How teams execute in the last four minutes of a game usually determines the final outcome. And having the right players in the right places for these situations is what coaching is all about. This includes making situational substitutions for both offense and defense, knowing who your best inbounders and lockdown defenders are, and identifying the guy you want to get open in a dead-ball situation and the players you want taking your last-second shot.
So who are the best players in the nation at closing out games? I've listed my 10 here, giving you a five-man team for both offense and defense. (Yes, I know this isn't football, but in an ideal world, these are the 10 players I'd have at my disposal to close out a game.)
Here they are -- the top 10 closers in college hoops.
Offense
Trey Burke, G, Michigan Wolverines -- In the closing moments of a game you need a point guard who is hard to press, can get open when denied, can break down the defense and make a play out of a play. Simply put, that's Burke. He is impossible to defend off the middle ball screen, and his ability to change speed and direction while playing on balance makes him the ideal guard in the last four minutes. Burke is also an excellent decision-maker, can shoot the 3 as well as score from midrange, and he is an excellent free throw shooter -- an essential skill to have down the stretch of games.
You can check out Burke when the Wolverines take on the Ohio State Buckeyes Tuesday night (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).