NCAA Tournament: Indispensable Pieces, East Region

Just c&p'ed the picks for NC and WSU... Full article is available with all regions through the above link.


Wayne Ellington (North Carolina)

Likely national player of the year, Tyler Hansbrough is unquestionably the Tar Heel’s premier player. But the play of sophomore Wayne Ellington might be the biggest factor in UNC’s tournament success. Through the first two games against Mount St. Mary’s and Arkansas, Ellington has been stellar; averaging 22 points on an astounding 63% from the floor (14 of 22 in the two games combined). In addition to being remarkably efficient, Ellington is the player most responsible for UNC’s offensive spacing; as he is proficient at producing spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or finishing in transition. Although, Ellington is brilliant offensively, it is his effort and production at the defensive end that is going to be most critical; as an imminent match-up against Kyle Weaver awaits. If Carolina survives Washington State, it certainly won’t get any easier for Ellington as he will either draw the assignment of defending the Smiths (JaJuan and Tyler for Tennessee or Jerry for Louisville). In each scenario, Ellington is going to face off against players and teams who are capable of making things difficult for him offensively (particularly Weaver) and challenge him defensively with their own ability on the offensive end. If UNC is going to win it all, it will certainly need Ellington to excel the rest of the way.


Taylor Rochestie (Washington State)

In virtual obscurity for much of the country, the Cougar’s junior guard has put up some very solid numbers (10.7ppg 3.2rpg 4.8apg 1stl). What’s even more remarkable about Rochestie’s level of productivity is that he has just 58 turnovers all season (its even more special considering that fourteen of them came in a two game span against Gonzaga and Portland State). It is that kind of steadiness (2.8/1 a/to ratio) that allows both Weaver and Low the luxury of operating in the half-court, and not bringing the ball up against defensive pressure. In addition to being able to handle the ball, Rochestie is arguably Washington State’s best outside shooter (43% from three) and distributor (thus far in the tournament he is averaging 8 assists per game). With an East semi-final match up against Ty Lawson and UNC, and potential match-ups against ball-hawking Louisville or Tennessee (should the Cougars advance); Rochestie’s ball handling prowess is going to be needed more than ever. Rochestie provides Wazzou the perfect third guard compliment to the tremendous Weaver and Low tandem.