2014 Final Four Odds, Picks and Predictions: Most Important Player for Each Team

2014 Final Four Odds, Picks and Predictions: Most Important Player for Each Team: While it takes a collective effort for any team to reach the Final Four, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have an individual player that can single-handedly take a team to another level. Sometimes, it is a star-caliber player that simply takes over a game and makes life easier for their teammates. Other times, it is a role player that makes their team markedly better when they play at a high level. Either way, every team usually has an X-factor, including the four teams set to do battle in Indianapolis in Saturday’s national semifinal matchups. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the most important player for each team in the 2014 Final Four.

Florida Gators: Scottie Wilbekin, Point Guard

The senior has had his issues off the court, but he has navigated a rocky road to become the driving force for the Florida. He is averaging 16.8 points per game during the NCAA tournament, and he has dished out 12 assists while committing just two turnovers in four games. Wilbekin is also a relentless perimeter defender. Perhaps his most important attribute is his ability to command the offense and understand each situation. Whether he is pushing the tempo when an opponent is tired or slowing things down when an opponent is trying to make a run, Wilbekin knows what buttons to push and when to push them. Throw in his knack for drilling clutch shots late in games, and if the Gators win a national title, it will be almost-certainly be because Wilbekin guides them to one.

Connecticut Huskies: Shabazz Napier, Point Guard

Napier may be small, but he is also an explosive offensive player that can carry the Huskies to a win against any opponent. Heading into the Final Four, he is averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Meanwhile, Napier hasn’t scored fewer than 19 points in any game. His ability to attack defenses in a variety of ways is uncanny, and in addition to knocking down 14 total 3-pointers, he has attempted 27 free throws. Napier can get to the rim, pull up on a dime and make defenders look foolish off the bounce, and when he is dialed in, there really is no stopping him. Plain and simple, the guy is the ultimate X-factor. The ball is always in his hands when UConn has the ball, and he could easily carry the Huskies to a couple of more wins and a national title.

Wisconsin Badgers: Frank Kaminsky, Power Forward

He has been Wisconsin’s leading scorer all year, but Kaminsky has taken his game to another level during the NCAA tournament. He is averaging 18.5 points per game, and that average jumps to 22.0 points per game if you throw out Wisconsin’s blowout win over American in the Round of 64 when he only played 20 minutes. More importantly, Kaminsky carried the Badgers in their Elite Eight win against Arizona, scoring 28 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Like all Wisconsin big men, he can step away from the basket and score. However, Kaminsky has also shown he can bang inside and score in the post. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and his willingness to become Wisconsin’s go-to option on offense gives the Badgers a chance to win it all.

Kentucky Wildcats: Aaron Harrison, Shooting Guard

Julius Randle has been without question the most consistent player for Kentucky, notching a double-double in all four games. However, he has been producing at a high level in the post all season. Harrison on the other hand has just recently taken his game to another level, and it is no coincidence that it has coincided with the Wildcats’ run to the Final Four. He is averaging 16.0 points per game in the NCAA Tournament and has scored at least 12 points in all four games. He has also knocked down 13 total 3-pointers, including the game-winner against Michigan to send the Wildcats to Arlington.  If he continues to provide consistent perimeter scoring, Kentucky’s offense will have the extra dynamic it needs to win a national title.

Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Basketball season for daily Free College Basketball Predictions and Vegas College Basketball Odds plus daily updated Men’s 2014 National Championship Betting Odds.