Four X-Factor players in the Final Four who could spearhead championships

By now, the stars of the Final Four are pretty perceptible.

South Carolina's Sindarius Thornell, Gonzaga's Nigel Williams-Goss and Przemek Karnowski. Oregon's Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey. North Carolina's Justin Jackson and Joel Berry II. They've all keyed their respective teams to four impressive NCAA tournament wins to get to Phoenix.

But what about the players who aren't exactly on the radar — to the audience or even opposing teams?

Here's a look at four X-Factor guys who could lead their respective teams to national championships.

► Duane Notice, South Carolina: The Gamecock's third leading scorer had 17 points in the Duke upset that introduced South Carolina as this tournament's darling. His senior leadership is vital for this team, as are his ferocious dunks and energy that alter a game's momentum.

► Jordan Mathews, Gonzaga: Coach Mark Few said he'll use a handful of players to try to limit Thornwell's explosiveness against South Carolina on Saturday. Mathews will be one of those guys. His offense could be crucial as well. He's scored in double figures every game of the tournament, including 11 three-pointers. Any production he has takes the pressure off Williams-Goss and other catalysts.

► Dylan Ennis, Oregon: The 25 year old is the team's veteran who commands respect for his experience and leadership. He's not the same type of offensive lightning rod that Brooks or Dorsey are, but he can get big buckets when it matters. The 6-2 guard transferred from Villanova in 2015 and missed out on a national title last year, but he'll be a key force in the Ducks' title chances.

► Theo Pinson, North Carolina: Since his return in January after missing half the season, Pinson has infused the Tar Heels with energy and given them more of a backbone thanks to his floor-diving, do-whatever-it-takes-to-win style of play. Pinson's impact won't be shown in the stat sheet, but during key stretches in a game when UNC needs a boost. Jackson, Berry, UNC's plethora of big guys and even Elite Eight hero Luke Maye will get the spotlight. But the 6-6 utility forward is the guy most likely to take a game-deciding charge or steal. He's the ultimate X-Factor guy.

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