There’s no shortage of star power in the NCAA men’s tournament Final Four. But who could be the unsung hero that steps up to help his team win a national championship?
With all four No. 1 seeds in San Antonio, Texas, it’s hard to ignore the big names that will be taking the court. Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Florida’s Walter Clayton or Auburn’s Johni Broome could very well lead their teams toward cutting down the nets at the Alamodome on Monday. But playing against the best of the best, they can’t do it all on their own. More than likely, a role player will emerge and provide the critical lift toward success on the sport’s biggest stage.
Here is one player on each Final Four team that could be the key person for each squad to advance to the national championship game and perhaps win it all.
Thomas Haugh, Florida
Walter Clayton Jr. provided the heroics in the comeback win over Texas Tech, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions from Thomas Haugh. The sophomore tied career-highs with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Red Raiders.
Haugh has become one of the best players coming off the bench in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 9.4 prior to the tournament started, but he’s been in double figures in three of the last four games. At 6-foot-9-inches, Haugh is also keep to why Florida is one of the best rebounding teams in the country. He’s gotten at least three offensive rebounds in every tournament game this season, allowing the Gators to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
He showed off his 3-point shooting skills when he went 4-for-6 from deep against Texas Tech, and if he stays hot, Auburn will have its hands full trying to guard all of Florida’s shot makers. He put up 16 points and nine rebounds in the first meeting against the Tigers earlier this season, and he could have another productive night against the SEC foe.
Dylan Cardwell, Auburn
All eyes will be on whether Broome will be healthy enough for Auburn, but regardless of his status, there will be pressure on Cardwell to deliver for the Tigers.
Cardwell won’t wow anyone in points − averaging just 4.9 per game − but he is able to control the paint. He has contributed 27 rebounds in four tournament games, which is important with Florida one of the best rebounding teams in the country. The Gators are especially skilled on the offensive glass, so Cardwell will be critical to limiting second-chance points. He has excellent size and presence around the rim that could really stop the flow of opposing offenses by making sure other big men don’t get a rhythm. The fifth-year senior is a true leader on the court for the Tigers, and his toughness will set the tone for Auburn in the Final Four.
Auburn lost its lone meeting against Florida, but Cardwell was extremely productive in that game with a game-high 12 rebounds. If Cardwell can do that again, it sets up the offense for a potentially big night.
Khaman Maluach, Duke
Big-game experience is helpful, and Maluach played on the biggest stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The South Sudan native was a heralded international recruit and he’s lived up to the hype.
It took time for Malauach to get adjusted to the college game at the start of the season, but he’s blossomed into a solid post player, as if his 7-foot-2-inch frame wasn’t already helping him enough. In the tournament, Maluach has commanded the interior with 11.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. What’s even more impressive is his efficiency; he’s 20-for-23 (86.7%) from the field in the tournament with mostly dunks and other short-range baskets.
Duke is facing a top defense in Houston and will take any easy bucket it can get. Maluach can be the guy to throw down powerful slams for big momentum shifts, and he has an opportunity to own the boards against a team that doesn’t really have a premier rebounder. His effectiveness is tough to match, and the Cougars will have their hands dealing with his size and avoiding foul trouble.
Milos Uzan, Houston
Defense is what Houston is known for, but it’s somehow flown under the radar the Cougars are fifth in the country in 3-point shooting percentage. One of the biggest contributors to that is Uzan.
The junior guard is the best 3-point shooter for Houston at 44.5%, and it was on full display in the Sweet 16 matchup when he made a season-high six shots from behind the arc on nine attempts for a 22-point night. He didn’t make a 3-pointer in the Elite Eight against Tennessee in what was a quiet day for Uzan, but it wasn’t entirely needed given the Cougars dominated the Volunteers.
Houston will do its best to shut down Duke, but the Blue Devils are certainly going to find ways for the offense to score. That means the Cougars are going to need to find their own points, and they can do that with the three-ball from Uzan. If he’s able to replicate any of the big shots from the Purdue matchup, then Houston should like its chances of keeping up with the premier offense in the country.
