Who is the Best Team in College Basketball?

Josh Hart, Villanova

While March and April tend to be the craziest months of the college basketball season, that doesn't mean the sport is devoid of plenty of upsets and chaos well before that. This past week we saw plenty of evidence of that; the nation's top team, Villanova, surrendered a 15-point lead before losing to Marquette, No. 2 Kansas lost to high-flying West Virginia, Kentucky dropped to Tennessee despite being a heavy favorite and the Pac-12's "best" team, UCLA, lost twice. While an important weekend of college hoops will help us gain some clarity, it doesn't appear there is any true, invincible team to beat. Even so, there are a long list of contenders that could fit the mold of being the best in the land.

Villanova Wildcats (19-2, 6-2 Big East)
The reigning National Champion Wildcats have followed up last year's terrific run with a great year, jumping out to a 14-0 mark before suffering their first loss of the season to Butler. Their loss to Marquette, a solid, but unranked team, is likely to drop them from their perch at No. 1. With that being said, this team still has all the ingredients of a very good basketball team. Guard Josh Hart put his name into the NBA Draft before eventually returning, and the results have spoken for themselves. He is averaging 19 points per game while shooting extremely efficiently and appears to be near the forefront of the Wooden Award race. Joining Hart has been a steady crop of veterans, namely Kris Jenkins (last year's National Championship Game hero is averaging 13.7 PPG and 4.0 RPG) and point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson doesn't get a whole lot of national attention, but the sophomore's growth has been a major reason for Villanova's success in '16-'17, as he has played smarter and with more confidence, while taking over the key role of running the offense from departed Ryan Arcidiacono. While their losses over the past few weeks have shown the Wildcats are far from perfect, this team still appears to be a prime example of a legitimate National Title contender. They have enough depth, talent and experience to repeat as champions of the sport.

Gonzaga Bulldogs (21-0, 9-0 West Coast Conference)
With plenty of teams losing in front of them, it appears the nation's lone unbeaten, Gonzaga, has a chance to take over the No.1 spot, but do they deserve it? The extremely consistent Bulldogs are up to their usual tricks, bulldozing the rest of the West Coast Conference en route to a 9-0 conference start. They also recorded a healthy amount of solid non-conference victories, including beating Florida, Arizona and Iowa State. Much of their success can be attributed to a number of high-profile newcomers, namely Washington transfer Nigel Williams-Goss and freshman Zach Collins. Williams-Goss has shown excellent command of the offense, while the youthful Collins is leading Gonzaga in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage. Plus, 'Zaga always has gigantic Przemek Karnowski to fall back on, as the 7'1", 300-pound behemoth continues to bully opponents in the paint. Even so, there are a wide number of detractors who don't believe in Gonzaga. Playing in such a weak conference has never helped the Bulldogs gain national respect, and one could argue this team simply doesn't deserve to be called the nation's best team when they are beating squads like Portland as others are battling it out in the brutal ACC or Big 12 every night. I think Gonzaga has their usual fair share of offensive weapons and diversity, but I agree it is hard to get behind a team whose resume is not quite up to snub with some of the other top teams.

Kansas Jayhawks (18-2, 7-1 Big 12)
Like clockwork, Kansas just keeps on churning out successful seasons. The Jayhawks have withstood the losses of guys like Wayne Selden and Perry Ellis, managing to look perhaps even better in the process. You could definitely argue Kansas has the nation's best backcourt, with Frank Mason and Devonte' Graham leading the charge. Mason is as good as ever, as the senior is putting up 19.9 PPG with 5.2 APG, while the fearless Graham has proven to be one heck of a complement. When joined by tremendous freshman Josh Jackson and vastly improved Svi Mykhailiuk, you definitely can see the talent on display in Lawrence. Yet, there are also some questions KU has to answer. Key forward Carlton Bragg was just recently suspended indefinitely and his future is very murky, which hurts an already thin frontcourt. Also concerning is the vast amount of great teams in the always-tough Big 12, namely West Virginia and Baylor. Even so, KU has still won 12 straight conference titles, and looks to be clearly very good as we progress through 2017.

Baylor Bears (19-1, 7-1 Big 12)
Even the most optimistic fans in Waco may not have expected the type of season Baylor has had in 2016-2017. The Bears beat Oregon, Louisville and Xavier in the non-conference before a hot start to their Big 12 slate. They reached the pinnacle of No. 1 before a 19-point loss to West Virginia, but have responded with four straight victories, including two road wins over tough Kansas State and TCU. Big man Johnathan Motley has been a major reason for the Bears success, as the productive forward is nearly averaging a double-double (16.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG), while Miami transfer Manu Lecomte has also evolved into an All-Conference player. The big question has got to be who is on the sidelines. Head coach Scott Drew has turned around Baylor's program since he arrived, but has received plenty of criticism for his in-game and situational coaching. Against some of the other powers of the sport, who are just as talented, that could be a serious issue. Baylor still as a significant chance to be the No. 2 team in the polls next week, and a matchup with Kansas on the road could still be very telling on just how good this team is.

Kentucky Wildcats (17-3, 7-1 SEC)
Despite being immensely talented, there was certainly some questions on just how well Kentucky and their youngsters would mesh this season. Although there is still plenty of time left, the Wildcats appear to have silenced any doubters. Their youthful backcourt has been astounding, with wonderful production from freshmen Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox and sophomore Isaiah Briscoe. There was plenty of hype surrounding Monk on to '16-'17, but has smashed expectations, averaging nearly 22 points per game and dominating in a victory against UNC. Also helping out Kentucky's case is the weak conference they play in, which could help them close out the year in a big way. While South Carolina and Florida are okay, there doesn't appear to much competition for the 'Cats in the conference and while there is still plenty of time left, they might not lose another game this year, if they can get past Kansas this weekend.

Arizona Wildcats (19-2, 8-0 Pac-12)
There is no denying how good this Arizona team is when at full strength. After being beat up heavily to start the season, Arizona is flaming hot, flawless in the Pac-12 at the moment, and just beat UCLA. Dynamic forward Lauri Markannen has gone from a unheralded name to an absolute force, and true freshman Kobi Simmons has been extremely productive, and led the way to the upset of the Bruins. Perhaps most important for 'Zona, though, is the return of Allonzo Trier. Trier was suspended after testing positive for an illegal substance but is back, and could take over the duty of being the No.1 scorer on the roster. Meetings with Washington and Oregon State await before a huge clash with the similarly-hot Oregon Ducks, which could play a huge role on not only the Pac-12 scene but national stage.


The Verdict: This has been an interesting season of college basketball up to this point, and things should get even more crazy as conference play continues. There is so much talent and upside on so many different teams, and even teams not mentioned here could very well end the year as National Champs (see UNC, UCLA, Oregon, Florida State, etc.). At this juncture, my pick for the nation's top team: Villanova. It may seem relatively unexciting because they are the defending champs and have been locked up at No. 1 for a large chunk of the season. They have the veteran leadership, scoring punch and versatility needed to beat anybody in the nation, even if they don't have the same flash as say, Kentucky. Yet, there is still plenty of basketball left to be played, and things will change. While the title of "college basketball's best team" is still up for debate some things are not: this will be a season filled with plenty more upsets and a lot more fun before it is all said and done.

College Basketball Sneak Peek 2016-2017

Derryck Thornton

Villanova capped off perhaps one of the best National Championships ever with a Kris Jenkins three that will forever be etched in March Madness history. The Wildcats will spend their time celebrating the victory, but college basketball never stops. Here is the way-too-early sneak peek at the teams and players to watch for the 2016-2017 season:
Note: A new rule allows players to put their name in the draft pool and participate in the NBA Combine with the chance they can return to school if they don't like their draft position, essentially testing the waters. This means not every player who applies for Draft entry will actually leave next this offseason. 

