2015 NCAA Tournament Final Four Picks

Josh Gasser

1 Kentucky Wildcats vs. 1 Wisconsin Badgers

A year later, we are back to a very similar Final Four, though with quite a few different storylines. A year ago, the Kentucky Wildcats continued their reckless run through the NCAA Tournament, taking down the second-seeded Wisconsin Badgers in a thriller, that included another huge three by Aaron Harrison and plenty of epic moments. This year, the two once more meet in the Final Four but instead of an eight seed who was just playing well at the right time, Kentucky is undefeated; a flawless 38-0, despite getting all they could handle in their Elite Eight duel with Notre Dame. The Badgers, meanwhile, are also a 1 seed and are motivated from last year's loss. Junior forward Sam Dekker, whose great play during the tourney has helped guide the Badgers to the Final Four, has an image of Kentucky celebrating their victory in last year's Final Four as his "header" on Twitter. The two will now prepare for a huge Final Four clash, one that is as evenly matched as they come, and one that should be a game for the ages.

Kentucky is big and they are talented, it's not really a secret. The Wildcats' frontcourt consists of seven-footers such as block machine Willie Cauley-Stein and budding Karl Anthony-Towns (25 points against Notre Dame), along with big, bulky Dakari Johnson along with Marcus Lee and Trey Lyles. Even their backcourt has good size; the Harrison twins, who have been great during this tournament are 6'5" and get to the rim and finish through contact. True freshman Devin Booker has been the real deal all season; the sharpshooter can knock down a contested three one second and than put someone on a poster the next. And, while he isn't the biggest player on the court, steady point guard Tyler Ulis is a quick, deceptive ball handler who has played great in Kentucky's big games all seasons. In all, Kentucky has nine McDonald's All-Americans on their roster, probably a reason why the Wildcats are sitting at 38-0. Scoring against Kentucky is so tricky; if Cauley-Stein or one of the other big men aren't swatting shot after shot, the Harrisons are making plays and creating transition opportunities. The Wildcats feast on teams without good ball-handlers, they make a living off creating turnovers and finishing with easy buckets. By all statistical standards, they are the best college basketball team in the history of the sport, they are the only team ever to go 38-0 on a year and have beaten down any obstacle that stands in their path.

So, how can a team like Wisconsin, a not very athletic team that has zero McDonald's All-Americans have any shot at taking down the 'Cats? By playing a much different brand of basketball, one this particular Kentucky team has not seen all year. Bo Ryan's teams are always great passers, never turn the ball over and are always very versatile. That great passing is huge against Kentucky. If you don't turn the ball over you don't feed their top offense; getting easy buckets off turnovers. And, Wisconsin's great, quick passing won't allow Kentucky to rotate easily and they won't get as many opportunities to block shots or get easy steals. Wisconsin isn't quite as big as Kentucky but they aren't small either. Frank Kaminsky isn't the strongest center but he moves very well and is quick enough that he can get good looks at the rim. Sam Dekker is 6'9" and can be either a small forward or power forward. He spaces the floor extremely well but also can make plays on the glass and will be sure to be a factor after huge performances against Arizona, North Carolina and Oregon. Nigel Hayes also has great size and has really improved from midrange and downtown, while steady veteran Duje Dukan is a good rebounder and solid defender. Sophomore point guard Bronson Koenig has taken over for vet Traevon Jackson and has led the Badgers' offense in impressive fashion. Along with hard-working, gritty Josh Gasser, Wisconsin also has a superb defending backcourt and they could shut down the Harrisons and Ulis.

Kentucky is 38-0 but they are certainly not invincible. They got all they could handle from Notre Dame last week, and relatively average SEC teams LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Georgia all gave them serious troubles. Even though, Kentucky has got all they could handle from those teams they still managed to finish the game. They have players who can hit big shots (Aaron Harrison), astounding size and amazing athleticism. But, Wisconsin has all the tools they need to pull of an "upset" even though this is a battle of No. 1 seeds. Kentucky has never faced a team with such great ball-handlers, great passing and amazing versatility. The Wildcats also don't have the defenders that can guard big men who can shoot on the perimeter and can consistently defend Kaminsky, Hayes and Dekker. Kentucky is amazingly talented but they may face a Wisconsin team that is just better prepared. Either way, this game will go down to the wire and just like last year, could come right down to the wire.
Wisconsin, 72 Kentucky, 70

