Key players to watch

Eight players to keep an eye out for in today’s first-round games at the Arena. Listed by school, position, name and number.

Harvard

G, Siyani Chambers, 1

The sophomore point guard and the Crimson’s only underclassman starter, is the key to a balanced offense that’s put five players in double-figure scoring.

Cincinnati

G, Sean Kilpatrick, 23

The senior guard is the focus of the Bearcats offense, averaging 20.7 points and 4.4 assists while playing almost 34 minutes a game.

Delaware

G, Jarvis Threatt, 4

He’s only the Blue Hens’ No. 3 scorer, but the junior guard (18.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg) has a knack for driving the lane and drawing fouls.

Michigan State

F, Adreian Payne, 5

The versatile 6-foot-10 big man, a projected first-round NBA pick, averages 15.8 points and 7.4 boards, but also shoots 42 percent from 3-point range.

Oklahoma

G, Buddy Hield, 24

One of four underclassmen starters, the sophomore from the Bahamas averages 16.8 points and is 27 for 61 from 3 in his last seven games.

North Dakota St.

F, Marshall Bjorklund, 42

At 6-8, 250 pounds, the senior forward epitomizes tough inside play, shooting 63.6 percent from the field for a team that leads the nation in FG percentage at 50.9 percent.

San Diego State

G, Xavier Thomas, 2

The Mountain West Player of the Year, the senior guard point guard not only averages 16.8 ppg, but he has 16 assists and just three turnovers in his last three games.

New Mexico State

C, Sim Bhullar, 2

You want a player to watch? You can’t miss the 7-foot-5, 355-pound sophomore center, who averages 10.3 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds.