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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK HOOPS THOUGHTS  

1. JORDAN BELL (Oregon): With the loss of Canadian star, Chris Boucher due to injury the Ducks needed their other big man to elevate his game and he's been terrific. Bell’s rebounding, defence, energy, and timely scoring inside have been huge for his team. Tyler Dorsey has arguably been the best overall player in the entire tournament, yet they wouldn't be in the Final Four without Bell. What a competitor!     

2. UNC D: The Tar Heels held Kentucky's Malik Monk & De’Aaron Fox to just 25 combined points on 9-24 shooting on Sunday after allowing them to torch North Carolina for 74 points back in December. The single biggest reason they won: the Tar Heels shut down the stars. The team’s interest in defence is very inconsistent, but they showed up when it mattered.      

3. SINDARIUS THORNWELL (South Carolina): He's averaged close to 26 PPG in his four NCAA Tournament games. He's a strong and tough guard, aggressive driving to the basket with a beautiful pull-up game. Thornwell finishes with force and is a mentally tough guy who plays through contact and tons of defensive attention. The senior has carried the Gamecocks in the postseason – really impressive guy.           

4. JONATHAN WILLIAMS (Gonzaga): Came up big in the Elite 8 vs. Xavier. Williams was the best big man on the floor in Gonzaga’s win against the Musketeers, with 19 points and eight rebounds – five of those rebounds being on the offensive end. I like his steady demeanor and savvy around the basket. The junior has been a very consistent player in the tournament and a significant piece for the Bulldogs.      

5. CELTICS TIE THE CAVS: The East is getting very interesting at the top with the Celtics now tying the Cavs who have struggled defensively. The top four teams, along with the Wizards and Raptors are still up for grabs and the fifth to 11th seeds are all vying for the final four spots. There is lots of volatility all around the Eastern Conference and it should be a fabulous finish with loads of scoreboard watching these final 17 days. If you're a Raptors fan, however it shakes out it’s all about getting in the bracket that works for advancing to the East Finals. Your guess is as good as mine in terms of which spot – fun stuff.