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One X-Factor Player for Every Men's Sweet 16 Team

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West Region

Gonzaga: Joel Ayayi

Ayayi has been Gonzaga’s unsung hero all season, but his versatility may be particularly pivotal against Creighton and their trio of 6'5" starters: Denzel Mahoney, Damien Jefferson and Mitch Ballock. The Zags also play smaller lineups, and how they approach direct matchups will be a key to the game. Ayayi’s rebounding and non-stop cutting will be a factor, as usual.