This year is unlike any year in
NCAA Tournament history. The scandals that rocked the basketball world are
still looming large. I think it will give Mid-Majors a giant chip on their
collective shoulders. There are at least 36 teams that could win it all. The
usual suspects should be put on notice. I do not think it is going to be any of
the teams that usually win. If the diverse talent, and balanced scoring of many
of the Mid-Majors has anything to say about it, the usual suspects will be watching the tournament on trutv and CBS.
There are too many teams in this group that are good enough to go on a
win streak and pull off the impossible. The brackets are right for a new team
to come in and upset the usual powerhouses. Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky,
Kansas, Arizona, and Villanova: just to name a few, may not even reach the sweet
sixteen. I am going to give you a few teams to watch; and break down how each
of them could cut down the nets in April. Brackets are going to be busted all
around. You can throw out the win loss records, and who beat who in the regular
season, this is# MarchMadness for a reason.
These are the teams to watch out for, especially if they get
hot. First, Oklahoma; has talent, speed, skill, and great shooting. And just enough
height and post presence with McNeese and Lattin. If the Sooners play like they
played in the middle of the season, they could win it all. They are going to
need Trae Young and Brady Manek to play like they did on that 10-game win
streak, but if they do watch out. OU is one of the best free throw shooting
teams, and 4 guys shoot over 35% from three.
Duke may get threatened or even lose to the most balanced
team in the tournament. The Iona Gaels have four guys that score in double
digits, and great size. They could be a threat to go deep in tournament if they
can climb the mountain and beat Duke.
Virginia Tech and Alabama are both very solid teams with a
real shot to win in the second round. Villanova is a great team and will not
struggle in the first round, but they may not make it out of the second round
if either Bama or Va Tech have anything to say about it. I am going Alabama
because Avery Johnson is a great coach, and Alabama has great balance and a solid bench.
Kansas will easily win in the first round, but then they
face the NC State vs Seton Hall winner. I got Seton Hall going very deep in the
tourney this year. Carrington and Powell are the power duo in the backcourt,
and with great interior size and skill, Seton Hall should make the sweet
sixteen easily.
Houston may run into some problems because lack of size, but
they could easily make a run. They have all the tools to be a contender, and I
am picking them to go the Sweet Sixteen. Corey Davis is a long-range shooter
that hits over 40% from three, and the Cougars hit 71% of their free throws.
They do have to beat a great San Diego State team that is
balanced and very solid. Watch out if the Aztecs beat Houston they could also
play with anybody in the tourney. They have been here before and are not scared
of anyone. With five starters averaging double digits, great size and floor
leadership like Pope, Kell and Watson, the Aztecs could win the region if they
can beat Houston.
I doubt Michigan very much. I think they will be upset in
the first round by Montana, and if they do win that game, they will go no
further. I just do not think they have enough balance to keep them from being
over matched by the opposition. Plus, the lack of floor leadership could send
them home early.
Tennessee is an unknown factor. Wright State might win the
game in the post, and then the Vols will be watching from home. I picked Wright
in an upset because Wright State is balanced and shoots great from outside,
inside and free throws. If Tennessee wins round one, they may not make out of
the second round.
Miami is a very balanced offense, and they play great
defense. I would not be surprised if they cut down the nets. If they lose it
will be because of free throw shooting, 66% is not going to get it done in the
tournament. Loyola will give them a run for their money, but I just think Miami
is good enough to win. But if Loyola can get past the U, then watch out for
that glass slipper. In my upset bracket, I have Loyola taking out some good
teams.
Texas Tech should crush Stephen Austin, I still think the
Lumberjacks have a shot at the upset. The Red Raiders have a serious weakness,
stop Evans and Culver stop Texas Tech. The Lumberjacks rely on tough defense,
and back-door screens to get it done. Either way, I am not picking either of
these teams to make it to the sweet sixteen.
South Dakota State should upset Ohio State. Mike Daum is a
great shooter and averages nearly 24 points per game. He and Jenkins will lead the Jackrabbits into a stunning upset of the Buckeyes. I can not imagine the
Buckeyes winning that game. The Jackrabbits will be hungry. They play very
tough. Say goodbye to Ohio State in the first or second round.
Davidson is another team that could really bust the bracket.
Peyton Aldridge, and Kellan Grady need to get going early and often if Davidson
is going to send Kentucky packing. Kentucky will get an early exit this year.
Maybe in the first round. I think Davidson is a dangerous team, and though the
Kentucky Wildcats are very balanced, the other Wildcats will be playing lights out.
Look for Davidson to reach the sweet sixteen.
Scandal is the watchword for me. I just think Arizona may
have too much on their plate to beat Buffalo. The Bulls are balanced and tough.
Look for an early exit for the Wildcats. If Arizona can hold it together, they
might make it out of the first round, but do not pick them past the sweet
sixteen.
Texas A&M vs Providence might be the best game of the
first round. Either of these teams could go very far in the tournament. Look for
the winner to got to the sweet sixteen at least.
North Carolina, last years’ champs will not get the chance
to defend the crown. Look for them to be a one and done. Lipscomb will not be
able to stay on the floor with them, but the Tarheels are going to find a second
win very difficult this year.
Kansas State should win against Creighton, but the Blue Jays
are a tough team. The winner of this game gets the number seed. Either one will
have a real shot at winning. Pick Kansas State to go to the sweet sixteen.
Virginia is going to have an early exit. Round one and done.
They will easily win the first game, but Creighton and K-State can beat the
Virginia.
Look for Cal State Fullerton to hang tough with Purdue,
though in the second half Purdue will put them away. Purdue could make the
final four this year, but I think sweet sixteen is a given.
Kelan Martin and Butler are going to get to the sweet
sixteen yet again. One of the most dangerous players on a very dangerous team.
Butler is good and getting better. Look out for them to make a run.
Michigan State is always a threat to win it all, this year
is no different. Look for them to have trouble with Bucknell. I don’t know if
Sparty can make it out of this tough bracket or not, but they should get to the
sweet sixteen.
Look for Wichita State to make the final four this year. The
Shockers are one of the better teams in the tournament this year. They could run
the table. If I were giving odds on the field, I would say 2:1 Shockers win it
all. If they play well, then look for them in the final four. The fearless
coaching and long-range shooting will lead these guys deep. Shamet, Morris, and
Frankamp are the best three-man combo in the tournament.
If any of the other teams like: West Virginia, TCU, Florida
State, Florida, Xavier, or Nevada are going to win, then they will need some
luck. With a bulls-eye on their backs, Number one seeds are going to have a
hard time this year. I do not think a one seed will make the final four. Press Virginia does have a shot, but in the second round they draw Wichita State.
