Everyone and their dog has a bracket this time of year. And everyone thinks they have good reason why their bracket is better than others…even though they haven’t watched a college basketball game in its entirety this year. Even the experts like Jay Billas Doug Gottlieb Seth Davis and Digger Phelps have no idea what will happen in the tournament. Some of the selections have to do with knowledge and insight; other selections are pure luke. Seeing 4 #1 seeds make the Final Four last year: Lot of insight and a little bit of luck. Predicting George Mason to make the Final Four in 2006: ALL LUCK! So what’s gives me the insight to make these predictions? Well, nothing. I’m just a big college basketball fan that tries to ignore the hype of the media. I might be right, I might be wrong, but here are a few of my predictions:
Arizona St (6) will defeat Syracuse (3) in the round of 32
I doubt anyone outside of Arizona St. actually believes this will happen. Anyone who saw Syracuse’s run in the Big East Tournament knows they can play. I just think that by having to play 2 games in 3 days, after playing what seemed like 37 games the previous weekend will be too much for the Orangemen. Not to mention, James Harden is a VERY underrated player at Arizona St. I’m looking for him to take the Sun Devils past ‘Cuse and even into the Elite 8.
(3) Kansas will defeat (14) North Dakota St.
For some reason, picking North Dakota St. has become a trendy pick. The Jayhawks aren’t nearly as talented as last year, but they are coming out of a strong Big 12 Conference. This one won’t even be close!
(6) West Virginia will knock off (2) Michigan St. to go to the Elite 8
We’ll have to wait to see if this plays out, but I really feel like any Top 7 Big East school is better than the number 1 Big 10 school. The Big 10 is weak, soft, and only competitive against itself. Michigan St. had some big wins earlier in the season and does have Tom Izzo coaching, but I think Bob Huggins will finally have a team ready for the tourney (Cincinnati fans will disagree!).
The Curse of the 12′s: (12) Arizona will defeat (5) Utah and (12) Western Kentucky will defeat (5) Illinois IF Chester Frazier is out
Arizona doesn’t deserve to be in the tournament, but they will make it to the 2nd round because their conference has trained them well. Don’t consider this one an upset. Vegas actually favors Arizona. IF Chester Frazier does not play for the Illini, I think they’re going to be packing their bags early. Not 100% confident on this one, but I’m about 65-35. The Hilltoppers are underrated. Don’t believe me? Check out their nonconference wins.
(4) Wake Forest will defeat (13) Cleveland St.
You may say “Duh!” but a lot of people are starting to look for the upset. Wake Forest might have the most talented group of players in the field. Only problem is, they’re young and don’t always play as a team. Don’t count out Cleveland St. They did beat (9) Butler, and could have beaten them 3 times if a few odd things didn’t happen in their games. Regardless, look for Wake to win this.
(5) Florida St. vs (12) Wisconsin will have fewer combined points than Louisville’s total points in their first round game
FSU and Wisconsin have 2 of the most incredible defenses in the country. Look for both teams to play shutdown D and also have trouble shooting. My prediction is probably inaccurate, but it might be closer than some think. Expect the FSU-Wisconsin game to be about 68-55 Seminoles. Louisville could put up 140 on Morehead St., but I expect to see the walk-ons take the floor to keep that from happening.
IF Ty Lawson is healthy, North Carolina cuts down the nets. If not, they’ll be lucky to make it to the Elite 8
He runs the team. Larry Drew III and Bobby Frasor are nice backups, but neither have the speed or passing and shooting ability as Lawson. But if he’s completely healthy, I see UNC taking down Louisville for the Championship!
Feel free to post some of your own!