Madness School
It's Madness time. You know the stakes. Here are my rules, both incorporated from last year and with a few new wrinkles:
1. Don't pick a 1, 2, or 3 seed to lose in the 1st round. For every great upset there are a million other chalk picks going through. The odds just aren't with you. A few too many bad upset picks and you're out of your bracket before things even get underway. Sorry Northern Colorado.
2. Stats matter. Don't pick a team that loses the turnover battle. Don't pick a team that can't rebound. Don't pick a team that can't shoot or defend the 3-point line.
3. Coaching matters. Look at some of the players to come out of Texas. How do they never go deep into the tournament?
4. Don't pick an upset if the underdog can't shoot threes. Conversely, a good higher seed to go against is one that can't defend the 3-point line. Even if a team keeps pounding the ball inside and getting consistent buckets, if they're giving up 3 at the other end, they're losing, they're getting antsy, they fall into the shootout trap.
5. Don't be a hero. Every year there are people in your pool who pick some random team to win it all with the thought, "hey, if Team X wins it all, I win the pool." If you feel that way, what's the point of a bracket? Just go to Vegas and put your money down on Louisville to win it all at 20-1. Finally, the team that wins it all will also likely have a double digit scoring margin for the season. Winning close games is nice, but blowing out early round opponents is important also.
BONUS: The deeper you get into the tournament, the more important it becomes to have a consistent scorer. When I say scorer, I mean someone who can create on his own, not just a shooter. Balance matters, but the team that wins it all will have a go-to guy. Guaranteed.
FYI: It's not an official round if I'm allowed to pick the winner of that round as "Play-In Winner." I will therefore refer to the rounds as they should be referred to.
EAST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Ohio State advances
2 North Carolina advances
3 Syracuse advances
4 Kentucky over 13 Princeton
Kentucky is far too athletic and can simply outscore Princeton, even on an off day. Kentucky will force turnovers, out-rebound the Tigers and coast to a double digit victory.
5 West Virginia over 12 Play-In Winner
Don't you love the "Play-In Winner?" It's like having a 1 and 1A in horse racing. Except here, the 1 and 1A eked into the tournament and don't exactly deserve to be there. West Virginia isn't going to overwhelm too many teams on offense, but stifling defense will be enough in this 1st round matchup.
6 Xavier over 11 Marquette
Marquette will be a trendy upset pick but Xavier is just a better version of Marquette. Solid guard play for both teams, edge to Xavier. Marquette doesn't guard the three-point line and will struggle on the glass in this one. Xavier pulls away late.
7 Washington over 10 Georgia
How did Georgia get into the tournament again?
8 George Mason over 9 Villanova
I would love to buck the trend and take 'Nova seeing how everybody is in love with George Mason. The problem is that Villanova has zero front court and will get lit up from downtown. Add to that the fact that 'Nova is coming in with a 0 out of 10 on the momentum scale and I'll go with the battle tested George Mason squad just like everybody else.
2nd Round
1 Ohio State over 8 George Mason
The Patriots "could struggle with a team that boasts a top front court player." - Joe Lunardi . . . George Mason, meet Mr. Sullinger.
7 Washington over 2 North Carolina
The Tar Heels can overwhelm most teams with their pace. That won't happen against the uber-athletic Huskies. The Tar Heels can't afford another slow start here, but most importantly, the Tar Heels can't guard the high screen and roll. Isaiah Thomas thrives off the high screen and roll. He is too fast and Carolina will not be able to adjust. That 33.3% 3-pt FG isn't getting it done either. Mild upset here.
3 Syracuse over 6 Xavier
Some say that Xavier matches up well with Syracuse because of the 2-3 that the 'Cuse use. However, most don't realize that the Orange don't allow a great 3-pt FG percentage (31.2%). If Boeheim can hammer it through his players' heads that they need to play through Rick Jackson down low, then I have no qualms about taking the 'Cuse to go far this year.
4 Kentucky over 5 West Virginia
Kentucky will take advantage of the Mountaineers' lulls on offense. Huggy Bear's boys this year do not have the firepower to worry the depth-challenged Wildcats. I see Kentucky fairly smoothly advancing to the Sweet 16.
