10 Players Who Can Take Over the 2019 NCAA Tournament
Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Outside of Zion, Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver has the most potential as it pertains to impacting tournament games on both ends of the floor. Offensively, the sophomore guard led his team with 18.5 points per game, knocking down 48.6% of his shots and 1.3 three-point makes a game. His efficiency is lacking from deep, but Culver's length and 6'5" frame has translated to a 68.9% field goal percentage at the rim, where 41.1% of his shots have come from this season.
With the threat of finishing easy buckets off the dribble, Culver creates enough space for others to convert, which is evident from his 3.6 assists a game. He has done so on a massive 31.2% usage rate, or 9.1% above his next-closest teammate.
On the defensive end, Culver is the engine that drives the Red Raiders' top-ranked unit, according to KenPom.com. His 87.2 defensive rating is ninth in the nation, while his 2.9 defensive win shares rank in a tie for second in college basketball.
In the West Region, Culver and company first meet Northern Kentucky before a potential second round game against Buffalo.