Keeping It Heel
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Final Four: Top 5 impact players to watch

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) shoots a jump shot as West Virginia Mountaineers forward Devin Williams (41) defends in the second half during the Big 12 Conference tournament at Sprint Center. West Virginia won 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) shoots a jump shot as West Virginia Mountaineers forward Devin Williams (41) defends in the second half during the Big 12 Conference tournament at Sprint Center. West Virginia won 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Gbinije, Syracuse

Dec 2, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Michael Gbinije (0) shoots the ball over Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (3) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

To say that Syracuse has had an up-and-down season might be an understatement. Or a compliment.

The Orange went through a nine game stretch without suspended head coach Jim Boeheim, 13 losses and an early ACC Tournament exit that appeared to seal their fate. But the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee felt differently.

The Sunday before the tournament began, Boeheim and the Orange got a pleasant surprise, being selected as a 10-seed in the Midwest region. They then began surprising the entire country as they won game after game on their way to the Final Four.

The one constant for Syracuse this year has been the play of senior forward Michael Gbinije. He’s been the picture of consistency for Jim Boeheim and the Orange. Averaging over 17 points per game to go along with his four-plus rebounds and assists, Gbinije has led this 13-loss underdog all the way to Houston.

Never before has a 10-seed made it to the Final Four, but as we all know, anything can happen in the month of March.

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