well.

Fortunately, Wisconsin drew an easier matchup in the first round than expected because Oregon won the Pac-12 Tournament. They could be on a path that includes that Ducks team and a Kansas State squad without its best player, Dean Wade, before getting to the Sweet 16.

From there, Happ would get a crack at Virginia and De’Andre Hunter. That battle would instantly become one of the best between two players at the same position in the entire tournament if it happened. If there’s any non-guard on a team outside the top two in any region who could lead an unexpected tourney run, it’s Happ.