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 25, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots against Xavier Musketeers forward Kaiser Gates (22) in the finals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots against Xavier Musketeers forward Kaiser Gates (22) in the finals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Players 3 and 4

Though not as heralded as others in his class, Collins is the top freshman remaining in the tournament and ranks as the best freshman in the Final Four.

In four NCAA Tournament games, Collins is averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in just 71 minutes of play.

Collins ranks in the top five among all remaining players in true shooting percentage and total blocks. He also ranks in the top ten in total rebounds and the intangibles percentage.

His best tournament game came in a win over Northwestern in the second round. In that game, Collins had 14 points and five rebounds. Additionally, he shot 6-of-8 from the free throw line for the Bulldogs while also blocking four shots, one of which was through the basket.

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Justin Jackson (44)) box out against Kentucky Wildcats forward Isaac Humphries (15) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) and forward Justin Jackson (44)) box out against Kentucky Wildcats forward Isaac Humphries (15) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Meeks lost some weight but added some muscle and has been an anchor in the post for the Tar Heels. In four NCAA Tournament games, Meeks is averaging 10.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Meeks is one of only two players remaining averaging a double-double in this tournament.

The Senior forward ranks in the top ten in true shooting percentage, while ranking in the top five in rebounds, blocks and total turnovers. Additionally, just as he did in the ACC Ultimate player rankings, Meeks finished first in the intangibles percentage.

His best tournament game came in a win over Kentucky in the Elite 8. In that game, Meeks had seven points and 17 rebounds, a career high. Additionally, he had four blocks and his only two assists thus far in the tournament.

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