1 Duke vs. 7 Michigan State

Branden Dawson

The other Final Four battle in this year's NCAA Tournament is also a rematch. Earlier this year, the two squared off in a Champions Classic clash, in which Duke really dominated the Spartans for much of the game. That Michigan State squad was still reeling from the losses of superstars like Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Keith Appling, and they were little match for the ultra-talented Blue Devils. But, they have clearly improved since then, as evidenced by their superb run during this year's tourney, which included victories over Virginia, Oklahoma and Louisville. Senior guard Travis Trice has always been a great shooter but he has turned into so much more during this Tournament. He is much more aggressive than ever before but he also plays smart. He is quick with the ball in his hands, but also moves well enough that he can get open for three. The Spartans also have other strong offensive weapons, such as another experienced guard in Denzel Valentin along with veteran forward Branden Dawson. The Spartans' big men have also stepped up big time this postseason, solid Matt Costello is a good defender and is polished around the rim, while quietly improving Gavin Schilling is a hard-worker and finishes around the rim very well also.

Other than Kentucky, there isn't a more talented team in the nation than the Duke Blue Devils. Freshman center Jahlil Okafor has been the real deal this year. While he isn't as versatile of a scorer as other big men, he is strong on the low block and can score in a variety of different ways. Wing Justise Winslow has had a wonderful tournament and seems to get better every single game. Winslow, also a true freshman, is a wonderful athlete who dominates in transition and has really improved as a shooter. Then there is the Blue Devils' talented backcourt, which includes Minnesota product Tyus Jones along with steady senior Quinn Cook. Both are talented shooters, who should space the Michigan State defense and open up great opportunities underneath for Okafor. While the Spartans do have great size underneath they don't have anyone that can counter Okafor on the low block. If he gets position, he can score every time with one quick post move. If he takes over this game, no matter what Trice or any other Spartan does, Michigan State is going to have a very, very tough time.

Following their Elite Eight victory over Louisville, Tom Izzo affectionately called this year's Michigan State team, the "Team of Destiny". It does make sense, much like Connecticut last year they were a seven seed in the East Region and have used a senior point guard to make pretty miraculous tournament run. But, do they have the defensive answers to stop Okafor, Winslow and the sharpshooting abilities of both Jones and Cook, who are also great in close games? Trice will need to put up insane numbers and hit some big shots. Valentin and Dawson will also have to step up big time and also help contribute in defending Winslow, who is so tough to stop  because of his crazy versatility. While the Spartans have had some superb victories, they might have just met their match with Duke. Though, if Michigan State can limit fast break opportunities and contain Okafor underneath, they do have a shot at pushing themselves to their first National Championship appearance since back in 2009-2010.
Duke, 67 Michigan State, 58

Bracket Analysis: South Region

Quinn Cook

Despite not winning the ACC regular season nor championship nor the conference tournament, Duke's victories over Virginia, North Carolina and Wisconsin were enough to earn them the No. 1 seed in the South Region. The Blue Devils will be lead be their usual fair share of star power, including center Jahlil Okafor, swingman Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones, who has been clutch in big games this year for the Blue Devils. Add in steady veterans like Quinn Cook, who joins Jones in the backcourt, along with Amile Jefferson and Matt Jones, and on paper the Blue Devils certainly have a Final Four-caliber squad. Though, Duke has had moments where they've choked in the tournament big time. Last year, despite having Jabari Parker and All-ACC forward Rodney Hood, Duke was upset by Mercer in the second round. And, losses in years prior to teams like VCU as an 11 seed taking down the Blue Devils all the way back in '07 and the all-too-familiar loss to Lehigh as a 2 seed. Though, the road to a deep run inside the region is not necessarily that difficult. Duke should be able to handle the winner of San Diego State/St. John's and both Utah and Georgetown, who could be their Sweet 16 matchups appear to be on serious upset alert. While a meeting with Iowa State or Gonzaga could be a huge matchup down in the Elite Eight pairing, Duke appears primed to at least make some moves this season.

Stephen F. Austin's upset over VCU was one of the craziest, heart-wrenching moments in the Tournament a year ago, and the Lumberjacks return to the Field of 68. Down a year ago by four late in the game to the Rams, a Lumberjack was fouled while hitting a three. He would hit the free throw and in overtime, SFA would take down the Rams in a popular upset pick. Don't be surprised if the Lumberjacks break another five seed's heart. Utah could be their victim this season. While the Utes do have spectacular senior guard Delon Wright, an All-Pac-12 player they don't have much depth and their offense has been absolutely streaky. The Lumberjacks space the floor extremely well, pass well and are smart and have two solid scorers to lead their efficient offense in Thomas Walkup (15.7 points per game) and Jacob Parker (14.1). Don't be surprised if SFA uses their size down low and three-point shooting ability to stun a very vulnerable Utes team, a program making their first appearance in the Big Dance since moving to the Pac-12.

