8 Players Who Can Take Over the NCAA Tournament

Lauri Markkanen, Arizona Wildcats

For each upperclassmen worthy of a takeover player designation, it seems like we get at least one if not two freshmen. One of those first-year players is Lauri Markkanen of the Arizona Wildcats. And, like others here, the 7'0" Finnish forward played at his best in the conference tournament.

Over the entire season, the 19-year-old is averaging 15.6 points and 2.0 threes on 49% shooting. If we limit him to the conference tournament, Markannen improved on his scoring to the tune of 20.0 points and 2.7 threes off the strength of a 54.3% field goal percentage. While his rebounds dropped to just 1.7 boards per game, he poured in at least 20 points and 4 threes in two of Arizona's three Pac-12 Tournament appearances.

Averaging .236 win shares per 40 minutes -- rating 18th in the nation -- it's clear Markkanen is the most valuable player on the 2 seed's roster. If they're ready to make a run, Markkanen has the ability to do just that. He and the Wildcats will meet North Dakota to kick off their path to the Final Four.