NCAA Tournament: UNC bold predictions for the Sweet 16

Justin Jackson continues his hot streak and wins the South Regional’s most outstanding player.

After losing it for a few of games, Justin Jackson seems to have found his mojo again. Jackson went 7-of-31 from three during a four-game stretch recently, but is 8-of-14 in his last two games.

Jackson has long been the primary offensive option for this team, just based on his elevated play from behind the arc. He upped his three-point percentage nine points this year, from 29% last year, to 38% this year.

But now more than ever, the team is going to rely on his ability to create his own shot. When his three point shot is not falling, Jackson has an uncanny ability to get into the lane and hit his patented floater. Jackson will need to be quick to move inside if his shot is not falling.

He is already off to a great start in the tournament. He is averaging 18 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in the south regional. If he can continue to build off that, he could have an easy case for MOP.

He will likely have a tough matchup against Butler, playing against Kelan Martin. Martin is Butler’s go-to-guy, taking 31% of Butler’s shots.

Should the Heels win in the Sweet 16, Jackson would seem to have a favorable matchup over whoever UCLA or Kentucky throw at him. If it is Kentucky, he is likely to draw the significantly smaller Isaiah Briscoe. If it is UCLA, he would get Isaac Hamilton, who is also much smaller than Jackson.

Either way, Justin Jackson could be primed for another big game. He has shown up whenever the Heels needed him this season, answering the bell every time.