Follow San Diego Natives Playing in the NCAA Tournament

The Madness of March officially kicked off on Tuesday and Wednesay, with four play-in games, that the NCAA is trying to pawn off as "the 1st round" of the tournament. But for hardcore fans of the Big Dance, you know that the real games start on Thursday morning.

As you're cheering for your favorite teams and coaches, or for whatever teams you picked in your office pool, here's a list of players from the San Diego area who will try to help their teams have that "One Shining Moment."

The list is below:

San Diego State

James Rahon, Junior (Torrey Pines HS in Del Mar Heights)

Rahon attended Santa Clara after graduating high school, but transferred to SDSU before last season. The starting guard averaged 8.8 points and 2.7 rebounds for the Aztecs.

Aaron Douglas, Junior (Charter School of San Diego in San Diego)

Douglas is a reserve guard for the Aztecs, appearing in only two games this season. Before attending SDSU, he played at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.

San Diego State plays NC State on Friday, at 9:40 a.m.

Kansas

Jeff Withey, Junior (Horizon HS in Clairemont)

Withey is the starting center for the Jayhawks, and the anchor of their defense. He averaged 9.3 points, 6.2 rebounds,  and 3.3 blocks this season. Before transferring to Kansas, Withey played one year at the University of Arizona.

Kansas plays Detroit on Friday, at 6:57 p.m.

Gonzaga
Marquise Carter, Senior (Horizon HS in Clairemont)

Carter is a reserve guard for the Zags. He averaged 14 minutes per game, 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Gonzaga plays West Virginia on Thursday, at 4:20 p.m.

St. Mary’s

Kenton Walker II, Senior (Scripps Ranch HS in Miramar)

Walker is a backup power forward for the Gaels. Before transferring to St. Mary’s Walker played at Creighton University. He played in all 32 games for the Gaels, and averaged 3.9 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Zach Sanchez, Freshman (Bonita Vista HS in Bonita)

Sanchez, a reserve guard for the Gaels, appeared in 8 games this season.

St. Mary's plays Purdue on Friday, at 4:27 p.m.