Can 'Zona overcome loss of their star Ashley? #10 - Arizona Wildcats 29 - 3 (15 - 3)
'Zona started the season on fire and quickly earned the #1 AP ranking however an injury to star forward Brandon Ashley caused them to drop some games late. The Wildcats now will lean on their leader Nick Johnson, who is one of the best all around players in the game, and freshman forward Aaron Gordon, who is one of the best athletes in the nation, to reach the Final Four.
The supporting cast does a nice job contributing on defense and knocking down perimeter shots however they lack a true third option when it comes to scoring the ball. They should be strong enough to reach the Elite 8 but the Final Four may be a stretch.
'Zona started the season on fire and quickly earned the #1 AP ranking however an injury to star forward Brandon Ashley caused them to drop some games late. The Wildcats now will lean on their leader Nick Johnson, who is one of the best all around players in the game, and freshman forward Aaron Gordon, who is one of the best athletes in the nation, to reach the Final Four.
The supporting cast does a nice job contributing on defense and knocking down perimeter shots however they lack a true third option when it comes to scoring the ball. They should be strong enough to reach the Elite 8 but the Final Four may be a stretch.
Ejim & Kane combine for nearly 40 Points/ Game #9 - Iowa State Cyclones 24 - 7 (11 - 7)
Fred Hoiberg has done a spectacular job turning ISU into a contender each year since taking over as coach. Now with perhaps his strongest squad yet he has the Cyclones in as great a position as they have been in over a decade. Melvin Ejim (Big 12 Player of the Year), DeAndre Kane, and Georges Niang provide the Cyclones with one of the best triple threat scoring attacks in the NCAA.
Ejim is a double-double machine, Kane is an elite combo guard, and Niang is a matchup nightmare with his ability to pass and score from inside or out. As long as they don't face a powerhouse like Kansas, or Florida early they should reach the Elite 8.
Fred Hoiberg has done a spectacular job turning ISU into a contender each year since taking over as coach. Now with perhaps his strongest squad yet he has the Cyclones in as great a position as they have been in over a decade. Melvin Ejim (Big 12 Player of the Year), DeAndre Kane, and Georges Niang provide the Cyclones with one of the best triple threat scoring attacks in the NCAA.
Ejim is a double-double machine, Kane is an elite combo guard, and Niang is a matchup nightmare with his ability to pass and score from inside or out. As long as they don't face a powerhouse like Kansas, or Florida early they should reach the Elite 8.
Living & Dying by the 2-3 Zone #8 - Syracuse Orangemen 27 - 4 (14 - 4)
The magic had to run out eventually for The Orange as Tyler Ennis can't always save them in late game situations. The good news is Syracuse still has a great chance to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. Their 2-3 Zone causes problems for all opponents making them capable of beating anyone however their struggles scoring the ball consistently also makes 'Cuse an easily target for an upset.
As usual coach Boehiem's boys will be living and dieing by their zone defense - thankfully CJ Fair and Tyler Ennis have enough poise to guide them through most adversity they face. The Orangemen will be a tough out come Tourney time but can they go 6 games without a scoring drought? Doubtful. It'd be surprising to see 'Cuse make it to the Final Four this season.
The magic had to run out eventually for The Orange as Tyler Ennis can't always save them in late game situations. The good news is Syracuse still has a great chance to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. Their 2-3 Zone causes problems for all opponents making them capable of beating anyone however their struggles scoring the ball consistently also makes 'Cuse an easily target for an upset.
As usual coach Boehiem's boys will be living and dieing by their zone defense - thankfully CJ Fair and Tyler Ennis have enough poise to guide them through most adversity they face. The Orangemen will be a tough out come Tourney time but can they go 6 games without a scoring drought? Doubtful. It'd be surprising to see 'Cuse make it to the Final Four this season.
Love those uniforms - and teams good too! #7 - Cincinnatie Bearcats 27 - 5 (15 - 3)
If you wanted to pick a team that defined the term "Toughness" then look no further. The Bearcats play the game with the hearts of lions and their senior guard Sean Kilpatrick is an absolute star. Coach Mick Cronin has his senior heavy Cincy squad playing harder than any team in the nation.
