Elite 8 Recap: North Carolina/Kentucky

North Carolina

Justin Jackson
6-8, SF, Junior
19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-17 FG, 1-5 3FG, 4-7 FT

Jackson didn't shoot the ball as well as he normally does (38% from three), but he did a lot of little things in this game that make you believe he is going to be highly drafted in June.  Jackson flashed some passing ability while attacking closeouts in addition to his automatic floater. He still tends to take wild shots not in flow or rhythm, but he has that green light from the coaches to do that. He isn't an elite athlete and doesn't have the first step burst to get to the rim but often times, it doesn't matter because his trigger is so quick. He could be a microwave scorer who can hit shots off screens, spot ups, on the move, etc. He has enough in his one dribble pull up/float game to be that type of player.

Sweet 16 Recap: Kentucky/UCLA

Kentucky

De'Aaron Fox
6-4, PG, Freshman
39 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 13-20 FG, 13-15 FT

This will be Fox's best game in a Kentucky uniform.  From the very tip, he took the matchup against Lonzo Ball seriously and was out to prove a point to everybody who the best player in the gym is.

Sweet 16 Recap: Oregon/Michigan

Oregon

Dillon Brooks

6-6, SF, Junior

12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5-13 FG, 2-4 3FG

Brooks didn't quite have his best game against Michigan.  Brooks did a great job using his 6-6, 215 pound frame to take advantage of smaller guys in the post early on.  He also did a great job of getting other guys involved, making some nice advanced passes on the move and in isolation. He gets pretty one dimensional with his dribble, going right a lot and setting for his jumper at times, but he's a bully. When he puts his head and wants to get to the rim, he can do it whenever he wants. He doesn't have many dribble moves but he has a quick first step and explosiveness off of both feet.

Second Round Recap: Arizona/St. Mary's

Arizona

Lauri Markkanen

7-0, PF, Freshman

16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 9-10 FT

Markkanen had his ups and downs in this game on both ends.  Markkanen's biggest question at the next level is always going to be how well he can move and defend in space.  He runs up and down the floor with short strides and is always a step behind in guarding ball screens.  He doesn't really sit well in a stance which makes it hard for him to make fast and reactive moves.  He also gets buried underneath due to his frame and poor stance.  Landale had his way with Markkanen in the post a few times. Lauri always seems a step behind and almost lost, not knowing how to see man and ball but always turning his head a lot of different directions.

Second Round Recap: Louisville/Michigan

Louisville

Donovan Mitchell
6-3, SG, Sophomore
19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 8-17 FG, 3-8 3FG

Mitchell has a fearless attitude and relentless motor.  He plays passion and hard all the time.  He can get in his own way with it at times, but when he gets going, he's a fun player to watch.  His jumper waxes and wanes (35.4% from three on the year), and he has a tendency to bury his head at times, driving into traffic with nowhere to go.  There are plenty of times, however, where he knows how to make the right read on the floor and find the open man.  For an off guard, he knows how to keep the offensive chain moving, and his jumper is good enough to where he should be able to hit open threes.

Second Round Recap: UCLA/Cincinnati

UCLA

Lonzo Ball
6-6, PG, Freshman
18 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, 7-10 FG, 4-7 3FG

Ball is so impressive and fun to watch.  He brings so many things to the table that contribute to winning.  No other player in the country can fill the stat sheet and have the sixth sense on the court that Ball has.