DIFFERENCE MAKER
Draymond Green, Michigan State
The 6-7 forward is not high on NBA draft lists, but the senior is the heart and soul of the No. 1 West seed. Green can score inside or outside (47 three-pointers), averaging 16.1 points and 10.4 rebounds.
THREE STORY LINES
1. Former Gophers coach Dan Monson's Long Beach State team takes on New Mexico, coached by ex-Iowa coach Steve Alford, in the opener.
2. Tim Miles, who coached Southwest Minnesota State from 1997 to 2001 and North Dakota State from 2001 to 2007, is taking Colorado State to its first tournament in his five years. Opening matchup: Murray State.
3. Keep an eye on No. 8 Memphis, which has won seven consecutive by an average of 22.7 points. Matchup against St. Louis is one of best openers.
