As March Madness begins, the most vital piece is to see who is the game changing player in each matchup. It could be the best player on a mid-major team or a bench player on a powerhouse, but these are the players that will make a difference and could become household names by the beginning of April. These are the five players that are game changers from those that have qualified for the tournament already. Check back on Selection Sunday for the five players that will make a difference from the major conference tournament winners and at-large bids!
Domantas Sabonis, Forward, Gonzaga
Domantas Sabonis may play for a team that is a going to be a top three seed and is a well known player, mainly because his father is an ex-NBA player, but he is the type of player that will make all of the difference for Gonzaga in the tournament. He does not start every game, only playing 21.6 minutes per game, but his 67.7% shooting from the field shows that his minute for minute production is quality. He averages 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and is the best option for the Bulldogs off of the bench. Gonzaga does not have a very deep bench as well, as there were only 19 bench minutes for forwards other than Sabonis during the past 10 games, further showing how important Sabonis is to Gonzaga.
Vashil Fernandez, Center, Valparaiso
When looking at sleeper teams, it is critical to look at players that will make a difference with their skill set. When first looking at Vashil Fernandez, 6.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game looks paltry, especially considering that he is a woefully bad free throw shooter at 52.2% percent free throw shooter. A deeper look reveals that he blocks three shots per game and is a 56.3% shooter from the field; his solid shooting percentage and high block rate makes him a difference maker for Valparaiso. The Crusaders look like they will be a lower seeded team and will have to make a major upset; Fernandez’s blocking ability could make a difference in a Cinderella story on the opening weekend.
Emmy Andujar, Forward, Manhattan
Emmy Andujar does everything for the Jaspers, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Manhattan will be a heavy underdog in the NCAA tournament, with Andujar needing to make an impact. He shoots 51.5% from the field and is a 70.5% free throw shooter, so he has economy of shots as well as production. One thing to watch out for from Andujar is that he turns the ball over too much; as his assist-to-turnover ratio is .875. If Andujar is able to keep his turnovers down, look for him to produce near his MAAC tournament averages of 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Karl Cochran, Guard, Wofford
Wofford was a 15th seed that gave 2nd seeded Michigan a scare in the 2014 NCAA tournament and they were led in that game by Karl Cochran with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals; he is back for more in the 2015 NCAA tournament. Cochran is coming off of a Southern Conference season where he averaged 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks, winning the Southern Conference player of the year. He only shot 39.6% from the field and 65.7% from the free throw line, but also made 2.8 three pointers per game and was a 37.5% three point shooter. Cochran and the Terriers will be a 14th or 15th seed again in 2015 and look to finish what they started in 2014 against Michigan.
Lawrence Alexander, Guard, North Dakota State
America should know Lawrence Alexander already, but in case you don’t, he scored 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out four assists as 12th seeded North Dakota State upset 5th seeded Oklahoma last season. He is back as senior this season and was the Summit League player of the year, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 assists, four rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 42.8% shooting from the field and 44.1% shooting from three point range. As seen in last year’s tournament, Alexander can be unstoppable, especially with his elite three point shooting, so 4th and 5th seeds should be wary of Alexander and the Bison.