Mar 21, 2017
Five thoughts on March Madness
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong delivers thoughts on the players who impressed him during the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
1. JOSH JACKSON (Kansas): This impressive freshman guard is the real deal. He’s a terrific offensive talent who has excellent skills and creativity. Jackson is very explosive, with great length and athleticism. He's got all the tools to be a really special player at the next level.
2. CALEB SWANIGAN (Purdue): The man is a double-double machine. The forward is averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds in the tournament. He's a beast around the basket with a solid face-up game. I love his vision and overall feel for the game. With 11 assists in two games, Swanigan is proving he’s also a good passer. He plays hard, yet has finesse and basketball smarts to go along with his forceful game.
3. LAURI MARKKANEN (Arizona): Super graceful and fluid, this power forward runs the floor like a deer. Has excellent hands and skill that allow him to finish well around the basket or on the move. He’s also got a good nose for ball on the backboards. Markkanen is a big-time prospect.
4. TYLER DORSEY (Oregon): When Canadian star Chris Boucher went down with a knee injury, the chances for Oregon to get to the second weekend and beyond took a major blow. The Ducks have responded, with Dorsey leading the way. The guard is averaging 25.5 points and five assists in the tournament, while shooting an incredible 18 of 23 from the floor. He has elevated his game to another level and is a huge reason the Ducks believe they can make a run. It’s nice to see Canadians Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis perform so well to compliment Dorsey's game. It should be an entertaining Sweet 16 matchup with Michigan.
5. T.J. LEAF (UCLA): Fellow star freshman Lonzo Ball gets most of the hype, but Leaf is a wonderful player as well. An excellent all-around player, Leaf is highly skilled on the offensive end and possesses a ton of versatility. He’s a good fit for the running, free-flowing style used by head coach Steve Alford. The power forward is an excellent passer who can finish on the break. He also has a picturesque shooting stroke and is equally adept at scoring and facilitating. I love how the ball flies around for the Bruins (47 assists in two tournament games). Leaf is going to be a good one.