5 under-the-radar players who will be X-factors in tournament
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The NCAA tournament is the grandest stage in college basketball, and there are certain players every year that make a name for themselves by providing their teams a winning edge.
Whether it be as a lockdown defender, a rebounding machine, or a maker of game-winning shots, the following players are poised to be X-factors this year despite not being the first, or even second, options on their respective teams.
Jalen Brunson - Villanova
Villanova has largely been Josh Hart's team in 2016-17, but Jalen Brunson has taken the step from productive freshman to difference-making sophomore.
As the Wildcats look to retain their crown, Hart, largely expected to be a lottery pick in this year's NBA draft, will undoubtedly be the team's No. 1 option. With an expected increase in attention on Kris Jenkins, as well, thanks to his dramatic title-winning shot a year ago, Brunson will be in position to exploit defenses.
His 54-percent shooting clip, including 39 percent from beyond the arc, and 4.3 assists per game over 31.4 minutes prove he can contribute all over the court. A three-headed Wildcat will be extremely tough to handle.
Devonte' Graham - Kansas
A lot of attention will be paid to Kansas' Frank Mason III and Josh Jackson, both in this season's Wooden Award discussion, but they aren't the only Jayhawks players that can take hold of a game.
Junior guard Devonte' Graham has been a workhorse for Kansas, logging less than 30 minutes on just two occasions, and averaging 13.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds as a supporting piece to the starting lineup.
Graham has also shown that, when left open, he can convert from long range, knocking down three or more 3-pointers 14 times this season. Opposing teams will need to play tight defense on more than just Mason and Jackson.
Amile Jefferson - Duke
Much attention has been paid to Jayson Tatum and Luke Kennard as the spearheads of Duke's offense this season, but every strong backcourt needs an equally strong frontcourt to make a strong push for a national championship.
After it was learned that highly anticipated recruits Harry Giles and Marques Bolden were going to miss the start of the season, the bulk of the workload fell on Amile Jefferson's shoulders, and the senior hasn't disappointed in his last go-round. Not only has Jefferson provided consistent output on the offensive end with 11.2 points, but he has also been a defensive threat, averaging 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 29.3 minutes.
If Duke hopes to make good on its preseason hype, it's going to need an interior presence, and Jefferson appears to be a likely difference-maker for that team from Durham.
Thomas Welsh - UCLA
UCLA has been a powerhouse for most of this season largely due to the efforts of Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf, and Bryce Alford, but with those players set to face intense coverage in this year's tournament, the door could be open for the Bruins' resident big man to make his mark.
Seven-footer Thomas Welsh has quietly had a very productive junior season, averaging 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. What may be most remarkable about his game, however, is his 94 percent free-throw percentage.
UCLA has nothing but star power at the guard position, and consistent contributions from Welsh when not many teams boast a 7-footer could very well push the Bruins over the top and into the Final Four picture.
Dylan Ennis - Oregon
Dillon Brooks isn't the only Canadian-born player in Oregon's starting lineup that can help swing a game in the Ducks' favor.
Senior guard Dylan Ennis is enjoying what may be the strongest campaign of his college basketball career. A steady producer, averaging more than 30 minutes a game, Ennis has shot at a 40-percent clip from beyond the arc, while showing he can set up the likes of Brooks, Tyler Dorsey, and Chris Boucher.
Oregon has proven it can defeat national title contenders like Arizona and UCLA, and with Ennis on top of his game, the Ducks' offense is going to be incredibly difficult to stop in their run toward the national championship.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)