10 Players Who Can Take Over the NCAA Tournament

Gary Clark, Cincinnati Bearcats

If you're starting to believe that there's a theme here, it's probably because there is. Experienced, high-level players tend stick out come tournament time -- and the Cincinnati Bearcats' Gary Clark is no exception to the rule.

Clark doesn't fit the mold of a floor general, but he's a big-time leader all the same. In his senior year, Clark leads the 2-seeded Bearcats in win shares (7.0), win shares per 40 (.304) and box plus-minus (15.6). In fact, those same marks rate third, first and second in the entire nation. So you might be thinking, "Why doesn't he get the same recognition as other guys?"

Other than playing for Cincinnati, the straightforward answer is defense. Clark is a respectable offensive player with averages of 12.8 points, 2.1 assists and 0.7 threes per game. But on the other end, no one has been better, according to the numbers. The 6'7" forward's 3.2 defensive win shares and 80.5 defensive rating both lead the country.

Clark's the unquestioned leader of Cincinnati's number-one defense (85.9 defensive rating). If they're to make a run, it will start and end with him. Speaking of start, Cincy will first match up with the 15-seeded Georgia State Panthers in Nashville, Tennessee.