1. Duke Blue Devils
This past season, Duke was extremely talented, with studs like Brandon Ingram, Grayson Allen and underrated Luke Kennard dotting their roster. Unfortunately, depth became too much of an issue for them to overcome, forcing them to bow out in the Sweet 16 to Oregon. In 2016-2017, talent will be everywhere on the court, per typical Duke standards. Ingram is gone, and Allen and more may well follow. Though, Kennard and steady point guard Derryck Thornton will most likely be back, along with Amile Jefferson, who will most likely receive a medical redshirt after missing most of 2015-2016. However for the Blue Devils it isn't about who's coming back as it is about who is coming in. Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum are the top two players in the Class of 2016, and have superstar potential. Frank Jackson will also arrive and help Thornton at point, as Thornton was Duke's only true point guard a year ago.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
Another likely offseason makeover for John Calipari and Kentucky, but yet another high ranking. That is just how college basketball is nowadays. Kentucky will lose a number of valuable assets including senior forward Alex Poythress and sharpshooting Jamal Murray at point guard. Though their biggest loss could be Tyler Ulis, who was the nation's best point guard as a sophomore. Ulis remains a strange NBA prospect, and he very well could opt to return to Lexington. If he does, Kentucky may be the best team in the entire nation, because the talent beyond him is special. De'Aaron Fox is one of the Class of 2016's top point guards, and Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk bring plenty of star power. Valuable holdovers like Marcus Lee, Derek Willis and likely Isaiah Briscoe could also help fuel a deep Wildcats' tourney run.
3. Villanova Wildcats
After four great years and a fantastic Championship run, Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu's time in Philadelphia has come to a close. Despite that, Jay Wright will once more have something special, headed by the hero of the Championship, Kris Jenkins and company. Jenkins has the chance to be a special player, while Jalen Brunson, a former bigtime recruit will likely take big steps in his sophomore season. Leading scorer Josh Hart is perhaps the nation's most underrated player and five-star big man Omari Spellman could be even better than Ochefu.
4. Kansas Jayhawks
Losing program cornerstones like Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden, along with likely other valuable reserves would be daunting for any coach. But, for Bill Self it is just another offseason in Lawrence, Kansas. The Jayhawks will obviously miss Ellis and Selden, but their backcourt could be the nation's best next season, with Frank Mason and Devonta' Graham leading the charge. The Jayhawks could lose Cheick Diallo, Brannen Greene and Carlton Bragg, but big man Udoka Azuikbe is going to be very good, and they still have time to reel in one of 2016's greatest prizes, swingman Josh Jackson.
5. UNC Tar Heels
North Carolina may be coming off one of the most heartbreaking losses in NCAA Tournament history, and they will goodbye to longtime playmakers Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson. Though, the Tar Heels could still be in play for a Final Four, depending on what becomes of their underclassmen. Forward Justin Jackson will likely test NBA waters, but if he returns he could be a true No. 1 option. Isaiah Hicks, Kennedy Meeks and Nate Britt will also be interesting to watch. If Hicks and Meeks both return, the Tar Heels could still have a very formidable frontcourt. UNC also brings in a strong class, headlined by wonderful guard Seventh Woods.
6. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks proved this past year they could be talked about with the Big Boys and back it up, winning the Pac-12 and reaching the Elite Eight. Oregon could be even better this year, thanks to the likely returns of their big three: Dillon Brooks, Tyler Dorsey and Jordan Bell. Shot-blocking specialist Chris Boucher will also most likely be back and a year later than expected, Villanova transfer Dylan Ennis is healthy and ready to go. While the Pac-12 should be significantly tougher this year, the Ducks are still the clear favorite.
7. Xavier Muskeeters
If not for Bronson Koenig's miraculous shot at the buzzer to lift Wisconsin to a win, Xavier very well could have been a Elite Eight team and beyond. Chris Mack will have a solid group returning throughout the roster, but will have to wait and see on Trevon Bluiett. Bluiett very well could turn pro, but if he doesn't, the Musketeers may have the Big East's best player. Sophomore Edmund Sumner was terrific as a freshman and should get even better, and Xavier will hope from bigger things from junior J.P. Macura. Also, USC transfer Katin Reinhardt is considering Xavier, and he could add a dynamic scorer on the wing.
8. Virginia Cavaliers
For the third straight year, Virginia was unable to turn their top-two seed into a Final Four, but they were as close as they possibly could have been. The Cavs will miss Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill, but Tony Bennett is a great coach, and he has really built something at UVA. Point guard London Perrantes will keep the offense humming, while the Cavaliers should expect big things from forward Isaiah Wilkins and Marial Shayok. The addition of Memphis transfer Austin Nichols should help ease the loss of the three big men: Gill, Evan Nolte and Mike Tobey.
9. Michigan State Spartans
It seemed nearly half the nation picked MSU to win it all this season and what happened? They fell flat on their face against the C-USA Champions. As sad as it is to see seniors Denzel Valentine, Matt Costello and Bryn Forbes leave on such a depressing note, Tom Izzo should have another great team in East Lansing. Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn could run the offense, while former West Virginia transfer Eron Harris showed plenty of promise last season. Deyonta Davis should help ease the loss of Costello, who was a superb rebounder. Izzo did a masterful job on the recruiting trail this year, reeling in three big-time recruits, namely Miles Bridges, an insane athlete who should star from Day One.
10. Arizona Wildcats
It should say something about the state of Arizona basketball that the Wildcats won 25 games and finished off strong in the Pac-12 and it was still a down year. It should also say something that the Wildcats will lose three great seniors and are still a National Championship possibility. Alonzo Trier will be back healthy after missing a big chunk of last season. The youthful wing was absolutely terrific last season and should be even better. Kadeem Allen should be also be in store for a big 2016-2017, and Sean Miller reeled in a number of great recruits, most notably Kobi Simmons. The Wildcats are also in the running for Josh Jackson, along with Kansas and MSU.

Others in the Mix

Syracuse Orange
Ignoring the fact they lost 14 games, Syracuse did make a pretty remarkable run to the Final Four this year and will return plenty of talent. Big man Tyler Lydon is going to be a great center, while Malachi Richardson had games where he absolutely took over. Senior Tyler Roberson is a good defender and rebounder and Boeheim develops young talent as good as anyone.

Louisville Cardinals
This could be a peculiar offseason in Louisville, as NCAA investigation looms over the basketball team. For the time being, the Cards will lean heavily on the services of veterans Mangok Mathiang and Chinanu Onuaku along with guard Quentin Snider. The additions of freshman V.J. King and Penn transfer Tony Hicks should keep Louisville afloat in the brutal ACC.

UConn Huskies
Kevin Ollie has certainly done a great job at UConn but there is no denying his team underachieved last season. The good news is the Huskies could be better, even with the losses of a number of seniors and do-it-all Daniel Hamilton. Amida Brimah continues to take strides as a center and the backcourt is stocked with talent, most notably Jalen Adams and NC State transfer Rodney Purvis.

UCLA Bruins
A 15-17 overall and 6-12 conference mark did little to take the pressure off of Steve Alford at UCLA. Once more, Alford responded by reeling in an extremely talented recruiting class, headed by guard Lonzo Ball and forward T.J. Leaf. They will join Alford's son, Bryce, and Isaac Hamilton to form what could be a very sneaky Bruins team.

Virginia Tech Hokies
If you want a dark horse look no further then Blacksburg, Virginia, where Buzz Williams has a legitimate contender in just his third year at the school. The Hokies ended last season on fire and return every single major contributor. That includes underrated Zach LeDay and Maryland transfer Seth Allen, who should lead the show.

2016 NCAA Basketball Championship Prediction

Josh Hart & Kris Jenkins

Three weeks later, and only two teams remain in the 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament. The No. 1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels have rode their veteran lineup and great depth to five straight victories, while Villanova has been a major surprise, moving past their recent March struggles to reach the Championship Game as well. After an exciting opening weekend, this year's tournament has really been lacking in excitement and close games, highlighted by two blowout Final Four victories. Rest assured, no blowouts will be happening here. These two teams are scorching hot and are about as evenly matched as they come. This is sure to be one exciting battle to decide who is crowned champion of the college basketball world this season.

From top to bottom, there may not be a basketball team in the nation that can match up with North Carolina. It isn't just their stars, but the fact they have a whole double unit that can come in and contribute as well. Off the bench, guys like Isaiah Hicks, gritty Joel James and play-making Theo Pinson play big roles and have had a great couple of games. The starting lineup includes seniors Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson, along with swingman Justin Jackson and massive Kennedy Meeks. Paige has been extremely important to the Tar Heels throughout his time in Chapel Hill, but particularly in their last five games. The senior point guard was struggling mightily from deep entering March but has been absolutely flaming hot since then. Villanova's guards are great defenders, but expect Paige to still be looking for his shot. Down low, Johnson has continued a terrific regular season with a dominant postseason. Johnson has been an absolute beast all year long on the boards, particularly offensive. He has proven to also have a capable mid-range shot and appears to be on a mission to win a Championship as his grand finale with UNC. Jackson provides tremendous athleticism and shooting on the wings, while Meeks has moments where he can dominate down low. The three-headed monster of Meeks, Johnson and Hicks (not to mention James) will be an absolute load for a relatively undersized Villanova team to handle. Don't be surprised if North Carolina pounds it in the paint early and often, particularly if the game comes down to the wire.

The Wildcats have gone on their run behind their talented group of veterans, especially their top two seniors, Daniel Ochefu and Ryan Arcidiacono. Arcidiacono is so hot he has been shooting over 60% from the field this tournament, and is feeling it from deep. The four-year captain is playing in a manner similar to Johnson; dead set on ending his collegiate career with a Championship, and it is clear, with the hustle and heart he plays with. Ochefu has transformed into a dominant low post presence and he will play a huge role against Johnson and Meeks. The Wildcats also possess great versatility throughout their lineup and it will be interesting to see how the Tar Heels' inconsistent defense performs. Kris Jenkins has turned it on this tournament and remains a great shooter and scorer. His strength and power versus Justin Jackson's speed and versatility could be an intriguing battle on the wing. Josh Hart is one of the nation's most underrated players, a guy who always finds ways to score. He has played terrific this tournament and could be a real headache against the Tar Heels' defense. Freshman Jalen Brunson has blessed Villanova with more balance and he works well with Arcidiacono in the backcourt. This whole Villanova team appears radioactive hot, as they hit 71 percent as a team this past Saturday against Oklahoma in a 44-point thumping of the Sooners. Though, it is hard to keep that hot shooting up throughout six games, and their defense, which has also been great, could struggle against the versatility and power of the UNC offense.

Both of these teams seem to be great matches against each other. They have both have veteran point guards, sturdy and versatile big men, and wings can shoot the ball. They bring depth, experience and smarts to the table, along with plenty of motivation for their four-year seniors. North Carolina may the nation's best team, but it will be interesting to see if their backcourt can handle Arcidiacono, Brunson and Hart all on the court together. Plus, this Villanova team is just hotter and playing better at the right time. Oklahoma and Kansas were Final Four teams and Villanova had no problems, and while UNC is beating opponents, they haven't played the same competition (a six in the Elite Eight and a 10 seed in the Final Four) that 'Nova has. This game is sure to be exciting and down to the wire, but in the end Villanova should complete their redemption story.
Villanova by four

Final Four Picks 2016

Brice Johnson

1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. 10 Syracuse Orange
Who would have ever thought that Syracuse, who entered the NCAA Tournament 19-13 and extremely cold would be playing in the Final Four this season? The Orange certainly have gotten some help from sheer luck (such as Michigan State, their likely second round matchup, bowing out early) but they also have played great and have shown amazing will power late in games against Gonzaga and Virginia. The Orange will now get a chance to continue their crazy run against the tournament's last remaining No. 1 seed, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Syracuse doesn't have a lot of big-name NBA prospects, but the talent on their roster is undeniable. Former Duke guard Michael Gbinije has been terrific this tournament, freshman Malachi Richardson has turned into a true weapon, and underrated Tyler Roberson has made his impact felt. The Orange lack a true point guard, but their entire lineup has great length and playmaking ability, and Jim Boeheim's patented 2-3 zone has worked to perfection throughout this tournament. North Carolina's biggest weakness is their three-point shooting, and it is hard to really have success against the 2-3 without at least hitting some threes. Marcus Paige has turned it on as of late, but beyond that, UNC may be pressed to score. Sharpshooting senior Trevor Cooney is sure to make an impact as well for Syracuse, and freshman Tyler Lydon has had a great couple of games. Though, the Orange run just seven guys, and UNC runs the floor extremely well, because their bigs are just so athletic. That could be a major problem for Syracuse, and it will be interesting to see how Boeheim counters it. Talent-wise, I think UNC is by far and away the best team left in the tournament. Paige can run the show, Justin Jackson has turned it on significantly after a turbulent year, and I don't think there is a team in the nation that can match up with the Tar Heels' frontcourt of Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks and Joel James. Johnson will play a huge role for the Tar Heels; the senior has been an absolute monster all year long and will be determined to go out on top. He likely will spend a lot of time positioned right in the heart of Syracuse's 2-3, where UNC will rely on him hitting mid-range shots, which he has proven he can do. He will also have to do work on the glass, because he is definitely a better rebounder than Lydon or even Roberson.

Talent-wise North Carolina is a better team, and they have more experience and depth. But, the Tar Heels also have choked away many games away throughout the Roy Williams era, and the Orange have capitalized this tournament, coming back in big ways against both Virginia and Gonzaga. However, I think UNC may just be too much for the youthful Orange too handle. Unless Richardson and Gbinije absolutely dominate, and Johnson struggles or gets in foul trouble, the Heels should roll. Physically no team can match up with UNC, and their experience and discipline should also help guide them to a win over the Tournament's dark horse.
North Carolina by eleven

2 Villanova Wildcats vs. 2 Oklahoma Sooners
Earlier this season, Oklahoma and Villanova squared off in a non-conference clash. The Sooners thoroughly dominated, winning by 23 points, and waking up the nation that this team is a legit National Championship threat. Months later, the two teams will meet again, but with vastly different circumstances. Villanova has made a very surprising Final Four run behind a veteran lineup and plenty of sharpshooters, while Oklahoma has continued to play great behind likely National Player of the Year Buddy Hield and scorching hot Jordan Woodard. While the Sooners will be a tough out, one thing is nearly certain: they will not be coming out with a 23-point victory in this one.

The Villanova Wildcats don't look a ton different this year than the past few years, when they have had disappointing and short lived NCAA Tournament trips. Though, they are much more balanced than in year's past, are on fire from three and have a dominant big man for the first time in a long time. The addition of Jalen Brunson has enabled Jay Wright to use two ball-handlers, with senior Ryan Arcidiacono also playing a huge role. It gives Villanova more options, consistent point guard play and a good offensive attack. It also helps that Arcidiacono is playing some of the best basketball of his long four-year career at Villanova. Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins are playing terrific as floor-spacers, and Hart has proven that he can take over games when this team needs him to. Perhaps even more important than these other things for 'Nova is the play of center Daniel Ochefu. Ochefu has been strong all year long but has been even better this NCAA Tournament, showcasing a tireless motor and an aggression we hadn't seen much before. Oklahoma is notoriously weak in their frontcourt beyond Khadeem Lattin and Ryan Spangler, and Villanova will likely use Ochefu as a serious advantage. On the other side, Oklahoma has well, Buddy Hield. Hield has only continued his absolutely dominant play throughout this March, and there doesn't appear to be a complete, lockdown defender on Villanova's roster. Also supporting Hield will be Isaiah Cousins and Woodard, who has stepped up in a big way this tourney. A former Gonzaga transfer, Ryan Spangler is another vet that should push Oklahoma to success. A very notable thing about these two teams: neither are extremely deep beyond their strong starting lineups. Both definitely have options off the bench but they don't go exactly 12 guys deep. Pace will be a major factor in this game, and so far Villanova has done a great job of dictating it in their run, which has been instrumental in wins over Miami and Kansas.

I will be the first one to admit it: I was not at all a believer of Villanova when the tournament began. Enough first weekend exits had convinced me the team was basically doomed when March rolled around, and a rather weak showing against Seton Hall in the Big East Championship did little to assuage me. However, their play this NCAA Tournament has made me a believer. I think Kansas may have been the most balanced and best team in the entire nation, and the Wildcats really outplayed them start to finish. Hield may be tough to stop, but forcing him to attack the rim instead of just chucking up threes can at least hurt him somewhat. Villanova also should employ a more up-tempo, attack offensive and defensive strategy, because it is very likely Oklahoma may not respond well. Like I said, the Sooners are going to be a very tough out. But, the way Villanova is playing, it is hard for me to pick against the Wildcats.
Villanova by nine

Bracket Analysis: South Region

Wayne Selden

Out of the over 300 teams that play college basketball, perhaps no team is playing as well as the Kansas Jayhawks. Bill Self's team has not lost since all the way back on January 25th, and have rolled to their 12th straight Big 12 regular season title, the Big 12 Conference Championship, and of course, the top seed in the South Region. The Jayhawks have one of the most experienced teams in the nation, headed by a group of motivated veterans. Forwards Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden, along with guards Frank Mason and Devonte' Graham have won a lot of games in their Kansas career, but have yet to really have a grand moment in March. Ellis and Selden may very qualify as the team's X-factors for their tourney run. Ellis is about as fundamentally sound as you'll see in college basketball, and Selden has moments where he is unstoppable, on both sides of the ball. However, the pair also has moments where they are invisible, which obviously hurts the Jayhawks. Forward Carlton Bragg seems to be improving each and every single game, and youthful forwards Svi Mykhailiuk and Chieck Diallo are also taking steps. That gives Self plenty of options to work with and also raises questions that this Kansas team may be just scratching the surface of what they could be. Not only did the NCAA Selection Committee give Kansas the top overall seed (which they are deserving of), they also gave them, in my opinion, the easiest region to make a deep run. Yes, Maryland, Cal and Arizona are dangerous teams and peril exists throughout the region, but there isn't a worse No. 2/No. 3 seeds than Villanova and Miami. Neither have done anything noteworthy in March for a long time, and the Jayhawks match up very well against them. Kansas won't have an easy path to the Final Four, nobody ever does, but if they can play smart basketball they should be able to overcome some of the dark horses in the region and get Self back to the Final Four, after a few years of fruitless NCAA Tournament performances.