Sweet 16
1 Ohio State over 4 Kentucky
This is by no means a walk in the park for the Buckeyes. However, Kentucky will run into foul trouble trying to deal with Sullinger inside. Kentucky is as deep as the shallow end of my pool. Too much Sullinger.
3 Syracuse over 7 Washington
Both teams will get out and run. This game will be back and forth. But when the game comes down to the last few minutes, I'll go with Syracuse as the team that can get stops.
Elite 8
3 Syracuse over 1 Ohio State
I know, I know. Don't be a hero. But I'm not, I swear. I watched Northwestern show the rest of the country the recipe for success against the Buckeyes. Let Sullinger get his and stop the three ball. Syracuse does that as a rule in the way it runs its zone. They'll let Sullinger get his looks, especially from the high post. But Diebler will not. That will be the difference. Rick Jackson is a huge factor in this one. Orange to Houston.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Pittsburgh advances
2 Florida advances
3 BYU advances
4 Wisconsin over 13 Belmont
I like Belmont, a lot, but not in this matchup. I know I'm the only guy with Wisconsin winning this one, but Belmont just doesn't match up well with Wisconsin. The Badgers will focus on the close out against Belmont's shooters and Belmont will struggle in the slower paced game. Badgers eke another first round game out, same as last year.
5 Kansas State over 12 Utah State
I really want to pick against Kansas State but Utah State has burned me too many times. Utah State won't be able to match up with Kansas State's size but most importantly, Jacob Pullen is a difference maker. By far the best player on the court in this one.
11 Gonzaga over 6 St. John's
I originally had the Red Storm marching on quite far, however, I see a tough loss now in round one. St. John's is aggressive, but against the Zags, that can hurt as the Zags will punish you at the free throw line. Further, St. John's will be forced into 3-point shots which do not often fall for them. Lastly, St. John's lost its leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, D.J. Kennedy, to a torn ACL in the Big East Tournament. The Zags ride the wave past Lavin's crew.
7 UCLA over 10 Michigan State
Come on, it's only one point if I lose this one. A guy can hope, can't he? C'mon Bruins.
8 Butler over 9 Old Dominion
EVERYBODY has ODU. I'll go with the team that made it to the final last year and almost won that is now clicking. I know they lost Hayward, but ODU does not defend the arc well in that 2-3 zone they play.
2nd Round
1 Pittsburgh over 8 Butler
Butler will get into foul trouble early. Howard is key to Butler's success, just as he was last year. Pittsburgh is just to physical for Butler to avoid its usual pitfall.
2 Florida over 7 UCLA
It hurts. I know.
11 Gonzaga over 3 BYU
I loved BYU this season, until the honor code kicked in that is. Watch as Jimmer tries to shoot the Cougars into the Sweet 16 but Mark Few bottles him up (by bottles him up I mean holds him to 30). BYU now has no answer for 7-0, 260 lb Robert Sacre inside.
4 Wisconsin over 5 Kansas State
This is a very underwhelming matchup. I like Wisconsin because Kansas State seems to get rattled in the Big Dance every year. Wisconsin's defense will frustrate Kansas State in a low scoring mess of a game.
Sweet 16
1 Pittsburgh over 4 Wisconsin
This will be a slaughter if it comes to pass. The Badgers can't score nearly enough points to keep up with a Pittsburgh team that is solid all the way around.
2 Florida over 11 Gonzaga
I don't know what Florida did to deserve such a high seed and easy road, but the Gators will be in the Elite 8. Florida wins a slugfest against Gonzaga. Chandler Parsons ups his stock in this year's tourney (as long as some teams in Greece are watching).
Elite 8
1 Pittsburgh over 2 Florida
Jamie Dixon finally busts through into the Final Four. Florida's strength is its presence inside. Pittsburgh, despite its newfound scoring ability, can still defend and be a bruising team inside. Panthers through to Houston.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL (what happened to the Midwest?)
