Bracket Briefing: 25 most important players in the Final Four

Bracket Briefing: 25 most important players in the Final Four

USA TODAY Sports provides your March Madness therapy 04-04-13-burke-impt-final4 (Photo: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) None Michigan guard Trey Burke (3) is congratulated by Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) in the second half against the Florida Gators during the South Regional final of the NCAA tournament at Cowboys Stadium.(Photo: Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports) Story Highlights Kevin Ware might be one of the most important players in the Final Four because of his inspiration Michigan has committed the fewest turnovers in D-I. How will Syracuse's zone change that? Wichita State's Gregg Marshall addressed coaching somewhere else by saying 'we have a good life, man.' Welcome to another session of Bracket Briefing, our attempt to provide you with essential information on the Big Dance — highlighting the Florida Gulf Coasts of the college basketball world, and forecasting the Wichita State moments before they happen. Soundtrack: Before you read any more, take a listen to this morning's jam of the day. It's dedicated to Wichita State. Teams left in the field: 4 PREVIOUS BRIEFING: Best moments of '13 Dance PREVIOUS BRIEFING: Most stunning Final Fours At the water cooler: There's no right way to break down the best players who are still playing in the NCAA tournament. Do we go off NBA potential or just statistics? That's boring and no fun. When we pick 50 of the most important, well, then we're opening debatable topic. There's a reason some of the best players are watching the rest of the tournament from home. But best and most important take two different meanings. So without further ado, the Final Four's 25 most important players. Kevin Ware, Louisville. This is not a joke. Ware's presence on the sidelines at the Final Four will be just as inspiring as his "go win" courageous direction to teammates after he suffered one of the most traumatic sports injuries to date in the Cards' Elite eight win over Duke. Please Read: How Louisville teammate touched Kevin Ware's heart. Trey Burke, Michigan. Floor general is the engine to Michigan's offense, averaging 18.8 points and 6.8 assists per game. Russ Smith, Louisville. The do-everything guard has gone on a tournament tear, scoring 23, 27, 31 and 23 points. Cleanthony Early, Wichita State. Main offensive catalyst for defensive-minded Shockers. Menace on the glass. Brandon Triche, Syracuse. When one of the Orange's elite scorers (13.7 points per game) goes cold, so do they. Michael Carter Williams, Syracuse. He orchestrates the offense and was nation's top assists man, stuffed the stat sheet in Orange's last win —12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan. His long-range shooting is pivotal for the Wolverines' dynamic backcourt and high-octane offense. Averages 14.6 points per game. Peyton Siva, Louisville. When the Cards' pass-first point guard goes scoreless or isn't productive offensively, Louisville's offense is subject to fall into lulls. Malcolm Armstead, Wichita State. The Oregon transfer will draw a tough matchup against Siva, but should be ready for the challenge. His poise under Louisville's pressure will dictate WSU's tempo. Mitch McGary, Michigan. The 6-10 freshman erupted for 25 points and 14 points in a win against Kansas. His breakout performances aren't always needed, but they can certainly prove to be the difference maker. 

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