Stop me if this sounds familiar: a UConn team underachieving throughout the regular season, and then suddenly finding their rhythm come March, winning the conference tournament, and appearing very dangerous behind a number of veterans and great guard play. Though, this UConn team is not the same type of teams that made runs behind the play of Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier. They are too thin in their frontcourt to be thinking of a deep run, and they don't have an absolute superstar. But, this Huskies team could still do plenty of damage. Daniel Hamilton emerged as one of the American's best players down the stretch and he took over at times for the Huskies. The wing doesn't have a crisp jumper, but he is a crazy athlete and finds ways to finish. Joining Hamilton will be forward Shonn Miller, another terrific athlete, and former NC State wing Rodney Purvis, who is terribly inconsistent, but has so much talent. Paired with Amida Brimah down low, this Huskies team has legitimate potential to cause some damage this March. Colorado is no breeze in the first round, and Kansas beyond that would obviously be a large challenge. Yet, with Kevin Ollie on the sidelines, you can't ever overlook the Huskies. Ollie is one of the best in late game situations, and always gets his players to perform on the biggest stages.

From a strictly talent outlook, California is one of the best teams in the nation. Former five-star recruits Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb are studs, and Tyrone Wallace, Jabari Bird, and Jordan Matthews are veterans with a proven pedigree. Yet, basketball games aren't won on talent alone. The Golden Bears had moments where they struggled mightily this season, and they are still extremely youthful. Yet, Cuonzo Martin's club won nine of their last 11 games, and you get a feeling this is team could be dangerous, if they can survive a scary first-round game against Hawaii. The Bears aren't a great halfcourt team; they don't have much to support them in the paint, and they are inconsistent from deep, which hurts their spacing. But, in the open court, they have amazing flow, great vision and fantastic finishing ability. They can't win games solely in transition, but it will be a major supporter to their offensive game throughout the NCAA Tournament. What would help even more is if Ivan Rabb took over. Rabb has put up solid numbers across the board this year and appears to be a likely lottery pick in the 2016 NBA Draft this summer. Though, he has never been especially dominant, and it has hurt Cal, who could really use a piece to punish opponents in the low post. Even if their amazing talent doesn't completely come together perfectly, this Cal team should still win a couple of games. Perhaps, they might even be prepared for an upset down the stretch against Kansas.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it at all: Vanderbilt has no business being in the NCAA Tournament. Yes, center Damian Jones is a star, and guard Wade Baldwin is extremely underrated, but the Commodores are 2-7 against the RPI Top 50, and didn't do anything notable in the SEC Tournament. That is a good thing for their First Four opponent, the sneaky Wichita State Shockers. Wichita State fell off the national scene early on in the year when they lost a number of non-conference games, when star guard Fred VanVleet was out with injuries. Though, the Shockers would find their mojo once VanVleet got healthy, only to suddenly go back on the bubble following a loss to Northern Iowa in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The Shockers deservedly got into the field, and could be ready for a deep March run, reminiscent of their run in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Ron Baker and VanVleet are two of the nation's most underrated players, only because they play in little Wichita, Kansas. Baker is one of the country's best shooters, and a physical defender that should be set to lock down a number of studs. VanVleet won't fill a box score all the time, but he is a great passer, and runs the Shockers' offense to perfection. The Shockers also possess forward Anton Grady, a beast on the block, and Kansas transfer Conner Frankamp, both who could play a major role in the Tournament. Experienced teams that play great defense and have veteran leaders are always threats to go deep in March, and Wichita just so happens has that. Arizona isn't an extremely tough matchup and Miami wouldn't be after that. While Wichita State isn't the trendy dark horse they once were (only know because we expect them to do damage), it doesn't mean anyone should sleep on them.

Per typical Fran McCaffrey-at-Iowa standards, the Hawkeyes rolled through the first three months of the season like a Top 10 team. Jarrod Uthoff, Mike Gessell and a veteran lineup swept Michigan State, would compile five total Top 25 wins, and were perched on top of the Big Ten standings for awhile. But, like typical Fran McCaffrey-at-Iowa standards, the Hawkeyes completely fell apart come February and early March. Their offense lost any bite, they couldn't defend and they didn't know how to do anything late in close games. An upset loss to Indiana on February 12th ushered in an era where the Hawkeyes six of their last eight games, including a loss to lowly Illinois in the Big Ten tournament. That left Iowa, who once stood as the nation's No. 4 team, to a seven seed. Though, the Hawkeyes could still have a little fight left in them. Uthoff is about as good as they come, the former Wisconsin transfer is a good shooter, good penetrator and uses his freakishly long arms to make plays on the defensive side of the ball. Gessell is a great point guard, Anthony Clemmons and Adam Woodbury are solid, and Peter Jok has moments where he is the best player on the court. Now, the Hawkeyes just have to figure out how to put it all together and close out games, and luckily for them they don't have a very tough draw. Temple is a decent team but they also have major deficiencies and a win against them likely draw Villanova, and their recent March struggles have been well documented. Few teams enter this year's NCAA Tournament as cold and out-of-sync as Iowa does. Yet, I'm picking them to head to the Sweet 16, and they should not be overlooked as the Tournament goes forward.

Picking the South Region
First Round
1 Kansas over 16 Austin Peay... The Austin Peay Governors have already had a pretty magical March, as the eight seed in the Ohio Valley, they won the conference. That magic won't survive against Kansas, plain and simple.
9 UConn over 8 Colorado... If the Huskies can contain massive Josh Scott and the great-rebounding Buffaloes, they should be able to ride Daniel Hamilton to a win.
5 Maryland over 12 South Dakota State... The Terps have underachieved this year, but the Jackrabbits will have no match for Robert Carter and Diamond Stone underneath.
4 California over 13 Hawaii... Stopping Stefan Jankovic (a Missouri transfer), will be no easy task for California, but Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb will more than make up for it on the offensive side of the ball.
11 Wichita State over 6 Arizona... The Wildcats are very talented, but haven't exactly been able to dominate offensively this year. Can they really outscore Wichita, perhaps the nation's best defensive team?
3 Miami over 14 Buffalo... First-year head coach Nate Oats has done great work with Buffalo, but they will have no match for Miami's athletic wings.
7 Iowa over 10 Temple... I still believe that a team led by Uthoff, Jok and Gessell can go deep in the tourney, and the Owls aren't exactly a great team.
2 Villanova over 15 UNC Asheville... The lethal three-point shooting of Villanova guards Ryan Arcidiacono and Josh Hart will be too much for UNC Asheville to overcome.

Second Round
1 Kansas over 9 UConn... The Huskies just don't have the depth to compete with Kansas for 40 minutes, particularly if the Jayhawks get big contributions from Wayne Selden and Devonte' Graham.
5 Maryland over 4 California... Expect Maryland to do the exact same thing they did against SDSU; pound the ball against a Cal team without a true, dominant big man.
3 Miami over 11 Wichita State... The stingy Shockers will put up a fight, but even they can't stop the playmaking of guards Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan.
7 Iowa over 2 Villanova... Adam Woodbury and Uthoff should neutralize Daniel Ochefu down low, making the Wildcats extremely one-dimensional and vulnerable.

Sweet 16
1 Kansas over 5 Maryland... So many future NBA studs in this game, and the talent on display is impressive. But, Maryland just doesn't have the experience, nor a coach that knows how to consistently win in the craziness of March.
3 Miami over 7 Iowa... The Hurricanes dictate tempo so well and they should be able to speed up Iowa. That should set the stage for plenty of mistakes and turnovers, and a Miami trip to the Elite Eight.

