Houston the site of this years Final Four, will it be a NFL like hometown crowning(Bucs ,Rams) for Kelvin Sampson winning in his hometown? Or is it fools gold and the most likely bracket to have a 1 seed upset? This years tournament probably has a good 30 teams good enough to make run to the Final Four at least. What teams might be making a push from not a 1 or 2 seed ?
I look first at last years runner up…
The UNC Tar Heels who have the talent and the coaching to be a problem in the tournament, and we sit now they may be lucky to be in play in, but we saw last night in a wrong pick for me Virginia is set to damage those who underestimate them in the brackets.
The Indiana Hoosiers brought back everyone from a team that could make a run.
Gonzaga… currently at # 10 in the polls but what did Timme learn from last years sooner than hoped for exit.
Missouri – Just beat Tennessee in SEC Tournament and has a senior leading scoring in Brown.
Tennessee- The Vols roller coasters have been health related. Depending on who is on the court this has been a top 5 team.
Miami who has at times been the best in a tough ACC Conference, only 1 senior but Jim Larrañaga has them cutting down nets already as the number 1 seed in the ACC Tournament.
Kentucky- The odds on the Wildcats have remained 30-1 despite ups and downs. The defense is playing at that level where they can get stops. I think for the guys who lost to Niagara last year there will be motivation.
U Conn- While not winning the Big East they did split with Marquette and this program keeps the talent on the floor still and has traditionally kept guards who cause problems and can win big games.
Northwestern – In what may be the toughest conference in college hoops they sit right outside the top 25, this team doesn’t make the tournament annually traditionally and may surprise some. Don’t forget Michigan who can beat any one, Michigan St. , Penn State, Maryland, Iowa and Wisconsin too… and Purdue may be the best team overall period.
Memphis – Just played Houston to a two point loss today, so if your in a game with the number one seed then you have a shot at anyone.
Iona – I’ve watched them demolish the MAAC and as long as they make the field they are going to win a game at least.
I’ll be back with more for Conference Tournaments