The Lumberjacks opponent in the third round could also be a "Cinderella" possibility. Georgetown also has a long history of choking, most notoriously two tournaments ago, when "Dunk City" and Florida Gulf Coast dominated them as a 15 seed. The Hoyas have put together an impressive season but many were still surprised when a team without many big wins and a lackluster Big East Tournament showing were awarded with a four seed. They will meet the Big Sky Champ, the Eastern Washington Eagles, another balanced team with an efficient offense. While the Eagles did beat up on Big Sky opponents all year, they also proved they can beat the big boys too, stunning Tom Crean's Indiana team earlier in the year. The Eagles are blessed with one of the nation's most underrated guards in sophomore Tyler Harvey, who is averaging nearly 23 points per game and shooting 43 percent from deep. The Hoyas are a good defensive team but they can be beat in transition and speed by the opponent. If the Eagles can shut down Georgetown star D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, a great scorer who has also been prone to bad decisions, and contain massive center Joshua smith, a former UCLA transfer, they will be in prime position for a huge upset and will set up a third round between two double-digit seeds.

For the second straight season, Iowa State dominated the Big 12 Tournament, culminating in a huge win in the Championship over Kansas, the second time the Cyclones beat the Jayhawks on the year. Despite the run in the conference tournament, the Cyclones were given a 3 seed and earned a label as somewhat of a "dark horse" in the tournament. The Cyclones are led by one of the nation's best forwards Georges Niang, a junior who does it all. He averages 15.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and is one of the nation's best passing big man averaging 3.5 per game. ISU also has streaky scoring Monte Morris to lead the offense and their usual stud transfer in UNLV product Bryce Dejean-Jones, who can score in a variety of different ways. 14th-seeded UAB made an impressive run in the Conference USA Tournament but they are not anywhere close to the level of the Cyclones. While a possible meeting with SMU in the third round could be dangerous things don't get that tough until a likely meeting in the Sweet 16 with Gonzaga. While many have openly questioned Gonzaga's resume they still play great basketball and are motivated to make a major run. Even so, the Cyclones have their usual abundance of shooters, a legitimate star in Niang and more experience than they had last season. They could make a huge run this year, and are my pick to make it out of the region.

Legendary head coach Larry Brown has completely transformed SMU from a struggling program consistently near the bottom half of the C-USA to the best team in the still young AAC and a dangerous tournament team. After being snubbed from the field last year, SMU made sure they were a lock winning their conference tournament and earning a six seed. While 6-11 matchups are breeding grounds of upsets, the Mustangs got perhaps the weakest at-large team in the entire field. UCLA has been dominated in meetings with Kentucky, Utah, Arizona and a number of other teams inside their conference and were just 2-8 against the RPI Top 100 (2-8!). While Kevon Looney can give some teams problems down low, the Mustangs are deeper, better-coached and just plain more talented. Meeting Iowa State in the next round would be a huge challenge for Brown and SMU but just getting a win in the Big Dance would continue to show just how far the Mustangs have come and how much potential they have in the future.

South Picks
Second Round

1 Duke over
16 Robert Morris

Bracket Analysis: East Region

Darrun Hilliard & Ryan Arcidiacono

The Villanova Wildcats rode a 32-2 overall record and 16-2 record in the Big East to a No. 1 seed, though many are doubting them because of their play inside an oft-criticized conference. Despite some defensive limitations, Villanova has a number of weapons that can put up some serious points. Junior Ryan Arcidiacono leads the offense, the steady veteran is not a superb shooter but is a great ball handler and a hard worker. Sharpshooting guard Darrun Hilliard is a serious playmaker as well, while the play of forward JayVaughn Pinkston and Josh Hart will give anytime 'Nova plays serious problems. The Wildcats will hope to begin their tourney run against Patriot League champ Lafayette, who hopes to become the first No. 16 to take down a 1. After that, a meeting with NC State/LSU could certainly give Villanova some problems if the 'Cats can't hit their threes. Still, Villanova appears to be someone of a dark horse, something amazing considering they are a top seed. Many expect 'Nova to be an early out, but they have a ton of offensive playmakers and Jay Wright has had some postseason success (a Final Four run with Scottie Reynolds in 2009). The East Region is not extremely tough and if Villanova gets hot they could make a pretty surprising run to the Final Four.