Elite Eight
1 Kansas over 3 Miami... I love Jim Larranaga and I think Miami has been greatly overlooked this season. But, the 'Canes aren't deep enough or good enough defensively to overcome the Jayhawks on a neutral court.

South Region Champion: 1 Kansas Jayhawks

Scouting the Contenders: Villanova Wildcats

Ryan Arcidiacono

As March Madness slowly inches closer and closer, "Scouting the Contenders" takes a look at some of the nation's best teams in a chaotic race, and scouts their strengths and weaknesses and just how far they could go in the NCAA Tournament. We begin with the nation's current No. 1, the Villanova Wildcats:

Track Record: 

• 20-3 record, 10-1 conference (1st in Big East)
• Notable Wins: 95-64 over Xavier, 72-63 over Seton Hall, 60-55 over Butler, 72-60 over Providence
• Notable Losses: 78-55 to Oklahoma, 86-75 to Virginia, 82-76 to Providence
• Currently a No. 1 seed in Joe Lunardi of ESPN's Bracketology

Scouting Report: Per typical Villanova standards, the Wildcats feature one of the nation's best back-courts, headed by vets Ryan Arcidiacono and Josh Hart. Arcidiacono is one of the land's most underrated guards; he shoots the ball with incredible efficiency and displays great poise late in games. Hart has great size, enabling him to get to the rim and finish through contact. He isn't a great defender though and can be inconsistent. True freshman Jalen Brunson is legit, the five-star recruit handles the ball really well and plays with a maturity well beyond his years. He won't drop 30 on any given night, but he'll give you solid scoring and playmaking ability. Sophomore Phil Booth isn't much of a shooter (34% from the field, 29% from three-point), but he at least adds something on the defensive side of the ball. Villanova's problems begin when examining their frontcourt. Daniel Ochefu is a solid center who can rebound and plays very hard. He averages 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game. But, he has never been one to really dominate and he fatigues late in games. That is worrying, considering Villanova's depth, especially in their frontcourt, is seriously lacking. Kris Jenkins is a hard-working forward with plenty of playmaking ability. The forward plays a healthy dose of minutes and can add some scoring punch but mistakes and poor shots are his kryptonite. Beyond those two, Jay Wright doesn't have a ton of options, junior Darryl Reynolds can contribute, but Villanova too often runs a small-ball attack, leaning on Hart or freshman Mikal Bridges to guard uncomfortable positions because they have the most size. That leaves them vulnerable to diverse offensive attacks, and they've struggled to defend some of the top offenses they've played this year, particularly Oklahoma and Providence. Overall, the depth on 'Nova is a really serious problem. They have a good core of about eight guys who can play big minutes, but it is a complete mystery beyond that. Late in the season, when they are tired and facing tough opponents, is having only really eight guys going to hurt them? Yes, and it is going to really hurt them. It also leaves them very vulnerable if someone gets in foul trouble, particularly Ochefu. Ochefu is a good defender but he isn't patient, and he will foul often. If that happens, it leaves Villanova extremely weakened underneath, hurting a team that doesn't have overwhelming size to begin with.  

Verdict: The Wildcats have long been a great regular season under the leadership of Jay Wright. Wright is good at developing players and holds his players accountable. But, they have too often stumbled in the NCAA Tournament, with the lone exception being their Final Four berth in 2008-2009, led by guard Scottie Reynolds. This year's team is undeniably good; they have a ton of talent and plenty of versatility in their staring lineup. Arcidiacono and Hart can legitimately lead an elite team, and Ochefu has flashes of dominance. But, their play against elite teams has been worrying; they lost by 20+ to Oklahoma and didn't look great against Virginia. This disciplined and sound team is good enough to beat up on Seton Hall and Butler and the other mediocre Big East teams. But, when they get into the Tournament, they don't have the staying power. A Sweet 16 berth is completely plausible, but anything beyond that is just way too much of a stretch at this point.

Bracket Analysis: Midwest Region

The Harrison twins

The pursuit of perfection continues for the Kentucky Wildcats who finished off their regular season and conference postseason a flawless 34-0 and have a shot to be the first men's college basketball team to win 40 games, if they go undefeated in the tournament. Though, the committee did the Wildcats very little favors in their side of the bracket, especially the region. Even so, few teams can match the size of Kentucky down low. Willie Cauley-Stein isn't just a huge dunker or shot-blocker; he is a legit-seven footer with a variety of moves on the block and beautiful polish around the rim, while true freshman Karl Anthony-Towns gets better every single game. The Wildcats would love another great postseason from Aaron Harrison, who hit three clutch threes in three different games to help guide the Wildcats to a National Championship berth, but even if they don't, they have reinforcements. Devin Booker is a much better shooter than either of the Harrison twins and has superb size, while Tyler Ulis has shown amazing composure late in games. Kentucky should clearly roll through the winner of Manhattan and 16-17 Hampton, but Purdue could give them a relative challenge, as they have some great size too. Even so, Kentucky is by far and away the team to put in the Field of 68 and stopping them will be a tough, tough order, though not completely impossible.

The crazy, wreaking press of West Virginia (nicknamed "Press Virginia") helped turn Bob Huggins' team from a bottom feeder inside the Big 12 a year ago to a 23-9 team and a five seed. Though, the Mountaineers should be prepared for an upset against MAC Champion Buffalo, especially if WVU's star guard Juwan Staten is not 100 %. The Bulls can run up and down the floor with anyone, but are much stronger and taller than West Virginia, which could clearly become a major factor. Forward Justin Moss nearly averages a double-double per game, and Buffalo has enough ball-handlers that they could survive the Mountaineers' pressure. If West Virginia doesn't hit some big shots, Bobby Hurley's Buffalo squad could get a huge victory, and the winner of Maryland/Valparaiso better be on guard.

Lately, things just haven't gone Kansas' way in the Big Dance. The Jayhawks have had a long history of high seeds and occasional upsets but aside from a National Championship appearance a few years ago with forward Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks have struggled in March. First, there was that huge upset by Northern Iowa in the second round of a tournament in which Kansas was a No. 1 seed, there was that near half-courter by Trey Burke to guide Michigan to a Sweet 16 win, and then just last year Stanford handled Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid in the third round. Now, Kansas is in the toughest region of the tournament, where the tough games start right away in the third round, assuming the Jayhawks handle 15-seeded New Mexico State. Wichita State was given a seven seed a year after finishing the regular season undefeated and they could give Kansas an extremely tough fight in the third round, assuming they can take down the struggling Indiana Hoosiers. If the Jayhawks do survive they could have a date with the winner of Butler/Notre Dame and eventually a matchup with Kentucky could loom. Sure, Kansas has a ton of talent and has the consistency at point guard in Frank Mason they haven't had the past few years, but they will have a very tough time doing much damage this March.

Mike Brey's first season in the ACC was a disaster at Notre Dame in 2013-2014. The Irish struggled to score, defend and do pretty much anything else and were eliminated in the first round of the ACC Tournament. A year later, Brey's Fighting Irish are coming off a ACC Tournament Championship and are a major Final Four dark horse. Guards Jerian Grant and Demetrius Jackson will give teams fits. Grant is more of a scorer, a strong athletic guard who has unlimited range while Jackson has improved wildly as a sophomore and will lead the offense. Pat Connaughton is a problem for anyone to guard as he can space the floor as well as anyone. And, the Irish have pretty good size underneath, led by superb center Zach Auguste. Northeastern, making their first tourney appearance in decades, haven't seen a team with the balance and depth of Notre Dame while making Colonial Athletic Association opponents. There is some worry that the Irish could have moments where they can't get anything going offensively whatsoever, as was the case in the second half against Miami in the ACC Quarterfinals, but even so, the Irish are a seriously scary team and could make a serious run to at least the Elite Eight.

The magic of the Brad Stevens era at Butler has not completely faded. After a one-year absence under head coach Brandon Miller (resigned prior to the season with health issues), the Bulldogs are back and ready to mess up some brackets as a dangerous six seed. The return of guard/forward Roosevelt Jones has been huge for the Bulldogs, who have been very dangerous inside Big East play. Guard Kellen Dunham also has been huge, and could play a very similar role to the one that Shelvin Mack played when Butler went on those consecutive Final Four runs under Stevens. Texas snuck into the field as an 11-seed despite an extremely poor resume. Despite being a preseason Top 10 team, the Longhorns limped to a 20-13 record, that included a sub-.500 conference record of 8-10. A healthy Isaiah Taylor could give Butler some issues but the fundamentally-sound Bulldogs are very scary. Notre Dame better be on the lookout in the third round, as should the region as a whole.

