2015 Pre-NCAA Tournament All East Regional Team

The East Region is the most open region in the NCAA Tournament. The top teams, Virginia and Villanova, will not have an easy road to the Final Four with some lower seeded teams like Michigan State, Providence, and North Carolina State looking to shatter the bracket.

There are also some top players that look to embrace the spotlight and show off their skills.

East Region

Northern Iowa forward Seth Tuttle

The NCAA Player of the Year candidate isn’t just some mid-major star. Tuttle can play against anyone at any time. The 6’8” 240 pound beast carried his team to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament title averaging 15.3 points per game and just under seven rebounds per contest. Tuttle shoots 43 percent from the 3-point line and looks to shine bright in the Big Dance.

Louisville forward Montrezl Harrell

Harrell is a double-double machine and is one of the strongest players in college basketball. The junior averages 15.7 points a game and grabs just under 10 rebounds.   Harrell has been compared to former NBA player Ben Wallace and is one most passionate players in the tournament.

Providence guard Kris Dunn

The sophomore is one of the best point guards in America. Dunn averages 15.8 points, just under six rebounds, almost eight assists along with three steals per game. Dunn’s only major flaw is he is averaging four turnovers a game. The Friars hope to make a run in the NCAA tournament by relying heavily on their star.

Virginia guard Malcolm Brogdon

Brogdon has been consistent on both sides of the court for the Cavaliers. His big shots and key defensive plays have been the main reason why Virginia finished the year 29-3.  The junior averages just under 14 points and dishes out almost three assists per contest.

All year, Brogdon has been the go-to player for one of the top teams in the nation.

North Carolina State guard Trevor Lacey

Lacey is a dynamic guard with a scoring mentality. The junior has scored 20 or more points eight times this year. Lacey averages just under 16 points, three assists and four rebounds a game.  If the Wolfpack wanted to upset some teams, they must rely on Lacey to take over games with his shooting skills and veteran leadership.

 

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Photo credit: bloguin.com; No. 10 Seth Tuttle.