I've previewed the East, West, and South. Now it's time to preview the Midwest regional, otherwise known as the group of death. Not only do you have the best team in the entire tournament (Kansas) but you also have Ohio State, Georgetown, Maryland, and Michigan State. Needless to say, this is the best bracket and the hardest bracket to pick a Final 4 team. Scouts Will Be Drooling
Cole Aldrich (Kansas), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland), Greg Monroe (Georgetown), James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech), Evan Turner (Ohio State), Sherron Collins(Kansas), Xavier Henry (Kansas), Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech).
Never Turn Your Back On A Tom Izzo Team
I have a hard time turning my back on Michigan State because of their coach Tom Izzo. He's one of the best in-game strategist's in the nation. Despite my faith in Izzo, there are a lot of questions surrounding Michigan State heading into this game. Sparty though lost 5 out of ten games down the stretch. Delvon Roe will be playing with an injury in the tournament, and guard Chris Allen has been suspended for the tournament. This team has the capabilities to either make a run at the Final 4 or lose to Maryland in the 2nd round.
Rematch?
Remember the last time Kansas played Michigan State in the Sweet 16? Gus Johnson was on the call, Lucas vs. Collins in the clutch? Pray that we get to see this game again.
Most Intriguing 1st Round Game: UNLV vs. Northern Iowa
Northern Iowa wins with defense. The Panthers are the 2nd leading defensive team in the nation and are lead by Kwadzo Ahelegbe and the Koch brothers. UNLV will have to make each possession count when they play Northern Iowa. Tre’Von Willis will need to have a big game for the Runnin' Rebels.
Most Intriguing 2nd Round Match-Up: Michigan State vs. Maryland
Who doesn't love the possibility of this game. You have two great coaches with National Championship rings (Tom Izzo vs. Gary Williams) with two great guards (Kalin Lucas vs. Greivis Vasquez).
X-Factor: Evan Turner, Ohio State
A healthy Evan Turner can carry Ohio State to the Final 4. He's surrounded by solid players in William Buford and David Lighty. The question will be, who will guard Evan Turner? And will they be able to keep Turner off the boards? I can't wait for the Ohio State vs. Kansas Elite 8 game.
Final 4 Pick: Kansas
Even though this is a murderous bracket, Kansas is just too deep and talented. Kansas has a answer for every situation. Cole Aldrich in foul trouble? Here comes Tyrel Reed off the bench working the perimeter. Sherron Collins in foul trouble? Brady Mourningstar can run the point. Also coach Bill Self is on the Tom Izzo level of in-game strategist. There isn't a hole in this Kansas team. Their my team to win the entire tournament.
I'm really not understanding why all of the sudden Houston is a trendy pick to upset the Terps. They play a style that the Terps are at their best playing. A MD/Sparty 2nd round will be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree Kansas is the best team in the field.
I agree that Kansas is the best team in the field, but let's not get crazy, this is not 2008. All 4 of those #1 seeds (including that Kansas team) could probably beat this Kansas team. They are the best team in a tournament that is as wide open as any has been in recent history.
ReplyDeleteLet's face facts, last year was a real chalk year. It looked like it coming in and that's how it turned out. This year shapes up to be the Year Of The Upset. You've got a pair of juicy 4-13 matchups (Purdue-Siena, Vandy-Murray St.), and some top seeds have shown themselves to be a bit shaky at times. Perfect example, Kentucky. They are an incredibly talented team, but they are so young and they suck at free throw shooting, two things that can bite them in the ass if they somehow end up in a Sweet 16 match against a veteran Temple team.