Keeping It Heel
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Final Four: The top 25 players still left in the NCAA Tournament

By Brandon Griffin

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels lift the South Region champions trophy after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats in the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. North Carolina won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels lift the South Region champions trophy after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats in the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. North Carolina won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) fouls South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) during the second half in the finals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) fouls South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) during the second half in the finals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Players 5 and 6

Reigning SEC Player of the Year Thornwell is the swiss army knife in South Carolina’s tool belt, and his knife is super sharp. Thornwell was rewarded for his strong play by being named East Regional Most Outstanding Player.

In four NCAA Tournament games, Thornwell is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals, and one block. Thornwell leads all players in scoring and is tied with William’s Goss in steals.

He is also top five in true shooting percentage, three pointers made, rebounds, minutes played, and the intangibles percentage. Additionally he is top 10 in assists and blocks of all players remaining.

Thornwell’s best tournament game came in a win over Marquette in the First Round. In that game, Thornwell had a double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds. He also had three steals, two assists, and two blocks.

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) reacts after a Tar Heel score against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) reacts after a Tar Heel score against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

As the new king of Memphis, Maye is earning his kudos. For his stellar play he was named the South Regional Most Outstanding Player. In four NCAA Tournament games, he’s averaging 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Maye ranks among the top ten of all remaining players in points scored, three pointers made, rebounds, and true shooting percentage. He is also in the top five in the intangibles percentage, while he ranks first among all major remaining players in total turnovers.

His best tournament game came in a win over Kentucky in the Elite 8. In that game, Maye had 17 points, a career high, and three rebounds. Additionally, he shot 6-of-9 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from downtown, and hit the game-winning shot for the Tar Heels.

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