1 Kansas advances
2 Notre Dame advances
3 Purdue advances
4 Louisville over 13 Morehead State
PG-13 alert! I really hope whoever announces this game makes the Rick Pitino more head joke.
Back to business. The pressure is way too much for Morehead State. Not close in this one.
12 Richmond over 5 Vanderbilt
Trendy pick alert! What can I say? They shoot the ball well, take care of the ball, and the Spiders are playing a Vandy team that's 5-5 on the road on the year. Richmond finally gets through.
11 Play-In Winner over 6 Georgetown
The injury to Chris Wright killed the Hoyas. He was cleared to play but I doubt he'll be a difference maker for a team that needs him to be exactly that. I see the Trojans (gulp) advancing here. But I get credit if VCU gets through too! Play-In Winner!
10 Florida State over 7 Texas A&M
Flip a coin in this game. Both teams play exceptional defense. But while I expect Texas A&M to avoid the turnover, I don't expect them to be able to get the ball inside. Florida State gets Singleton back and he'll be the difference.
9 Illinois over 8 UNLV
This isn't the same UNLV team that made that nice run. And why is everybody overlooking this Illinois team? They're actually pretty good in a tough conference. UNLV can't shoot and the Illini's defense won't help matters for them. Illinois gets by in easier fashion than you think.
2nd Round
1 Kansas over 9 Illinois
The Jayhawks will pound the ball inside against Illinois, but don't be surprised if this is a tough game for Kansas. I'll take the guy with the orange jacket over Bill "Deer in Headlights" Self. Yes, he stole that nickname from Rick Barnes.
2 Notre Dame over 10 Florida State
You know who can solve the mystery that is the Seminole defense? The Fighting Irish. They are an amazing team to watch on offense. They move the ball better than anybody and their spacing is always on point. Add to that the younger Hansbrough and you have a scary team.
3 Purdue over 11 Play-In Winner
Sorry Play-In Winner but Purdue is too good. I know they struggled down the stretch but the combo of JaJuan Johnson and E'TWaun Moore is fun to watch (yes, I had to look up the spelling). Far too much, especially with a good coach in Painter.
4 Louisville over 12 Richmond
This will be a very fun game to watch. If Richmond can beat the press, they will knock down the open jumper and can turn this game into great theater. I just don't think Richmond has the pedigree that shows it can topple a Big East giant.
Sweet 16
1 Kansas over 4 Louisville
Louisville's pressure will be tough for the Jayhawks to handle as Kansas doesn't have a point guard, but I actually see Josh Selby as a big key to this one. Either way, Kansas is way too big up front for Louisville.
2 Notre Dame over 3 Purdue
Notre Dame strictly puts the pedal to the metal in this one and outscores a good Purdue team that simply can't keep up.
Elite 8
1 Kansas over 2 Notre Dame
Too much Morris twins with a splash of Morningstar. I know I got nailed by Kansas last year (the name Ali Farokhmanesh still gives me chills), but I like Kansas to learn from the last year and force the issue inside. Please help me. I have Bill Self in the Final Four again. There should be a rehab facility for this.
WEST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Duke advances
2 San Diego State advances
3 Connecticut advances
4 Texas over 13 Oakland
I would love Oakland if it wasn't facing a four-seed Texas team that should have been a 2-seed. Oakland is athletic and tries to run teams out of the gym. Texas is more athletic and has one of the best players in the country in Jordan Hamilton.
5 Arizona over 12 Memphis
Speaking of best players in the country. Meet Derrick Williams, as sure a pick as there is in the NBA Draft for the season that won't happen because of a lockout. But that's a story for another column.
6 Cincinnati over 11 Missouri
Missouri's actually favored in this one but I saw Cincinnati play some great games this year. I saw Missouri play some good ones too but they were all at home. I'll take Cincinnati's defense down the stretch.
10 Penn State over 7 Temple
I like Penn State for some reason. I watched them down the stretch and they play aggressively and have a senior-laden squad. Call it a hunch, but I'll go with the Nittany Lions as a result of Temple's inability to shut down the perimeter. Or the hunch, either way.
