Player Rankings: Go-to-Guys
Every national championship team has that one player that they can go to with the game on the line and he will come through in the clutch. Florida was an anomaly with balanced distribution during the Gators' back-to-back title run, but someone who can score down the stretch is an important ingredient in March. Even a team like North Carolina will plenty of weapons could let Ty Lawson beat his defender when the Tar Heels needed points. Guys that can get baskets in the closing seconds are imperative for successful teams. Here are the top 15 go-to-guys in the country. (Note: This is not a ranking of the top players in the country -- rather, it is a ranking of these players' dependability and ability in crunch time)
1. Sherron Collins, Kansas: There's not too many players in college basketball with his combination of strength and quickness.
2. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova: His shot with one second left to get Villanova to the Final Four is just one example of his clutch prowess.
3. Devan Downey, South Carolina: Can make difficult shots from anywhere offensively, and can also get steals at the other end.
4. Jerome Randle, California: Is extremely quick with the ball and is also arguably the best three-point shooter in the country.
5. Isaiah Thomas, Washington: The diminutive guard's quickness make him nearly impossible to keep out of the lane.
6. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State: His quickness and ability to finish once he beats his defenders make him an ideal go-to-guy.
7. Craig Brackins, Iowa State: He creates match-up problems galore with his size and skill; scored 42 against Kansas last season.
8. Greivis Vasquez, Maryland: When he gets hot, there might not be a more explosive player in the country.
9. Evan Turner, Ohio State: His playmaking ability is so effective that Thad Matta is going to make Turner the point guard this season.
10. Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga: Even with all the talent on the roster last season, Bouldin was still the one who got the ball late.
12. John Wall, Kentucky: Only a freshman, Wall is unbelievably quick and can create plays for himself and his teammates.
13. Willie Warren, Oklahoma: Without Blake Griffin to dominate inside, Warren is going to have to become the go-to scorer.
14. Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia: Butler can shoot from the outside and also get points when going to the basket.
15. Talor Battle, Penn State: Scored 29 in a win over Michigan State last season; he can put the Nittany Lions on his back.
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