1) Andy Rautins, Syracuse - Guard

Wesley Johnson, a dynamic wing player with jump-through-the-roof athleticism, is the best player on the Syracuse Orange, but sports betting fans know the most important player is Rautins, a 6-4 senior from Jamesville, N.Y. Rautins – the son of former Syracuse star Leo Rautins – is very comfortable within coach Jim Boeheim’s system. After all, his dad played for Boeheim roughly 30 years ago. When Andy is on his game and hitting a big 3-pointer in a key situation, the Orange feed off their spiritual leader with the sweet shooting stroke.

2) Raymar Morgan, Michigan State - Forward

One of the reasons Michigan State was a popular pick to get back to the Final Four was that Kalin Lucas – the team’s outstanding point guard – was going to be accompanied by Morgan, a long and rangy forward who can influence a game in many different ways. Morgan was slowed down by illness last season, but he still found the stamina to become a significant contributor on a team that reached the national championship game. This 2010 campaign has been very disappointing for the 6-8, 230-pound senior from Canton, Ohio. Morgan has scored in double figures only once in his past seven games. He’ll need to step up if the Spartans are to have a successful NCAA Tournament.

3) Roman Martinez, New Mexico - Forward

Teammate Darington Hobson is the most versatile and eye-popping player on coach Steve Alford’s Lobos, but without the gruntwork provided by Martinez, New Mexico simply wouldn’t be as strong as it currently is. Martinez has quietly – if that’s possible – averaged 14 points and six boards a game this season. For a 6-6, 185-pound forward to do that well in the paint is a sign of Martinez’s nose for the ball. His basketball IQ is very high, and that’s a big reason New Mexico has been so successful in 2010.