Josh Harrellson, Kentucky's difference maker?

Duke won the 2010 national title with a roster that included Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer, and Kyle Singler, all of whom will spend some time in the NBA.

But the most important player on the roster was Brian Zoubek, an unathletic, 7'0" stiff that was only out there to battle in the paint, grab a few boards, set some screens, and, simply, to be an all-around menace.

Enter Josh Harrellson.

Like Duke last season, Kentucky entered this year with a talented trio of two guards (Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb) and a face-up forward (Terrence Jones) leading the way. But with Enes Kanter's ineligibility, Kentucky was left with a hole in the middle that was to be filled by Harrellson and Eloy Vargas, two big men that had played only a handful of meaningful minutes in their college careers.


But as it turns out, Harrellson has been arguably Kentucky's most important player all season long.

He had 15 points and eight boards (four offensive) in Kentucky's 71-63 win over West Virginia in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, while helping to hold Deniz Kilicli and Kevin Jones to a combined 12 points and 12 boards. This was coming off of a first round game where Harrellson had 15 points and 10 boards as Kentucky barely hung on to beat the Princeton Tigers.

In Kentucky's eight losses this year, Harrellson has averaged just 4.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg (3.4 offensive) while shooting 50% from the floor. In their 27 wins, he's averaged 8.1 ppg and 8.9 rpg (3.7 offensive) and has shot 62.6% from the floor.

Its more than just the numbers, however.

Harrellson provides a toughness and physicality that Kentucky doesn't have anywhere else on their roster. He's not a great defender, but he's big enough to get in the way and generally does it without fouling. He's a space eater on the glass with an excellent motor. He can finish around the rim.

With Terrence Jones (11.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Doron Lamb (6.5 ppg) struggling through the first two NCAA Tournament games, it has made Harrellson's production all that much more important.

And it will be Harrellson that is the most important player on the floor should Ohio State beat George Mason tomorrow. The Buckeyes have this kid, I don't know if you've heard of him, named Jared Sullinger, and it will be Harrellson's responsibility to keep him off the glass, not allow him to establish position, and maybe even get him into foul trouble.

Call Harrellson underrated or overachieving if you must, but the fact of the matter is that he is one of the most valuable players on this Kentucky team.

And he could be the difference maker if they are going to make a Final Four.