7 Players Who Can Take Over the NCAA Tournament

Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga

With a nERD of 18.20, which means our algorithms would predict they'd beat an average team on a neutral floor by about 18 points, this Gonzaga team statistically is their best . However, to get over the hump and make their first Final Four they'll need someone to take over.

That player is most likely 6'10" junior forward Kyle Wiltjer, someone very capable of entering heat check status. Wiltjer's 6.8 Win Shares rank fifth among NCAA Tournament players.

Wiltjer has scored double figures in 27 of 34 games, as the leading scorer and averages 23.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per 40 minutes on a balanced scoring team. Additionally, point guard Kevin Pangos has the highest Offensive Rating of all players in the tournament (Wiltjer is fourth nationally) who can get him the ball where he needs it to score.

The go-off potential is there for sure: Wiltjer scored 45 points in a game last month and shoots the ball very well (53.6% overall and 46.6% on threes).