9 Tennessee over 8 Michigan
Orange suspenders. Nuff said.
2nd Round
1 Duke over 9 Tennessee
Bye bye orange suspenders.
2 San Diego State over 10 Penn State
SDSU is going to frustrate, trap, and frustrate some more. The up-tempo style will be far too much for the Nittany Lions to handle.
3 Connecticut over 6 Cincinnati
In their only matchup, UConn won 67-59 at Cincy. I'll take some Kemba please.
4 Texas over 5 Arizona
I like 'Zona but I watched an outgunned UCLA team shut the Wildcats down. Texas has too many weapons for Arizona to keep up with. 'Zona's backcourt gets shown up in this one.
Sweet 16
1 Duke over 4 Texas
Coach K vs. Rick Barnes.
2 San Diego State over 3 Connecticut
I will be biting my nails the entire time against UConn. The pressure won't work because Kemba is a one man press break. But I like SDSU's ability to move the ball and think that SDSU has the guns to keep up with UConn and eke one out.
Elite 8
1 Duke over 2 San Diego State
Sorry to Coach Fisher and the Fab 5 rooting for him but I'm loving Duke this season as tough as that is to say. And if the Dukies get Kyrie Irving back? Wow.
FINAL FOUR
1 Duke over 3 Syracuse
The Blue Devils are a balanced team led by one of the best players in the nation in Nolan Smith. And if Irving's healthy, I'm not sure Smith is the best PG on the team. Duke likes to play from the outside in, but I'm not sure that Syracuse can punish them enough.
1 Kansas over 1 Pittsburgh
What am I doing? I don't know, but I just don't think that Pitt can match up inside with the Morris twins, even though they're a tough Big East team. It's killing me to have Kansas going this far.
CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Duke over 1 Kansas
Coach K vs. Bill Self. Ok fine, I flipped a coin.
ENJOY THE MADNESS!
P.S. My sister Lauren's picks to be posted tomorrow, just so I can be embarrassed publicly after having put all this time and effort into my picks.
1. Don't pick a 1, 2, or 3 seed to lose in the 1st round. For every great upset there are a million other chalk picks going through. The odds just aren't with you. A few too many bad upset picks and you're out of your bracket before things even get underway. Sorry Northern Colorado.
2. Stats matter. Don't pick a team that loses the turnover battle. Don't pick a team that can't rebound. Don't pick a team that can't shoot or defend the 3-point line.
3. Coaching matters. Look at some of the players to come out of Texas. How do they never go deep into the tournament?
4. Don't pick an upset if the underdog can't shoot threes. Conversely, a good higher seed to go against is one that can't defend the 3-point line. Even if a team keeps pounding the ball inside and getting consistent buckets, if they're giving up 3 at the other end, they're losing, they're getting antsy, they fall into the shootout trap.
5. Don't be a hero. Every year there are people in your pool who pick some random team to win it all with the thought, "hey, if Team X wins it all, I win the pool." If you feel that way, what's the point of a bracket? Just go to Vegas and put your money down on Louisville to win it all at 20-1. Finally, the team that wins it all will also likely have a double digit scoring margin for the season. Winning close games is nice, but blowing out early round opponents is important also.
BONUS: The deeper you get into the tournament, the more important it becomes to have a consistent scorer. When I say scorer, I mean someone who can create on his own, not just a shooter. Balance matters, but the team that wins it all will have a go-to guy. Guaranteed.
FYI: It's not an official round if I'm allowed to pick the winner of that round as "Play-In Winner." I will therefore refer to the rounds as they should be referred to.
EAST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Ohio State advances
2 North Carolina advances
3 Syracuse advances
4 Kentucky over 13 Princeton
Kentucky is far too athletic and can simply outscore Princeton, even on an off day. Kentucky will force turnovers, out-rebound the Tigers and coast to a double digit victory.