College basketball this year has been all about slowing down the pace and using every possession wisely. Teams are scoring at the lowest rate in years because of this, and no team slows things down as much as Northern Iowa. The Panthers went 30-3 on the season and went 16-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference with victories against Wichita State, Iowa and fellow dark horse tournament squad, Stephen F. Austin. While the Panthers score at an extremely low rate, they rarely, rarely turn the ball over and play even better defense, allowing just 54.3 points per game, good enough for fourth in the entire nation. UNI has one of the nation's most underrated studs, forward Seth Tuttle, who does it all. The senior averages 15.3 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting nearly 62 percent from the field. Another experienced veteran, Wes Washpun is a playmaking guard who will help the Panthers' offense run smoothly. While Mountain West champion Wyoming is certain to give any team some issues, if UNI plays strong defense and contains Larry Nance Jr. they should be in good position. The winner of Georgetown/Eastern Washington shouldn't give the Panthers overwhelming problems, and Northern Iowa could set themselves up for a huge Sweet 16 meeting with Villanova. With their controlling, smart offense that is similar in many ways to Wisconsin and their hard-nosed defense full of experience, UNI certainly looks like a scary dark horse in this year's tournament. They could legitimately be an Elite Eight team with how weak the East Region is, and possibly have an even higher ceiling than that.

The losses of veterans like Adreian Payne, Gary Harris and Keith Appling ushered in a new era in Michigan State basketball, one that was full of struggles early. Though, the Spartans appear to have put it all together, making an impressive run to the Big Ten Tournament Championship game and although they suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to Wisconsin, it showed MSU is ready to do some damage in the tournament after a tough Elite Eight loss to UConn last season. Forward Branden Dawson is one of the Big Ten's best rebounders and a serious matchup problem for many, while guard Denzel Valentine has evolved into a dangerous scorer who can hurt you from deep or take you off the dribble. Travis Trice has always been a great shooter but he has evolved into a great distributor and the Spartans have good size and depth in their frontcourt. While Georgia gave Kentucky serious problems and could do much the same for the Spartans, Michigan State is incredibly dangerous. Depending on the health of wing Justin Anderson, who has missed significant time for Virginia, the Spartans could pull off an upset over the Cavaliers  and possibly be prepared for a major run, considering how wide open the region is.

The dismissal of star point guard Chris Jones midyear threatened to derail Louisville's season. The Cardinals were already struggling and getting rid of the playmaker looked like it could doom them. But, the Cardinals finished the year playing pretty good basketball and won a huge game late in the year, defeating Virginia. They enter the NCAA Tournament with the same seed as last year and incredibly dangerous. Forward Montrezl Harrell still remains among one of the most dominating players in college basketball. The 6'7" junior isn't necessarily very tall but he is strong and sturdy and can push you over if you get in his way. Dangerous scorer Terry Rozier is poised for a big tournament after a great regular season. The guard averages just over 17 points per game and has stepped up big time since the dismissal of Jones. While he will still have turnover problems Rozier still has the ability to take games over and carry Louisville if he does need to. Guards Wayne Blackshear and Quentin Snider, who took over point guard duties from Jones, are also going to make a major impact. While the Cardinals come into the tournament somewhat overlooked they could make a serious run. While they do not have that much size, the Cards push the ball extremely well and have two of the better players in the region in Harrell and Rozier. The UC Irvine Anteaters will be eager to pull off the major upset but Louisville could be a scary team in the region. If they can get past the Anteaters and can put up points in a possible third round meeting with Northern Iowa, they could make a move all the way to the Final Four.

East Picks
Second Round

1 Villanova over
16 Lafayette

Bracket Analysis: West Region

Nigel Hayes

A Big Ten regular season title and tournament championship was enough to give Bo Ryan's Wisconsin Badgers a No. 1 seed, although the committee did match them up with perhaps the toughest of the four regions. A possible Sweet 16 meeting with North Carolina is a cause for concern while second-seeded Arizona and third-seeded Baylor are two dangerous teams. Even so, the Badgers appear destined for a strong showing. Senior center Frank Kaminsky is the real deal, a mobile center who so few can guard because of his mix of size, strength and shooting ability. Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes offer more size (along with greatly improved Duje Dukan), while Josh Gasser and Bronson Koenig are studs in the backcourt. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Wisconsin is that they have had so much success without the guidance of senior guard Traevon Jackson. Koenig has taken over the reigns of the offense and run it wonderfully, but the Badgers could become even more dangerous if Jackson takes over fully healthy. The senior is more of a natural point guard than Koenig and guided Wisconsin to within an inch of a National Championship appearance a year ago. The Badgers won't turn the ball over very much, limiting opponents opportunities in transition and also are one the biggest teams in college basketball, only Kentucky is bigger. Although that possible Sweet 16 meeting with the Tar Heels is scary, the Badgers have a ton of the pieces back from a team that was a Final Four squad a year ago. If they are healthy, they should win the West, and possibly the whole thing.