Cincinnati's biggest weapon is their ability to defend both the perimeter and the inside thanks to size and athleticism at each position. Having multiple battle tested seniors in the line up only adds to Coach Cronins arsenal. With Kilpatrick and company playing as well as they have lately they have the ability to reach the Elite 8.
If you wanted to pick a team that defined the term "Toughness" then look no further. The Bearcats play the game with the hearts of lions and their senior guard Sean Kilpatrick is an absolute star. Coach Mick Cronin has his senior heavy Cincy squad playing harder than any team in the nation.
Cincinnati's biggest weapon is their ability to defend both the perimeter and the inside thanks to size and athleticism at each position. Having multiple battle tested seniors in the line up only adds to Coach Cronins arsenal. With Kilpatrick and company playing as well as they have lately they have the ability to reach the Elite 8.
Everyone's picking up the slack, especially Nik #6 Michigan Wolverines 23 - 7 (15 - 3)
All that coach John Beilien has done this season is carry forward the same level of play from last years team to this years. It may not seem that impressive unless you consider that Michigan lost two starters (Burke, Hardaway) from last years squad, and also lost highly their highly touted sophomore bigman (Mitch McGarity) before the season due to injury.
Despite all the losses the Wolverines have more than compensated as Nik Stauskas has become a star and Glenn Robinson III is still a matchup nightmare for opponents. With coach Beilien leading the way, and given last years tournament experience, Michigan could return to the Final Four.
All that coach John Beilien has done this season is carry forward the same level of play from last years team to this years. It may not seem that impressive unless you consider that Michigan lost two starters (Burke, Hardaway) from last years squad, and also lost highly their highly touted sophomore bigman (Mitch McGarity) before the season due to injury.
Despite all the losses the Wolverines have more than compensated as Nik Stauskas has become a star and Glenn Robinson III is still a matchup nightmare for opponents. With coach Beilien leading the way, and given last years tournament experience, Michigan could return to the Final Four.
8 losses may add chip on Kansas' shoulder? #5 - Kansas Jayhawks 24 - 8 (14 - 4)
So the season hasn't gone exactly the way most Jayhawks fans would have anticipated but this group is as talented as any entering the tournament. You can blame youth and inexperience, or perhaps a challenging schedule, for some of their regular season troubles but Coach Bill Self's team is battle tested and ready to compete with anybody.
If freshman Joel Embiid gets healthy, and Andrew Wiggins continues to elevate his play this team has all the pieces for a national championship. To be the best you have to beat the best and that's what the Jayhawks have tried (and usually succeeded) to do this season - let's see if it pays off this March!
So the season hasn't gone exactly the way most Jayhawks fans would have anticipated but this group is as talented as any entering the tournament. You can blame youth and inexperience, or perhaps a challenging schedule, for some of their regular season troubles but Coach Bill Self's team is battle tested and ready to compete with anybody.
If freshman Joel Embiid gets healthy, and Andrew Wiggins continues to elevate his play this team has all the pieces for a national championship. To be the best you have to beat the best and that's what the Jayhawks have tried (and usually succeeded) to do this season - let's see if it pays off this March!
Shock the World! Wichita State Celebrates! #4 - Wichita State Shockers 34 - 0 (18 - 0)
You can't have a better season than Wichita State did this year and that's a fact. 34 - 0 will go down in history and so it should. Most critics will be quick to point out the sub par competition the Shockers faced this season however don't let that trick you into thinking this group isn't talented. In fact their roster has the make up similar to a power conference team with their significant size and length at each position 1 through 5.
Not only does Wichita have a brilliant up and coming coach in Gregg Marshall but they also have a great scoring trio in Fred Van Vleet, Ron Baker, and CleAnthony Early. Did we mention they haven't lost since last seasons defeat in the Final Four? Talk about a hot streak, the Shockers are scorching! Don't be Shocked if Wichita State returns to the Final Four.
