NCAA Tournament Midwest Region preview
In the most obvious choice in the history of the NCAA tournament, Kentucky was named the unanimous number one seed for the entire tournament, and were placed in the Midwest region. Although Kentucky played in a very weak SEC, they are clearly the best and most talented team in the entire country. You have also have to factor in what they did in their non-conference games: They demolished Kansas by 30, and also beat Louisville and a solid UNC team. They do this with their defense, and in my opinion, their offense is not as bad as many claim they are.
The Favorite: This is an easy pick. How can anyone in this bracket pick against Kentucky, who could challenge several NBA teams (and I stand by that statement)? They are supremely talented, and are one of the best college basketball teams ever, with several future NBA lottery picks on their team. The best defense in the entire country can smother opponents, and they are incredible on the boards as well.
Who will challenge Kentucky: I consider this bracket to be one of the weaker regions in the tournament this season. Kentucky got lucky that they should not have to play a major powerhouse until the final four. The team that could challenge the Wildcats is Notre Dame, which has great guard play from Demetrius Jackson and Jerian Grant. They are an incredible three-point shooting team and four of their five starters can shoot it from deep. They are, however, thin down low and will have to beat Kentucky by playing primarily on the perimeter. They could give Kentucky a run for their money if they are hitting their shots.
Upset Pick: Buffalo over West Virginia. West Virginia’s defense is incredible, but I think Buffalo will be able to handle the pressure with their guard play. West Virginia is coming into the tournament having lost three of their last four games, while Buffalo is coming into the tournament red-hot and excited, since itwill be the school’s first tournament appearance. They are coached by former Duke standout Bobby Hurley who knows a thing or two about winning in March. I think that Bobby has his boys ready to knock off the #5 Mountaineers.
A 10-16 seed that might surprise you: This one was easy for me. #11 Texas. The Longhorns came into the season on many people’s radar. Having overachieved and exceeding expectations last season, they returned everyone from that surprise team. They even added Myles Turner, a stud stretch forward, and have size, a year of added experience, depth, and a lot of talent. However, they severely underachieved, and it would not be a stretch to call them the most disappointing team all season.
Coming into the season, they could have been a Final Four contender, but they have struggled in most of their big games all season and barely made the tournament. Why could they surprise us? As stated above, the talent, the experience, and the depth is there. Could they put it together? Who knows, but they have to be one of the most talented double-digit seeds ever to make the tournament. Coach Rick Barnes has traditionally struggled mightily in the tournament, but I would not be surprised if they won a couple of tournament games and made a run in the tournament.
Matchup I would pay to see: Kentucky vs. Notre Dame. Notre Dame is one of the best offensive teams in the country according to KenPom. They are experienced and seasoned, playing a good brand of basketball that can put up some points. Many have said all year that it will take a good three-point shooting team to beat Kentucky, and Notre Dame might fit the bill. The UNC/Notre Dame ACC tournament final was proof of how the Irish can flat-out stroke it, with the 1-4 positions all potentially deadly from distance. If Grant and Jackson can get into the lane to free up shooters, they could give Kentucky a run for their money. If they are not able to hit their shots, however, they could lose by 30, because they have zero inside game outside of Zach Auguste, and he is not a stud down there.
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Sleeper Team: #7 Wichita State. I felt that they are heavily under-seeded. They came into the season as top-10 material, and can do some major damage in this tournament. They have excellent guard play (Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker, anyone?) and are well-coached. Losing all of their big showcase games was probably why they got seeded so low, but they have the ability to make a deep run in this year’s tournament.
The pick? You have to go with Kentucky. I just do not see Kentucky being the least bit challenged until they reach the Final Four to face either Wisconsin or Arizona. The Final Four is where the tournament will get interesting for this undefeated team, but until then, I say Kentucky has a fairly easy road and will be moving to Indianapolis for their fourth Final Four in five years.
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