The midyear injury to Briante Weber, the stud senior guard who perfectly exemplified their "Havoc" defense, threatened to derail VCU's hopes. The Rams slipped to a five seed in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament and while not on the bubble, were certainly heading in the wrong direction. But, a strong showing in the conference tournament that culminated in a championship victory over Dayton, reassured many that the Rams and their infamous defense will become a major threat in March. Weber will not be back and his time at VCU is sadly over, but the Rams still have a load of weapons on both sides of the ball. Treveon Graham has taken over as the Rams' main source of offense. The talented wing is averaging 16.3 points per game and seven boards per game and is sure to give Ohio State, their second round meeting, quite the challenge. Mo-Allie Cox is a superb athlete who gives teams matchup problems to all different teams and guard Melvin Johnson is a playmaker. And, of course the scariest thing about VCU is their full-court, unrelenting "Havoc" defense which can cause panic for any type of offense. While Ohio State is a very tough matchup in the first game, VCU and Shaka Smart are sure to make some noise and possibly pull off a major upset in the third round against Arizona.

The Rams got an awfully tough draw with Ohio State, who dropped to a 10 seed after a less-than-stellar showing in the Big Ten Tournament. D'Angelo Russell has to be one of the most intriguing players in this tourney and the Buckeyes have to be one of the most interesting teams. Russell can take over games at times but can also run extremely hot or extremely cold and he won't be the primary ball handler against the Rams' trap. Russell can score in bunches and make some dazzling plays but can he lead a deep to a deep tourney run like Shabazz Napier a year ago? Russell will need more help from fellow backcourt partner Shannon Scott and he needs his big men to help him out some more, the Buckeyes have gotten very little production underneath. VCU is an extremely small team so using big men to get easy buckets will be extremely important. Ohio State will need someone to step up down low to beat VCU and also to move on. Arizona has some great size, including Kaleb Tarczewski and stretch four Brandon Ashley and the Buckeyes could struggle against them. Still, few teams have a freshman that can go for 30 every single game. If Russell goes off, Ohio State would wreak some serious havoc.

Although they fell apart in the ACC Championship Game, UNC still played strong enough in the tournament to earn a four seed and possibly do some damage. They have one of the nation's best guards in junior Marcus Paige and an amazing assortment of big men, and the smooth transition offense that can get easy buckets. But, what they do not have is shooting, they struggle to space the floor very well which doesn't help their bigs get space and make plays. Still, Kennedy Meeks, Brice Johnson, Justin Jackson and more are a stocked front line and should give any team they face some serious issues. Jackson especially has stepped up in clutch time. Already gifted with great size and tremendous athleticism, Jackson has been able to hit some threes and help space the court for North Carolina, which has clearly benefitted their offense. While the Tar Heels are hot and have weapons that they didn't have as a six seed a year ago, they are also extremely young and could have moments where they just can't score or defend. Their second round game is daunting, a meeting with 13-seeded Harvard. Tommy Amaker's club has pulled off upsets the past two years and have a roster full of experience. Though, if North Carolina can get through the first game they will be an extremely dangerous team down the stretch and could make some serious noise out West, Wisconsin should definitely be nervous.

Arizona seems to be forgotten about in all of the talk about Kentucky and the ACC. The Wildcats dominated the Pac-12 all season and it culminated in the Pac-12 Tournament Championship, with the convincing victory over the blazing hot Oregon Ducks. Although he didn't win Pac-12 Player of the Year, T.J. McConnell still might have been the conference's best player. The former Duquesne transfer is now orchestrating the Arizona offense, and has plenty of weapons surrounding him. Big men Kaleb Tarczewski and Brandon Ashley are enough to give anyone problems but the toughest thing about the 'Cats is their athleticism on the wings. Sophomore Rondae Hollis-Jefferson can rebound and play great defense, while true freshman Stanley Johnson can score in a variety of different ways. The Wildcats also have impressive depth and plenty of experience on their roster. Plus, they have a motivation factor. Despite being one of the strongest programs in country the past few years, the Wildcats still haven't made a Final Four under Sean Miller despite being so close last season. With the weapons they possess, and an easier road to the regional finals than Wisconsin (Baylor is an easier team than North Carolina most likely) the 'Cats are sure to make a deep run and have a legitimate shot at ending that Final Four drought.

West Picks
Second Round

1 Wisconsin over
16 Coastal Carolina

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)