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Final Four X-factors, unsung heroes who can be key to national championship

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Final Four X-factors, unsung heroes who can be key to national championship

At this stage of the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament, if you do not know who Yaxel Lendeborg is, you’re either lying or haven’t been paying attention.

The same holds for the Michigan basketball star, is true for Arizona’s Koa Peat, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Connecticut’s Terrian Reed. These four have been among the best players in March Madness, but have also proven themselves over the course of the season.

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For either the Wolverines, Wildcats, Fighting Illini or the Huskies to win the 2026 national championship, they’ll need their best players to shine in the biggest moments of the year when the quartet plays in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4, from Indianapolis.

However, just because a star has a big game, it does not mean these teams can easily be knocked off. Just ask Alabama and Labaron Philon. The Crimson Tide star matched a career-high of 35 points, but got little help from his supporting cast, causing Alabama to lose to Michigan in the Sweet 16.

All four stars will need help from a potential unsung hero for their team to win a national title. Here’s a look at some potential candidates who could step up in that role:

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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

Trey McKenny, Michigan

Trey McKenny, the freshman from Flint, Michigan, is potentially finding his stroke at the right time. On the season, he is averaging 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game on 46.2% shooting from the field, incluidng 38% from 3-point range.

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However, McKenny scored at least eight points in every NCAA Tournament game, including 17 points against Alabama and followed it up with a 12-point performance against Alabama. Against the Crimson Tide, he connected on three 3-pointers.

In addition to his hot outside shooting, McKenney has also gotten to the free throw line 11 times over the last two games, knocking down 10 of them. While Lendeborg is the present for the Wolverines, McKenney is likely the future, already declaring his intention to return next season.

Could he give a glimpse into why he was a top-20 recruit in the 2025 class to help Michigan win its first title since 1989?

Motiejus Krivas, Arizona

Could the first-year starter and junior for Arizona, Motiejus Krivas, be a key for the Wildcats to win their first national title since 1997?

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On a team full of scorers, Bradley is fourth on the team with his career-best 10.4 points per game, while averaging a best 8.2 rebounds per game. He shoots 56.9% from the field. He has started all 38 games for Arizona this season after making just one start in his first two seasons.

He is capable of a big scoring performance, as he did when he scored 25 points against Kansas State on Jan. 27, on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and making 11 of 12 free throws.

Kylan Boswell, Illinois

With Wagler’s emergence, it could be easy to forget his fellow backcourt mate, Kylan Bowell, at times. However, Boswell is the model of consistency for Brad Underwood’s Illinois team.

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The 6-foot-2 senior guard from Champaign, Illinois, is averaging a career-high 12.5 points per game on 45% shooting from the field, to go along with 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

Boswell had a 25-point performance against UConn earlier this season, while he also had 22-point performances against Texas Tech and Alabama. He also scored 20 points against Nebraska, proving he’s capable of big games when called upon.

Silas Demary Jr., UConn

UConn’s strength is having many players whom it can turn to for a shot with the game on the line. Case in point, freshman Braylon Mullins hitting the game-winning buzzer-beater against No. 1 seed Duke in the Sweet 16.

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For this exercise, Mullins is too well-known now. So another player to keep an eye on is junior Silas Demary Jr. The UConn junior is averaging 10.4 points, 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game on 45.5% shooting and 40.5% 3-point shooting.

The transfer from Georgia had 23 points and 15 assists on Jan. 7 against Providence, proving he is capable of a major game when it is needed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Final Four players who can become March Madness unsung heroes

Read the full article here

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