Midwest Picks
Second Round

1 Kentucky over
16 Manhattan (beats Hampton in First Four)

Five Dark Horse NCAA Tournament Teams

Kris Dunn, Providence

Every single year, the NCAA Tournament is full of at least one "Cinderella", a team rising from a high seed to make a deep tourney run. It is really inevitable, with a tournament full of 68 teams one team is sure to be under seeded, or has momentum at the right time, or just gets the right side of a bracket needed to make a run. It can be mid-majors making a run to the Final Four (George Mason, Butler, VCU, Wichita State) or more notable programs regaining their footing in the college basketball landscape (UConn, Kentucky last season). It is nearly a sure thing that somebody will force many to burn their brackets in disgust. Here are five that could go on truly magical runs this March/April:

Murray State Racers (projected 12-13 seed)
Hailing from the Ohio Valley Conference, Murray State has the 267th strength of schedule in the entire nation, but don't expect that to stop the Racers from making some noise. The Racers have dominated the weak OVC all season long, going 16-0, thanks in large part to a high-scoring efficient offense. Murray State averages 78.8 points per game (13th in the entire nation), while shooting just under 49% from the field. While the NCAA Tournament is going to have tougher defenses than say, Tennessee-Martin and other Ohio Valley squads, the Racers have many of the key ingredients needed to make a run. Their offense can score in bunches, they have a high-scoring dangerous guard in sophomore Cameron Payne (20.2 points per game), great athleticism and perhaps most importantly, experience. Head coach Steve Prohm has been here in the NCAA Tournament before, and the Racers first appeared on the national radar when they hit a memorable shot over Vanderbilt in the 2010 Tournament. With skilled guard Cameron Payne and a ton of other weapons, Murray State has the tools to pull of an upset, and 12 and 13 seeds are always incredibly dangerous.

Providence Friars (projected 5-7 seed)
The Big East hasn't gotten the credit it deserves all season long, but it has a legit shot to put in six teams into the field (over half the conference). But, one of those teams is especially, the Providence Friars, making their second straight Tournament appearance under head coach Ed Cooley. The Friars are armed with one of the nation's most underrated players, do-it-all guard Kris Dunn. Dunn is averaging 15.2 points per game (on 48% shooting), 5.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game along with nearly three steals per game. Add in the dynamic scoring punch senior forward LaDontae Herron, and Providence has plenty of offensive firepower. The Friars went 21-9 this season but proved themselves time and time again against the nation's 11th-toughest schedule. Providence has beat Notre Dame, Butler and Georgetown twice and has also played against both Villanova and Kentucky, two top-tier teams, meaning they will not be intimidated by the strong teams they will face during tourney time. While Providence is set to be a six or seven seed at the moment, a strong showing in the Big East tournament could push them as high as a four or five seed. Armed with Dunn, Herron and a pretty decent amount of depth, the Friars could be extremely scary come NCAA Tournament time.

Harvard Crimson (projected 12-14 seed)
It is not hard to know why the Crimson are on their list. Tommy Amaker has built a program to be reckoned with at Harvard, and the Crimson have advanced into the third round the last two seasons, defeating third-seeded New Mexico two years ago and beating fifth-seeded Cincinnati last season. Intelligent guard Siyani Chambers continues to improve and will lead the Harvard offense, much like he has done the past two seasons. While not an extremely dangerous shooter, the lefty can make big shots and orchestrates the Crimson offense well. Dangerous wing Wesley Saunders is a true offensive weapon, who is sure to give defenses problems in a variety of different ways. While Harvard's postseason history makes them an easy candidate on this list, it will be interesting to see how they handle teams in the tourney that are more competitive than the Ivy League. The Crimson's only RPI Top 50 team they've played this year is Virginia, who beat them by nearly 50 points and held the Crimson's offense to just 27 points. That offensive output will obviously not do in March, but Harvard does have an especially stingy defense. Their experience should also put them in good position, and make them a very scary team, hovering around a 12 or 13 seed.

Oregon Ducks (projected 7-10 seed)
Following an offseason full of dismissals amid sexual assault allegations, Oregon basketball has put it all together in impressive fashion down the stretch this year. A huge victory against Stanford not only likely burst the Cardinal's bubble but only further locked Oregon in the field. The Ducks have one of the nation's premier scorers in Houston transfer Joseph Young. Although relatively small, Young is incredibly quick, a superb athlete and exceptional shooter and those abilities should guide Oregon's high-flying offense. Along with Young, junior forward Dwayne Benjamin continues to put up strong numbers, especially on the offensive and defensive glass, while wing slasher Elgin Cook is a load to handle, averaging over 13 points per game, while shooting over fifty percent from the field. The Ducks have the explosive offense that can do damage in March, and their late season run has certainly given Oregon a dangerous amount of momentum. Led by Young, anything is possible for an Oregon team that continues to improve each and every day.

LSU Tigers (projected 9-11 seed)
It is pretty amazing how quickly Johnny Jones has transformed LSU back into a strong program inside the SEC, and while 2015-2016 is supposed to be the breakout year (nation's No. 1 recruit Ben Simmons arrives), don't overlook the Tigers at all this March. LSU has two of the nation's most versatile forwards in Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey, both sophomores who could join Simmons next year. Neither are huge, but both are very athletic and can finish around the rim, most of the time in very entertaining fashion. While the two sophomores have been huge, the play of wing Tim Quarterman and point guard Josh Gray has really been the major reason for LSU's likely tournament appearance. Gray is still prone to mistakes at times but is a strong defender who can play well in big moments, and none are bigger than the bright lights of March Madness. Depending on LSU's performance against Arkansas and in the SEC Tournament, they could fluctuate as high as an eight seed or possibly drop to around an 11, but either way they could be a major sleeper. While a 10-7 SEC record (as of this point) might not overwhelm most, LSU's performance against Kentucky earlier in the year, despite losing, proved they are a dangerous team with a ton of talent who just needs to figure out how to harness it to make a deep tourney run.

Others to Watch
Ohio State Buckeyes
Iowa State Cyclones
Michigan State Spartans
Northern Iowa Panthers
Iona Gaels
Dayton Flyers

National Championship Prediction

Trey Burke

After a year filled with upsets, buzzer-beaters, coach firings and craziness here they are: the final two teams playing for a championship. It will be the Louisville Cardinals, motivated by their tragic loss of Kevin Ware against the Michigan Wolverines, a team who can't stop scoring. The Cardinals managed a close win over Wichita State yesterday thanks to a huge game from Luke Hancock. They will continue to need contributions from their bench without their sixth man Ware. Russ Smith has had an amazing tournament. He can score on a dime, with his ability to attack the rim and hit shots on the perimeter. The Wolverines also have their hands full trying to defend Peyton Siva who is just as dangerous with the ball in his hands. Meanwhile, Michigan has their fair share of players who can score. It begins with sophomore Trey Burke, the Wooden Award winner. Burke is speedy quick and has fantastic handles. He has also shown his ability to hit shots from deep (see the Kansas game) and always finds the open man. The Wolverines have done a great job using ball-screens with freshman Mitch McGary to free up Burke to make plays. McGary is really the reason that Michigan finds themselves here. He has been dominant the past couple of games. We always knew he would go after every loose ball and is a great rebounder, but he is scoring a ton this tournament, which has been huge considering the struggles of Jordan Morgan. John Bellein also possesses an array of great three-point shooters with Tim Hardaway and Nik Stauskas. The key to this match up could come down to if Burke and the rest of the Wolverines' against Louisville's press. Burke played well against Syracuse and he has a lot of talent surrounding him. If the Cardinals can't force Michigan to commit a bunch of turnovers this one could be a comfortable win for Michigan. Louisville also needs a better game form Gorgui Dieng, who struggled against Wichita to shut down McGary in order for Rick Pitino to snatch up a championship. This one should be a fast-paced, up-tempo battle to find the champion. It comes down to turnovers and whoever wins the war in the paint.
Louisville, 72 Michigan, 68

Starting Lineups
Louisville
G Peyton Siva
G Russ Smith
F Luke Hancock
F Chane Behanan
C Gorgui Dieng

Michigan
G Trey Burke
G Nik Stauskas
F Tim Hardaway
F Glenn Robinson
C Mitch McGary

