NCAA Tournament 2011: Can Kebma Walker Continue His Tournament Heroics?

The NCAA Tournament has 16 teams left, but will Kemba Walker and the UConn Huskies be the last team standing?

We have all seen it out of Kemba Walker this season. When the game is on the line, there really isn't a better closer in all of college basketball.

Now that Walker has led his team to two NCAA Tournament victories and into the Sweet 16, the Huskies will go up against San Diego State. The Aztecs have been one of the best stories in all of college basketball this season, posting a 34-2 record and making it's first Sweet 16 appearance under coach Steve Fisher.

San Diego State is led by sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard, who is a double-double machine. While Leonard and Walker most likely won't be guarding each other in this game, this is another true battle of superstars. Both players are expected to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft and have bright futures ahead.

David Thorpe of ESPN writes this of Leonard:

"Guys with that body, those hands, that speed and length, with an engine that runs hot all the time -- those are the guys that find their way on an NBA court for 30-plus minutes a game. If he never improves his skill game, he'll be able to score in transition and off slashes, as well in the rebounding game. He's going to "outman" people, which is not easy to do in a man's league."

This is what makes Leonard such a special player. The kid has the ideal work-ethic, which in return, makes him a special college basketball player.

Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun recently said this of Walker:

"He is as special as any player I've ever coached. No one's going to surpass him. They may equal him but no one is going to surpass him."

That is saying a lot considering how many great players have worn a UCONN jersey during Calhoun's coaching career.

But when you're looking at Walker vs. Leonard, and you're asking, which of these two players is going to shine more in this game, the answer has to be Kemba Walker. He has been one of, if not the most enjoyable player to watch in all of college basketball this season. The Huskies' guard is a special breed of player that seems to play his best when the most is on the line.

So here we are, Walker vs. Leonard with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. This is the type of game that Walker drools over, which doesn't fair well for Steve Fisher's team in this one.

Walker and UConn role on.

For more on March Madness, be sure to check out Bleacher Report's hub for all things related to the NCAA Tournament.

Also, if you're looking for a bracket to fill out to keep handy for this weekend, be sure to download Bleacher Report's printable tournament bracket.

Taryn Manning Nikki Cox Carla Gugino Ana Hickmann Mischa Barton