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; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) grabs a rebound against Florida Gators forward Gorjok Gak (12) during the second half in the finals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; New York, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) grabs a rebound against Florida Gators forward Gorjok Gak (12) during the second half in the finals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Players 23-25

Kotsar has come up big in the NCAA tournament for the Gamecocks. He hit some big jumpers in the team’s win over Florida. In four NCAA Tournament games, Kotsar is averaging 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

The freshman forward has also been careful with the ball. He only has four turnovers in 109 minutes of play. That is top five in fewest turnovers of all remaining major players.

His best tournament game came in a win over Florida in the Elite Eight. In that game, Kotsar had 12 points and three rebounds. Additionally, he shot 6-of-10 from the floor for the Gamecocks.

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Bryant McIntosh (30) moves the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Bryant McIntosh (30) moves the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Melson has been a steady contributor to the Gonzaga Final Four run. In the NCAA Tournament, Melson is averaging 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assists.

The junior guard is not easy bait for defenses either. His five turnovers in 85 minutes of play ranks in the top ten of the players to make this list.

His best tournament game came in a win over West Virginia in the Sweet Sixteen. In that game, Melson had seven points and three rebounds. Additionally, he shot 3-of-4 from the charity stripe for the Bulldogs.

Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) shoots against Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (middle) and forward Edrice Adebayo (3) in the second 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 guard Joel Berry II (2) shoots against Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (middle) and forward Edrice Adebayo (3) in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Berry has been dealing with ankle troubles for most of the tournament. It has inhibited his shooting and playmaking. Despite all that, Berry was still named to the South Regional All-Tournament team.

In four NCAA Tournament games, Berry is averaging 12.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. Berry ranks in the top ten of all remaining players in points scored, three-pointers made, steals, and minutes. He also ranks in the top five in total assists.

His best tournament game came in a win over Arkansas in the Second Round. In that game, Berry had 26 points and two assists. Additionally, he shot 8-of-13 from the floor and 7-of-9 from the charity stripe for the Tar Heels.

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