5 West Virginia over 12 Play-In Winner
Don't you love the "Play-In Winner?" It's like having a 1 and 1A in horse racing. Except here, the 1 and 1A eked into the tournament and don't exactly deserve to be there. West Virginia isn't going to overwhelm too many teams on offense, but stifling defense will be enough in this 1st round matchup.
6 Xavier over 11 Marquette
Marquette will be a trendy upset pick but Xavier is just a better version of Marquette. Solid guard play for both teams, edge to Xavier. Marquette doesn't guard the three-point line and will struggle on the glass in this one. Xavier pulls away late.
7 Washington over 10 Georgia
How did Georgia get into the tournament again?
8 George Mason over 9 Villanova
I would love to buck the trend and take 'Nova seeing how everybody is in love with George Mason. The problem is that Villanova has zero front court and will get lit up from downtown. Add to that the fact that 'Nova is coming in with a 0 out of 10 on the momentum scale and I'll go with the battle tested George Mason squad just like everybody else.
2nd Round
1 Ohio State over 8 George Mason
The Patriots "could struggle with a team that boasts a top front court player." - Joe Lunardi . . . George Mason, meet Mr. Sullinger.
7 Washington over 2 North Carolina
The Tar Heels can overwhelm most teams with their pace. That won't happen against the uber-athletic Huskies. The Tar Heels can't afford another slow start here, but most importantly, the Tar Heels can't guard the high screen and roll. Isaiah Thomas thrives off the high screen and roll. He is too fast and Carolina will not be able to adjust. That 33.3% 3-pt FG isn't getting it done either. Mild upset here.
3 Syracuse over 6 Xavier
Some say that Xavier matches up well with Syracuse because of the 2-3 that the 'Cuse use. However, most don't realize that the Orange don't allow a great 3-pt FG percentage (31.2%). If Boeheim can hammer it through his players' heads that they need to play through Rick Jackson down low, then I have no qualms about taking the 'Cuse to go far this year.
4 Kentucky over 5 West Virginia
Kentucky will take advantage of the Mountaineers' lulls on offense. Huggy Bear's boys this year do not have the firepower to worry the depth-challenged Wildcats. I see Kentucky fairly smoothly advancing to the Sweet 16.
Sweet 16
1 Ohio State over 4 Kentucky
This is by no means a walk in the park for the Buckeyes. However, Kentucky will run into foul trouble trying to deal with Sullinger inside. Kentucky is as deep as the shallow end of my pool. Too much Sullinger.
3 Syracuse over 7 Washington
Both teams will get out and run. This game will be back and forth. But when the game comes down to the last few minutes, I'll go with Syracuse as the team that can get stops.
Elite 8
3 Syracuse over 1 Ohio State
I know, I know. Don't be a hero. But I'm not, I swear. I watched Northwestern show the rest of the country the recipe for success against the Buckeyes. Let Sullinger get his and stop the three ball. Syracuse does that as a rule in the way it runs its zone. They'll let Sullinger get his looks, especially from the high post. But Diebler will not. That will be the difference. Rick Jackson is a huge factor in this one. Orange to Houston.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Pittsburgh advances
2 Florida advances
3 BYU advances
4 Wisconsin over 13 Belmont
I like Belmont, a lot, but not in this matchup. I know I'm the only guy with Wisconsin winning this one, but Belmont just doesn't match up well with Wisconsin. The Badgers will focus on the close out against Belmont's shooters and Belmont will struggle in the slower paced game. Badgers eke another first round game out, same as last year.
5 Kansas State over 12 Utah State
I really want to pick against Kansas State but Utah State has burned me too many times. Utah State won't be able to match up with Kansas State's size but most importantly, Jacob Pullen is a difference maker. By far the best player on the court in this one.
11 Gonzaga over 6 St. John's
I originally had the Red Storm marching on quite far, however, I see a tough loss now in round one. St. John's is aggressive, but against the Zags, that can hurt as the Zags will punish you at the free throw line. Further, St. John's will be forced into 3-point shots which do not often fall for them. Lastly, St. John's lost its leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, D.J. Kennedy, to a torn ACL in the Big East Tournament. The Zags ride the wave past Lavin's crew.
