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Eight X-Factor players in the Elite 8

Scott Gleeson
USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) shoots against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (22) during the second half in the semifinals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA tournament at Staples Center.

Deep runs in the NCAA tournament are so often driven by stars. But wins are based on a collaborative effort and for every Juan Dixon or Jay Williams, there's a Steve Blake or Chris Duhon to hit clutch shots or do the little things to boost a team's success.

This year's Elite Eight is no different. Every team left in the field has not only a catalyst but also a role player who could be a difference-maker. Here's a look at one role player on each team who could help spark a trip to the Final Four.

Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin: He filled in nicely at the point while starter Traevon Jackson was out with a right foot injury (he returned in the Sweet 16 after missing 18 games). The sophomore had 18 points and nine assists in the Big Ten tournament final vs. Michigan State.

Gabe York, Arizona: T.J. McConnell runs the show alongside versatile forwards Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brandon Ashley, Stanley Johnson and Kaleb Tarczewski, but York's outside shooting (40% from three) has rescued the Wildcats plenty. He had 19 points in Arizona's win against Ohio State, a game in which Johnson shot 1-for-12.

Tyler Ulis, Kentucky: The 5-9 backup point guard plays a strikingly different game than starter Andrew Harrison, and he gives the Wildcats a needed dimension in the backcourt, penetrating to find others offensively and playing lockdown defense. He's got a clutch gene, shown with a go-ahead three-pointer to help Kentucky hold off Texas A&M in double-overtime. That Jan. 10 game was the closest the Wildcats have come to a loss. How important is he? Despite not starting, he averages the fourth-highest minutes on the team.

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Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame: The Irish have a dynamic starting lineup with all five players averaging close to double figures. But Colson has come up big on several occasions, including a 17-point performance in an ACC tournament victory against Duke. His minutes depend on matchups and circumstances, but he excels when he's called upon.

Duke forward Justise Winslow and coach Mike Krzyzewski react after a three-point basket  vs. Utah.

Justise Winslow, Duke: He's not exactly a role player, but considering Duke's talent, he fills the role of utility man and X-Factor. That was on full display in the Blue Devils' NCAA victory against San Diego State. The 6-6 freshman had 13 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks. Winslow led the way vs. Utah with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Gary Bell Jr. (5) drives past UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) during the first half in the semifinals of the south regional of the 2015 NCAA tournament at Reliant Stadium.

Gary Bell Jr., Gonzaga: The 6-2 senior guard has sacrificed his offense (from averaging double figures last season to just over eight points a game this season). That's mainly due to adjusting to a Zags roster loaded with offensive weaponry. It's also because Bell Jr. has been a defensive stopper, shutting down other teams' best players and frustrating taller, more athletic players as he did against Iowa (he guarded Adam Woodbury, Aaron White and Jarrod Uthoff).

Quentin Snider, Louisville: He's been playing more than 30 minutes a game since taking over at point guard for Chris Jones, who was kicked off the team. The 6-2 freshman has had to grow up fast, but he's getting better each game. He's averaging more than 13 points in the tournament.

Bryn Forbes, Michigan State: The former Cleveland State guard is a key contributor and can break out offensively when needed; he had 14 points in the Spartans' opening-round win against Georgia and 21 points in a narrow loss to Wisconsin on March 1.

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