UMass' 5 Most Important Players in 2014 NCAA Tournament By Jack Delaney PREV NEXT UMass' 5 Most Important Players in 2014 NCAA Tournament Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports The University of Massachusetts Minutemen will face some challenges in a tough region in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. If the team wants to make a deep run, it will most likely have to face Duke and Michigan. This team plays with a lot of heart, however, and with 5-foot-9 Chaz Williams as the leader, this team could do some bracket busting. Here are five of the most important players for Massachusetts in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. 5. Raphiael Putney Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports 5. Raphiael Putney Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports Raphiael Putney is a key contributor to UMass because of his blocking, rebounding and scoring ability. He has the second most blocks and rebounds on the team. 4. Derrick Gordon Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports 4. Derrick Gordon Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports Guard Derrick Gordon is one of the best facilitators on the team. He has the second most steals for UMass, and he is also third in assists. 3. Sampson Carter Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports 3. Sampson Carter Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports This UMass team is filled with players who do a little bit of everything, and Sampson Carter is no exception. He averages 10.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, and he is the third-highest scorer on the team. 2. Cady Lalanne Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports 2. Cady Lalanne Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports One of the reasons for the success of the Minutemen has been Cady Lalanne. At 6-foot-10, Lalanne leads the team in rebounds with 255 and is the second-highest scorer on the team. 1. Chaz Williams Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports 1. Chaz Williams Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports The heart and soul of this UMass team, Chaz Williams is the leading scorer for the Minutemen and averages 15.8 points a game. His passion and determination will be on display for a national audience. Teams in this article » Massachusetts Minutemen Share You May Also Like Related Stories Massachusetts vs. Saint Joseph's: Chaz Williams Rescues Minutemen In Conference Opener Massachusetts Defeats Miami (Ohio) Due To Chaz Williams' Dominance Massachusetts Minutemen: Important Win vs. Providence Friars Hugely Important Massachusetts Minutemen Will Rebound Against Providence Friars Massachusetts Minutemen On Upset Alert Against Florida State Seminoles Massachusetts Minutemen Will Shine When the Time is Right