2017 NCAA Tournament: 5 Players to Watch in Wisconsin vs Florida

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Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ (22) moves the ball against Villanova Wildcats forward Darryl Reynolds (45) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Ethan Happ

Quite possibly the X-Factor for Wisconsin in the Sweet 16 is center Ethan Happ. As only a sophomore, Happ is one of the best big men in the country. After losing their starting center, Florida is a bit under-sized in their front court, and that could lead to a big game from Happ.

This season, Happ has averaged 13.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. These are all very solid numbers for the Wisconsin big man, and he has been a big part of success for them this season.

While Happ has played well for Wisconsin this season, he has struggled with foul trouble. In the NCAA Tournament, Happ has committed four fouls in each game, and those fouls have kept him off the court. Against Virginia Tech, Happ was only able to play 27 minutes, and against Villanova, he only played 23. Despite his minutes be cut because of foul trouble, Happ still nearly totaled a double-double in each game.

Against Florida, if Happ can stay out of foul trouble, he will be poised for a big game. Due to the Gators lacking size, Wisconsin’s great mismatch will likely be Happ on the inside. Now, we have to see if he can avoid foul trouble in the Sweet 16.

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