NCAA
Kansas vs. North Carolina - key players to watch
It’s nearly the end of March Madness, with Kansas and North Carolina fighting for the NCAA men’s trophy. Here are some of the players worth keeping an eye on.
It’s the last game of this year’s March Madness, with the Kansas Jayhawks facing off with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Here are some players that could spell the difference in their team’s quest for the NCAA men’s tournament trophy.
No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks
When the top-seeded Jayhawks routed Villanova in the Final Four, shooting guard Ochai Agbaji came out blazing, sinking six of his seven three-point attempts. This was a much improved showing compared to his previous four NCAA games, where he sank only four of his 14 three-point attempts. Before his breakout 21-point performance against the Wildcats, he had only averaged 12.3 points per game.
Center David McCormack formed an inside-out partnership with Agbaji, delivering 25 points in their semifinal game. The big man has made Kansas one of the better offensive rebounding squads in the US. McCormack has grabbed 17.3% of the Jayhawks’ misses on the hardcourt.
Kansas guard Dajuan Harris is expected to use his hands and defensive instincts to manage North Carolina’s Caleb Love, who notched 28 points in their victory against Duke. Harris pairs his abilities in defense with an equal capacity to create an offense.
No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels
Caleb Love was the man to watch in the team’s thrilling victory over Duke in the Final Four. The point guard had a red-hot second half, where he scored 22 of his 28 tally. The explosive sophomore sank the game-deciding three-pointer with less than half a minute in the game clock.
Center Armando Bacot contributed greatly to the team’s semifinal victory with his performance on the offensive glass, snatching eight of the team’s 17 offensive rebounds.
Bacot is considered to be one of the best rebounders in the country. He appeared to sprain his ankle in the Final Four, although he was able to return to the game in the last few minutes after the injury.
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Senior guard Leaky Black has been an all-around player for North Carolina the past season. He has functioned well as part of the offense while carving a name for himself as the team’s best perimeter defender at the same time. He is seen as a team leader who particularly shines in defense.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will face the Kansas Jayhawks on Monday, April 4 at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans. Tip-off is at 9:20 p.m. ET / 6:20 p.m. PT.