March 21, 2006
As we approach the Sweet 16, there are a number of players who are like supporting actors around Oscar time. They have an important role and need to come through if their team is going to advance to Indianapolis and the Final Four.
They are vital blenders, guys who contribute and need to keep playing well for their teams to succeed.
Let's look at the five guys I feel must provide support to their team's stars:
At Duke, Josh McRoberts has really been developing. He is listed as a freshman, but let's face it, he now has a full season under his belt. I believe he has a great future ahead of him and his 14-point, 13-rebound game against George Washington was impressive. He should be a factor against LSU.
Rashad Anderson has been the best player off the bench in college basketball this season. He had 14 early points in the win against Kentucky and he has to come up big again vs. Washington. Anderson is instant offense for Jim Calhoun's talented squad.
Villanova gets great guard play, but Will Sheridan has to come up big for the 'Cats, especially against Boston College's physical frontline led by Craig Smith and Jared Dudley. Sheridan had a solid performance when Villanova beat Connecticut in their first meeting this season, scoring 13 points while grabbing 10 boards.
Memphis has great athletes in Rodney Carney, Darius Washington, Jr. and Shawne Williams, but inside Joey Dorsey has to come up with big plays. Against Bucknell he had a solid game with 12 points and six assists.
Texas has great talent with LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson, but Kenton Paulino has to provide solid outside shooting while helping to distribute the rock.
There you have it, my five guys that are performing well in supporting roles: Josh McRoberts, Rashad Anderson, Will Sheridan, Joey Dorsey and Kenton Paulino. They will have to continue to excel for their teams to move on to Indianapolis.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
