The Elite 16
The stunning opening weekend saw many big names depart the NCAA Tournament, from hot-shot freshmen like Arizona’s Deandre Ayton to battle-tested seniors like North Carolina’s Joel Berry II. But plenty of star power — high-level NBA prospects and experienced upperclassmen — remains.
Here is how The Post ranks the top 16 players left in the Big Dance:
1. Jalen Brunson, Villanova, G, Jr.
The best player on the best team, the 6-foot-3 Brunson embodies everything that has made Villanova so special the past few years: development, smarts, patience, and, of course, elite skill.
2. Marvin Bagley III, Duke, F, Fr.
The potential No. 1 pick in June’s draft produces a double-double falling out of bed — he has 21 of them this season — and also shoots 38.6 percent from 3-point land, absurd range for a dominant 6-foot-11 post player.
3. Devonte’ Graham, Kansas, G, Sr.
The explosive Big 12 Player of the Year has rested a scant 11 minutes in the past 19 games, but it hasn’t hurt his production in guiding the Jayhawks to their third straight Sweet 16 and eighth in the past 11 years.
4. Mikal Bridges, Villanova, F, Jr.
NBA scouts and executives are salivating over this highlevel prospect, a perfect “3-and-D” player at the next level who single-handedly turned a nail-biter against Alabama into a rout in the second round.
5. Jevon Carter, West Virginia, G, Sr.
Between his 24.5 points per game on 54.2 percent shooting, 6.5 assists, 5.5 steals, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 turnovers, no guard has been better in the tournament.
6. Grayson Allen, Duke, G, Sr.
It’s no coincidence Duke has lost just once since Feb. 8, when Grayson Allen became Grayson Allen again, averaging 18.4 points, 4.7 assists and shooting 39 percent from 3-point range in the past 11 games.
7. Keenan Evans, Texas Tech, G, Sr.
The fearless 6-foot-3 guard is shooting 14-of-24 from the field, 4-of-6 on 3-point attempts and 13-of-15 from the freethrow line in the tournament. Basically, he’s excelling at every level on offense in leading the Red Raiders to their first Sweet 16 since 2005.
8. Carsen Edwards, Purdue, G, Soph.
A 6-foot-1 playmaker and explosive scorer, Edwards is as tough as he is talented, able to explode from deep, but just as liable to get into the lane and score and create for teammates.
9. Johnathan Williams, Gonzaga, F, Sr.
The Gonzaga leader typifies this balanced and versatile group. The long-armed 6-foot-9 forward can score big, lock down the opposition’s top threat or control the glass, as his 15 double-doubles illustrate.
10. Moritz Wagner, Michigan, F, Jr.
A projected first-round pick, the 6-foot-11 German import is Michigan’s leading scorer, rebounder and 3-point shooter, and has a knack for making the big play in the clutch.
11. Wendell Carter Jr., Duke, F, Fr.
Robin was never this big, skilled or talented. The 6-foot-9 Carter would be the best big man for almost every other program in the nation, but he’s handled his sidekick role behind Bagley with aplomb, impressing with his passing, blocking and shooting ability.
12. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, G, Fr.
The shifty 6-foot-6 lead guard with a lethal midrange game has been one of the best players in this tournament, averaging 23 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists in two easy victories.
13. Sagaba Konate, West Virginia, F, Soph.
The premier shot-blocker left in the tournament, the long-armed 6-foot-8 forward with impeccable timing makes “Press” Virginia’s frenetic style work because of his innate ability to eliminate defensive mistakes.
14. Caleb and Cody Martin, Nevada, F, Jr.
The well-rounded twin transfer forwards from N.C. State have combined to average 34 points, 12.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists, leading Nevada to back-to-back comeback victories over Texas and Cincinnati and into the school’s first Sweet 16 in 14 years.
15. Kevin Knox, Kentucky, F, Fr.
A likely lottery pick in June, the 6-foot-9 wing is a load on the perimeter and a quality rebounder, and has keyed Kentucky’s late run of nine wins in 10 games.
16. Zach Norvell Jr., Gonzaga, G, Fr.
A former top-100 recruit, the rapidly improving 6-foot5 guard saved Gonzaga in the first round, scoring the game-winning points down the stretch against UNCGreensboro, and then busted out for career highs of 28 points and 12 rebounds in a second-round victory over Ohio State.