You can't have a better season than Wichita State did this year and that's a fact. 34 - 0 will go down in history and so it should. Most critics will be quick to point out the sub par competition the Shockers faced this season however don't let that trick you into thinking this group isn't talented. In fact their roster has the make up similar to a power conference team with their significant size and length at each position 1 through 5.
Not only does Wichita have a brilliant up and coming coach in Gregg Marshall but they also have a great scoring trio in Fred Van Vleet, Ron Baker, and CleAnthony Early. Did we mention they haven't lost since last seasons defeat in the Final Four? Talk about a hot streak, the Shockers are scorching! Don't be Shocked if Wichita State returns to the Final Four.
Parker makes this Duke team different #3 - Duke Blue Devils 24 - 7 (13 - 5)
Great Coach. Check. Great Team. Check. Superstar Player. Check. Duke has the makings of a special team, although they rely heavily on the 3pt shot and may not be as strong inside as some of the other top teams Jabari Paker gives them the X-Factor.
The best individual player in college basketball right now is capable of beating you from long range, the post, or by attacking the rim. He also has that killer instinct that you love to see. Could he have a Carmelo Anthony like freshman campaign and lead his team to the NCAA Title? With Coach K and a very talented group around him it is definitely worth taking a shot on Parker.
Great Coach. Check. Great Team. Check. Superstar Player. Check. Duke has the makings of a special team, although they rely heavily on the 3pt shot and may not be as strong inside as some of the other top teams Jabari Paker gives them the X-Factor.
The best individual player in college basketball right now is capable of beating you from long range, the post, or by attacking the rim. He also has that killer instinct that you love to see. Could he have a Carmelo Anthony like freshman campaign and lead his team to the NCAA Title? With Coach K and a very talented group around him it is definitely worth taking a shot on Parker.
Pitino's still got it - Louisville strong as ever #2 - Louisville Cardinals 27 - 5 (15 - 3)
Big, fast, talented, and experienced is what Louisville is. With Russ Smith leading the charge, Luke Hancock knocking own shots from the perimeter, and Montrezl Harrell becoming the most ferocious big man in the game the Cardinals are primed for their return to the Final 4.
Playing as well as any team in the NCAA right now, and following a major blow out of Rutgers on Wednesday, Louisville is peaking at the perfect time. You can bet Coach Rick Pitino will do his best to send Russ-diculous out with some more hardware before he leaves.
Big, fast, talented, and experienced is what Louisville is. With Russ Smith leading the charge, Luke Hancock knocking own shots from the perimeter, and Montrezl Harrell becoming the most ferocious big man in the game the Cardinals are primed for their return to the Final 4.
Playing as well as any team in the NCAA right now, and following a major blow out of Rutgers on Wednesday, Louisville is peaking at the perfect time. You can bet Coach Rick Pitino will do his best to send Russ-diculous out with some more hardware before he leaves.
Are the Gators hungry for more after going 18 - 0 in SEC #1 - Florida Gators 29 - 2 (18 - 0)
Billy Donovan is back at it again. Going 18-0 in SEC play is outstanding and the Gators have earned their #1 AP ranking. With four seniors in the starting line up this group is as battle tested, experienced, and ready to win as any.
Pat Young sets the tone for this team with his passion and hustle while he is surround by players that can put the ball in the hoop. Florida is extremely balanced and with no weak links they have the ability to beat opponents in many ways making them a force to be reckoned with. Don't be a fool and bet against these guys. Chomp Chomp!
Billy Donovan is back at it again. Going 18-0 in SEC play is outstanding and the Gators have earned their #1 AP ranking. With four seniors in the starting line up this group is as battle tested, experienced, and ready to win as any.
Pat Young sets the tone for this team with his passion and hustle while he is surround by players that can put the ball in the hoop. Florida is extremely balanced and with no weak links they have the ability to beat opponents in many ways making them a force to be reckoned with. Don't be a fool and bet against these guys. Chomp Chomp!