7 UCLA over 10 Michigan State
Come on, it's only one point if I lose this one. A guy can hope, can't he? C'mon Bruins.
8 Butler over 9 Old Dominion
EVERYBODY has ODU. I'll go with the team that made it to the final last year and almost won that is now clicking. I know they lost Hayward, but ODU does not defend the arc well in that 2-3 zone they play.
2nd Round
1 Pittsburgh over 8 Butler
Butler will get into foul trouble early. Howard is key to Butler's success, just as he was last year. Pittsburgh is just to physical for Butler to avoid its usual pitfall.
2 Florida over 7 UCLA
It hurts. I know.
11 Gonzaga over 3 BYU
I loved BYU this season, until the honor code kicked in that is. Watch as Jimmer tries to shoot the Cougars into the Sweet 16 but Mark Few bottles him up (by bottles him up I mean holds him to 30). BYU now has no answer for 7-0, 260 lb Robert Sacre inside.
4 Wisconsin over 5 Kansas State
This is a very underwhelming matchup. I like Wisconsin because Kansas State seems to get rattled in the Big Dance every year. Wisconsin's defense will frustrate Kansas State in a low scoring mess of a game.
Sweet 16
1 Pittsburgh over 4 Wisconsin
This will be a slaughter if it comes to pass. The Badgers can't score nearly enough points to keep up with a Pittsburgh team that is solid all the way around.
2 Florida over 11 Gonzaga
I don't know what Florida did to deserve such a high seed and easy road, but the Gators will be in the Elite 8. Florida wins a slugfest against Gonzaga. Chandler Parsons ups his stock in this year's tourney (as long as some teams in Greece are watching).
Elite 8
1 Pittsburgh over 2 Florida
Jamie Dixon finally busts through into the Final Four. Florida's strength is its presence inside. Pittsburgh, despite its newfound scoring ability, can still defend and be a bruising team inside. Panthers through to Houston.
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL (what happened to the Midwest?)
1 Kansas advances
2 Notre Dame advances
3 Purdue advances
4 Louisville over 13 Morehead State
PG-13 alert! I really hope whoever announces this game makes the Rick Pitino more head joke.
Back to business. The pressure is way too much for Morehead State. Not close in this one.
12 Richmond over 5 Vanderbilt
Trendy pick alert! What can I say? They shoot the ball well, take care of the ball, and the Spiders are playing a Vandy team that's 5-5 on the road on the year. Richmond finally gets through.
11 Play-In Winner over 6 Georgetown
The injury to Chris Wright killed the Hoyas. He was cleared to play but I doubt he'll be a difference maker for a team that needs him to be exactly that. I see the Trojans (gulp) advancing here. But I get credit if VCU gets through too! Play-In Winner!
10 Florida State over 7 Texas A&M
Flip a coin in this game. Both teams play exceptional defense. But while I expect Texas A&M to avoid the turnover, I don't expect them to be able to get the ball inside. Florida State gets Singleton back and he'll be the difference.
9 Illinois over 8 UNLV
This isn't the same UNLV team that made that nice run. And why is everybody overlooking this Illinois team? They're actually pretty good in a tough conference. UNLV can't shoot and the Illini's defense won't help matters for them. Illinois gets by in easier fashion than you think.
2nd Round
1 Kansas over 9 Illinois
The Jayhawks will pound the ball inside against Illinois, but don't be surprised if this is a tough game for Kansas. I'll take the guy with the orange jacket over Bill "Deer in Headlights" Self. Yes, he stole that nickname from Rick Barnes.
2 Notre Dame over 10 Florida State
You know who can solve the mystery that is the Seminole defense? The Fighting Irish. They are an amazing team to watch on offense. They move the ball better than anybody and their spacing is always on point. Add to that the younger Hansbrough and you have a scary team.
3 Purdue over 11 Play-In Winner
Sorry Play-In Winner but Purdue is too good. I know they struggled down the stretch but the combo of JaJuan Johnson and E'TWaun Moore is fun to watch (yes, I had to look up the spelling). Far too much, especially with a good coach in Painter.
4 Louisville over 12 Richmond
This will be a very fun game to watch. If Richmond can beat the press, they will knock down the open jumper and can turn this game into great theater. I just don't think Richmond has the pedigree that shows it can topple a Big East giant.
Sweet 16
1 Kansas over 4 Louisville
Louisville's pressure will be tough for the Jayhawks to handle as Kansas doesn't have a point guard, but I actually see Josh Selby as a big key to this one. Either way, Kansas is way too big up front for Louisville.
2 Notre Dame over 3 Purdue
Notre Dame strictly puts the pedal to the metal in this one and outscores a good Purdue team that simply can't keep up.
Elite 8
1 Kansas over 2 Notre Dame
Too much Morris twins with a splash of Morningstar. I know I got nailed by Kansas last year (the name Ali Farokhmanesh still gives me chills), but I like Kansas to learn from the last year and force the issue inside. Please help me. I have Bill Self in the Final Four again. There should be a rehab facility for this.
WEST REGIONAL
1st Round
1 Duke advances
2 San Diego State advances
3 Connecticut advances
4 Texas over 13 Oakland
I would love Oakland if it wasn't facing a four-seed Texas team that should have been a 2-seed. Oakland is athletic and tries to run teams out of the gym. Texas is more athletic and has one of the best players in the country in Jordan Hamilton.
5 Arizona over 12 Memphis
Speaking of best players in the country. Meet Derrick Williams, as sure a pick as there is in the NBA Draft for the season that won't happen because of a lockout. But that's a story for another column.
6 Cincinnati over 11 Missouri
Missouri's actually favored in this one but I saw Cincinnati play some great games this year. I saw Missouri play some good ones too but they were all at home. I'll take Cincinnati's defense down the stretch.
10 Penn State over 7 Temple
I like Penn State for some reason. I watched them down the stretch and they play aggressively and have a senior-laden squad. Call it a hunch, but I'll go with the Nittany Lions as a result of Temple's inability to shut down the perimeter. Or the hunch, either way.
9 Tennessee over 8 Michigan
Orange suspenders. Nuff said.
2nd Round
1 Duke over 9 Tennessee
Bye bye orange suspenders.
2 San Diego State over 10 Penn State
SDSU is going to frustrate, trap, and frustrate some more. The up-tempo style will be far too much for the Nittany Lions to handle.
3 Connecticut over 6 Cincinnati
In their only matchup, UConn won 67-59 at Cincy. I'll take some Kemba please.
4 Texas over 5 Arizona
I like 'Zona but I watched an outgunned UCLA team shut the Wildcats down. Texas has too many weapons for Arizona to keep up with. 'Zona's backcourt gets shown up in this one.
Sweet 16
1 Duke over 4 Texas
Coach K vs. Rick Barnes.
2 San Diego State over 3 Connecticut
I will be biting my nails the entire time against UConn. The pressure won't work because Kemba is a one man press break. But I like SDSU's ability to move the ball and think that SDSU has the guns to keep up with UConn and eke one out.
Elite 8
1 Duke over 2 San Diego State
Sorry to Coach Fisher and the Fab 5 rooting for him but I'm loving Duke this season as tough as that is to say. And if the Dukies get Kyrie Irving back? Wow.
FINAL FOUR
1 Duke over 3 Syracuse
The Blue Devils are a balanced team led by one of the best players in the nation in Nolan Smith. And if Irving's healthy, I'm not sure Smith is the best PG on the team. Duke likes to play from the outside in, but I'm not sure that Syracuse can punish them enough.
1 Kansas over 1 Pittsburgh
What am I doing? I don't know, but I just don't think that Pitt can match up inside with the Morris twins, even though they're a tough Big East team. It's killing me to have Kansas going this far.
CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Duke over 1 Kansas
Coach K vs. Bill Self. Ok fine, I flipped a coin.
ENJOY THE MADNESS!
P.S. My sister Lauren's picks to be posted tomorrow, just so I can be embarrassed publicly after having put all this time and effort into my picks.
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