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2017 NCAA Tournament: 5 Players To Watch In West Region

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 15, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; General view during the National Anthem before the game between UC Davis Aggies an North Carolina Central Eagles in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sage Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Dayton, OH, USA; General view during the National Anthem before the game between UC Davis Aggies an North Carolina Central Eagles in the first four of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sage Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NCAA Tournament: 5 Players To Watch In West Region
Feb 16, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels center Jock Landale (34) looks to pass the ball against the Loyola Marymount Lions during the first half at McKeon Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Jock Landale, Center, Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s comes into the 2017 NCAA Tournament under the radar. Many people believe they aren’t a strong team, coming from a weaker conference with Gonzaga being their only real competition. That could be true in some instances, but not when Jock Landale is on the court.

Landale, a junior, is a difference maker for the Gaels on the inside. The the last regular season meeting against Gonzaga, the Gaels made a serious run with Landale on the court. But, when he was in foul trouble, the Bulldogs took control of the game.

Landale is the focal point of Saint Mary’s offense, leading the team with 16.8 points per game. He also anchors the defense, averaging 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He leads the team in all three categories, despite playing only 27.7 minutes per game.

If Landale can stay out of foul trouble the Gaels will be a problem for whoever they face. A potential matchup over the weekend against Lauri Markkanen of Arizona would be a great one for fans to see.