Final Four Picks

4 Michigan vs. 4 Syracuse

Tim Hardaway

Trey Burke will have his hands full dealing with the Syracuse zone in this one. Burke, who has struggled with turnovers against strong defense hopes he can dish out the ball to sharpshooters Nik Stauskas and Tim Hardaway. With the Syracuse zone forced to move out to cover Stauskas and Hardaway, it may open up opportunities for Mitch McGary in the paint. Meanwhile, the 'Cuse offense will rely heavily on Michael Carter-Williams and C.J. Fair to beat Michigan. Carter-Williams has the size advantage on Burke and he should use it all to attack the rim because he is not as agile as Burke. Even if the Wolverines are able to shoot the ball the way they did against Florida, depth could be an issue late in the game. Other than forwards Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford and guard Spike Albrecht, Michigan does not go very deep into their bench. On the other, the Orange have a ton of players who can contribute in big ways. Brandon Triche, a four-year starter, is in his first Final Four. He can shoot if given the opportunity and gives the team an important leader.  They have also explosive forwards including James Southerland and Rakeem Christmas. A worrying fact for the Wolverines? John Bellein is 0-9 against Jim Boeheim in his career including an 0-1 mark at Michigan. Even with possibly one of his most talented teams he still should have serious issues against Syracuse's zone. This one could come down to the point guard war between Carter-Williams and Burke. The sophomore who performs better should give his team a spot in the national championship. My prediction: Carter-Williams. He doesn't have to deal with the most difficult zone in the nation.
Syracuse, 66 Michigan,62

1 Louisville vs. 9 Wichita State

Peyton Siva

The hottest team in the nation entering the tournament meets up with Cinderella in a very interesting match up in Atlanta. Wichita has beat squads thanks to a gritty, efficient offense. They have relied heavily on big men Cleanthony Early and Carl Hall who haven't been intimidated no matter who they face. Early, particularly has been dominant, scoring effectively and rebounding at an incredible rate. Though, he won't have an easy task against Gorguei Dieng. Dieng won't score a lot but he is one of the best defenders in the nation. Although, the Shockers are great in the paint they could have some issues against Louisville with their aggressive press. Even with great senior guard Malcolm Armstead, turnovers could come often for Wichita. He has too be smart on offense but defense should also be very important. He has too shut down speedy guard Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, who is on fire this tournament. With the paint filled with dueling forwards shooting should be key for the Cardinals. Smith and Siva both are good shooters but they also need some contributions from Luke Hancock and Wayne Blackshear on the perimeter. If they continue their hot shooting and force the Shockers' to make mistakes this one could turn into a very comfortable victory. But, never underestimate Gregg Marshall and the rest of these Shockers. They could easily shock Louisville if Ron Baker and Early keep up their level of play.
Louisville, 70 Wichita State, 60

Thursday's Sweet 16 Picks

6 Arizona vs. 2 Ohio State
These two teams roar into the Sweet 16, despite different expectations when the tournament began. Many had the Wildcats getting upset by Belmont, while Ohio State was a popular Elite Eight/Final Four selection. Though it was the Buckeyes who struggled to get past the 10 seed Iowa State, as they needed a buzzer beater from Aaron Craft to beat the Cyclones. This one has an interesting point guard battle as Craft and his playmaking ability face Xavier transfer Mark Lyons, who can score on a dime. Both have been on fire, Craft hitting shots and showing his dominant defense as well, while Lyons scored 50 combined in Arizona's first two games. Both of these teams have stretch forwards as Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas takes shot after shot, and Arizona's Solomon Hill plays aggressive defense and has a good mid range game. Whoever has the better game should lead their squad to a victory and the Elite Eight. My money is on Thomas who always plays even better in the tournament.
Ohio State, 68 Arizona, 62

Vander Blue

2 Miami vs. 3 Marquette

The Miami Hurricanes, a very popular championship pick didn't dominate Illinois in the third round and they have an even tougher match up against the Marquette Golden Eagles. Miami will use ball screens to free up their leading scorer, point guard Shane Larkin who can nail the three and has improved his passing in his sophomore year. Marquette has a number of guards who can score including Vander Blue and Arizona State transfer Trent Lockett but their defense may have troubles containing Larkin and Durand Scott. The key could be in the low post where the Hurricanes will be without leading rebounder Reggie Johnson who is a lot to handle. This means Jim Larranaga's club must get huge contributions from Kenny Kadji and the rest of their frontcourt. If they do, the 'Canes should be able to beat Marquette.
Miami, 73 Marquette, 65

9 Wichita State vs. 13 La Salle
Two Cinderella's square off in this one, with a chance in the Elite Eight on the line. La Salle has relied heavily on explosive guard Ramon Galloway to beat Kansas State and then Ole Miss, busting a ton of brackets. The Explorers must shut down the Wichita State Shockers who has handled Pitt and Gonzaga in the first rounds thanks to junior Cleanthony Early who is leading the team in both scoring and rebounding in this tournament. Neither of these teams are very flashy, the Shockers win games by playing tough and stingy defense. The Explorers can score with players other than Galloway, like Tyrone Garland but even that dynamic combo could have some struggles putting up points against a Shockers that only allows 60 points a game. If Early gets some help from his teammates and they don't let Galloway become a factor, Wichita State should dance into the Elite Eight.
Wichita State, 68 La Salle, 61

1 Indiana vs. 4 Syracuse

Cody Zeller and Yogi Ferrell

Two of college basketball's perennial powers meet in DC, both playing great basketball. The Hoosiers were eliminated by Kentucky in last year's Sweet 16, but they didn't have Victor Oladipo playing the way he is, and Cody Zeller consistently dominating down low. Oladipo continues to be the key for Indiana, when he struggles the team struggles, but when he plays well the team usually wins games. His ability to attack the rim, hit shots on the perimeter and play psychical defense always give Indiana a good shot. Meanwhile, the Orange spread the ball around on offense and can shut teams down with their great zone defense. The X-factor for Syracuse is point guard Michael Carter-Williams, who is fantastic when he is on his game, but at times he turns the ball over at an incredible rate and struggles to find his shot. He must also be a factor on the defensive end, as he must force Indiana's freshman point guard Yogi Ferrell to turn the ball over.
Indiana, 76 Syracuse, 66

College Basketball Power Rankings

Ben McLemore
 

1. Louisville
2. Duke
3. Kansas
4. Syracuse
5. Michigan
6. Gonzaga
7. Arizona
8. Indiana
9. Creighton
10. Florida
11. Minnesota
12. Ohio State
13. San Diego State
14. Butler
15. Missouri
16. Michigan State
17. Kansas State
18. Oregon
19. New Mexico
20. VCU
21. NC State
22. Illinois
23. UCLA
24. Wisconsin
25. Notre Dame

Bowl Picks (Independence to Armed Forces)

Independence Bowl: Ohio vs. ULM
Louisiana-Monroe and star quarterback Kolton Browning are playing in their first bowl game in school history, as they meet up against an old vet in Ohio. Browning (34 total TD) can give coordinators headaches because his ability to run and throw it deep. Tyler Tettleton, of Ohio, can do the same thing. Though, he has a better back behind him in 1,500 yard Beau Blankenship who runs hard for his small size. The Warhawks will use momentum and a gritty defense to defeat the Bobcats.
ULM, 28 Ohio, 24

Logan Thomas

Russell Athletic Bowl: Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech
If you want a shootout, don't watch this one. Both of these teams offenses score rarely as Rutgers is 98th in points scored, while Virginia Tech is 83rd. The Hokies' usually run-oriented offense struggled this year because they didn't have a go to back. Logan Thomas was had to force throws which resulted in 14 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights pound it on the ground which 1,000 yard rusher Jawan Jamison and Savon Huggins. Expect Khaseem Greene (125 tackles) and the rest of Rutgers' defense to shut down the Hokies.
Rutgers, 20 Virginia Tech, 14

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Minnesota
The surprising Gophers sqaure off against a Texas Tech team previewing their new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who takes over for Tommy Tuberville. The Gophers are headed by freshman Phillip Nelson who performed well after taking over for Max Shortell late in the season. They also have a bruising back in Donnell Kirkwood who has done a great job taking pressure off of Nelson. The Red Raiders offense could pass all over Minnesota's weak pass defense with quarterback Seth Doege (38 passing TD) unless Michael Carter or Troy Stoudemire step up.
Texas Tech, 42 Minnesota, 28

Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force vs. Rice
These two teams come into this game going in different directions. Rice ended the season on a four game winning streak to end up at 6-6 while Air Force looked terrible the last few weeks of the regular season. The Falcons will use their second-ranked rush offense led by small and elusive back Cody Getz. On the other side, the Owls will use a balanced offense that includes Taylor McHargue and senior back Charles Ross. The Owls shouldn't have much trouble with their smart defense shutting down the triple-option attack of Air Force.
Rice, 27 Air Force, 18

Bowl Picks (Little Caesars to Holiday Bowl)

Little Caeasars Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
This bowl might look like a snooze if not for the move Western Kentucky made a few days ago. The Hilltoppers, after Willie Taggart left for South Florida, hired offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino in the most controversial hire in this year's coaching carousel. He has a lot to work with including quarterback Kawaun Jakes who has a strong arm. The Chippewas also feature a great under the radar quarterback in Ryan Radcliff (2,905 passing yards). Whoever has a better game probably gives his team a win.
Western Kentucky, 27 Central Michigan, 20

Military Bowl: San Jose State vs. Bowling Green
Somehow the Spartans won 10 games this year and is ranked entering a matchup with Bowling Green. Oh, yes I remember why, they play in the WAC. The Spartans are still a quality team with a number of great receivers for David Fales. These include Noel Grigsby (9 receiving TD) and tight end Ryan Otten. Bowling Green isn't a flashy team but can win because of a steady approach to each game and consistent quarterback play from Matt Schilz. Though the Falcons rarely had to stop a player like San Jose State's end Travis Johnson who finished with 12 sacks this season. It could turn out a defensive struggle or maybe a shootout, but whatever it is it will be a good game.
San Jose State, 31 Bowling Green, 28

Belk Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Duke

Anthony Barr

Cincy welcomes in a new era with new coach Tommy Tuberville after years of success with Brian Kelly and Butch Jones at the helm. He has a great team led by back George Winn who has good size and speed. The big question for the Bearcats is their quarterback position where Brendon Kay took over for the inconsistent Munchie Leagaux. Kay can execute against weak defenses and that is exactly what he is looking at against Duke. The Blue Devils were 6-2 at a point during this season before losing four straight. They have a strong offense with receivers Jamison Crowder and Conner Vernon. The history is in the Bearcats favor: Duke hasn't won a bowl since 1961.
Cincinnati, 34 Duke, 21

Holiday Bowl: Baylor vs. UCLA
When you see this score you might think these two teams just finsished a basketball game. Both can score in bunches as Baylor has quarterback Nick Florence (4,121 passing yards) and Lache Seastrunk while the Bruins possess Brett Hundley, Johnathan Franklin and Shaq Evans. Hundley is a dual threat QB who Jim Mora has done a great job with. Baylor will get headaches trying to figure out whether he'll throw, run or hand off to the dominant Franklin. The Bears must protect Florence from Anthony Barr who led the nation in sacks.
UCLA, 38 Baylor, 34

College Basketball Thoughts

Aaron Craft

Youth may not rule this season as it has this past few. Kentucky struggled against a sneaky Maryland team and lost to Duke. They're not close to the team they were last season but could still fit into the Final Four. UCLA also had a tough game against a weaker team and then lost to a veteran team, like Kentucky.

Pitt and Georgetown are both Top 25 teams in my opinion. The Hoyas and Panthers always tend to exceed expectations and this year could be much the same. Georgetown has a dynamic player in Markel Starks and one of the most dangerous players in the Big East in Otto Porter. Pitt has Tray Woodall at point guard and a bunch of solid options including Lamar Patterson, Steven Adams, Talib Zannia and Dante Taylor.

Butler will still be a contender even with a move to the Atlantic 10 as they proved with a strong performance in the Maui Invitational, as they beat Marquette and a fantastic UNC team. Rotnei Clarke proved he can be a deadly weapon maybe the backcourt scoring threat that Brad Stevens lacked last season. Down low they have a bunch of possible contributors that could make them a deep tournament possibility.

The Big Ten will have multiple teams in the Final Four this season. Even with Cody Zeller struggling the Hoosiers rode several different threats to a win over Georgetown and are the best team out there right now. Ohio State looks really good this season with All-American possibilities Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas, who looks just as good as Sullinger. Michigan has tons of scoring options with Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway and Jordan Morgan. Michigan State and Minnesota look to be also in the mix.

By the time Maryland joins the Big Ten in 2014 they will be one of the best programs in the nation again. Mark Turgereon is a great coach and has a young strong team and a good base around him. He'll probably have his second consecutive top 25 recruiting class and he has great sophomores that in a few years will probably form a Final Four club with Alex Len, Nick Faust, Dez Wells and Jake Layman.

Bowl Projections

Jordan Lynch and NIU in Little Caesars

New Mexico Bowl: Nevada vs. Washington
Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs. Ball State
San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl: BYU vs. San Diego State
Beef O' Brady's Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Tulsa
New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs. SMU
Las Vegas Bowl: Fresno State vs. Arizona
Hawaii Bowl: East Carolina vs. Boise State
Little Caesars Bowl: San Jose State vs. Northern Illinois
Military Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Louisiana Tech
Belk Bowl: Miami vs. Cincinnati
Holiday Bowl: Stanford vs. TCU
Independence Bowl: Toldeo vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Russell Athletic Bowl: UNC vs. Louisville
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Iowa State vs. Minnesota
Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force vs. Houston
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Navy vs. USC
Pinstripe Bowl: West Virginia vs. Syracuse

Gary Nova, RU in Orange

Alamo Bowl: UCLA vs. Texas
Buffalo Wild Wing Bowl: Northwestern vs. Oklahoma State
Music City Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Duke
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Oregon State
Chick-fil-A Bowl: Texas A&M vs. NC State
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Ohio vs. Purdue
Gator Bowl: Michigan State vs. Mississippi State
Capitol One Bowl: Georgia vs. Wisconsin
Outback Bowl: Michigan vs. LSU
Cotton Bowl: Texas Tech vs. South Carolina
Compass Bowl: Missouri vs. ULM
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Kent State
BCS Bowls
Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Oregon
Fiesta Bowl: Kansas State vs. Clemson
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Rutgers
BCS National Championship: Notre Dame vs. Alabama

College Basketball Preview: 14. Syracuse Orange

14. Syracuse Orange 34-3 in 2011 (17-1 Big East)

Another NBA wave has struck in Syracuse but that never seems to affect the Orange. Dion Waiters, Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph and Fab Melo all are gone but the most important person in Syracuse returns (Jim Boeheim) and the 'Cuse still have loads of talent. Last year's dream 34-3 season and with just one loss in the stacked Big East wasn't just the four I mentioned. A national title may be out of the question, but the Orange should still be contenders whether that means an Elite Eight or an earlier exit.

Brandon Triche

Backcourt: Jardine was never a consistent threat but his loss should still be a big issue in the backcourt. Senior Brandon Triche looks to be the biggest talent now, as he can score and takes care of the ball. He is also a fantastic defender and provides a big issue for the Orange now in experience. Sophomore Michael Carter-Williams is high risk-high reward type player. He only averaged 2.7 points per game in very little minutes but has the talent to increase that to double digits. The sure plus with him is that he won't turn the ball over very much. Redshirt freshman Trevor Cooney is one of the few backcourt reserves. He can play at point and shooting guard and will contribute at both as a consistent threat.

C.J. Fair

Frontcourt: Fab Melo is a huge loss. He won't put up tons of points a game but he rebounds like a god and plays dominant defense. He also provided a huge intimidating presence that made opponents scared to enter the paint. Junior Baye Keita now will be the top rebounder and plays hard which should help the Orange compete. Another junior, C.J. Fair is a vet that should finally get the oppurtunity to shine with more minutes. He can play on the wing but does more damage inside as he can rebound and play annoying defense. Sophomore Rakeem Christmas is the Carter-Williams of the frontcourt as he could be domiant or could stuggle. He has the tools as he has the size, athleticism and smarts to be an All-Big East player. Senior James Southerland is a versatile threat that works hard and plays great defense. Freshmen Dajuan Coleman and Jerami Grant have bright futures but their are questions about whether they will do much this season.

Top NBA Prospect: Rakeem Christmas
Big East Rank: 2nd
PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Brandon Triche- Senior
SG Michael Carter-Williams- Sophomore
SF C.J. Fair- Junior
PF Baye Keita- Junior
C Rakeem Christmas- Sophomore
Sixth James Southerland- Senior