Illinois: Keaton Wagler
Tournament Stats: 17.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 44.0 3P%
The freshman from Kansas has propelled Illinois to this stage, assembling a surprise All-American campaign and being a steady hand in March Madness. Wagler put up 25 points in the Elite Eight triumph over Iowa. He’s an efficient, high-volume perimeter shooter and the Illini’s top on-ball playmaker.
Connecticut: Tarris Reed Jr.
Tournament Stats: 21.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.3 BPG, 60.0 FG%
Karaban hit a clutch three, and Mullins nailed the winner in the Elite Eight, but make no mistake, why UConn has advanced this far: Reed. Following an unreal 31-point, 27-rebound day in the opener, he’s continued to dominate the paint with a double-double on UCLA, then 20 and 26 points against Michigan State and Duke, respectively. Fun aside? Reed is a transfer from Michigan.
Michigan: Yaxel Lendeborg
Tournament Stats: 21.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 50.0 3P%
This is Lendeborg’s first season at Michigan after transferring from UAB—and passing up the NBA draft—and he’s been sensational. A first-team All-American, Lendeborg just does everything well. He scores with perimeter range, creates as a passer and provides strong defensive effort and versatility.
Arizona: Brayden Burries
Tournament Stats: 17.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 68.4 3P%
Another star freshman, Burries has elevated his game in the postseason. And, no, that three-point percentage is not a misprint. Burries has knocked down 13-of-19 triples to help Arizona secure its Final Four ticket. He, like Wagler, will probably be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft.