Right now, NCAA Bracket pools are being filled out by friends and co-workers alike. Many sheets of paper are wasted printing out brackets and carefully studying which teams will make the Final Four and most importantly, who will be this year’s George Mason. If you know that, it could score major bucks for you in your office pool.
The sexy picks to play Cinderella are Davidson, Winthrop and perhaps George Mason’s Colonial Athletic Association rival Virginia Commonwealth. Good solid picks and all low seed from Mid-Majors. My mid-major pick to go to the Elite Eight and perhaps pull a George Mason is the Salukis of Southern Illinois.
Yes, I know the Egyptian Dogs have been nationally ranked and are a 4 seed out of the West Region. Technically they don’t qualify for Cinderella status but the Salukis have a legitimate shot in not only reaching the Elite Eight, but going to Atlanta and the Final Four. SIU doesn’t score a lot however, their defense is stifling only allowing 56 points per game that’s good for 3rd in the nation. Another thing the Salukis have going for them is their top players are upperclassman. Senior Jamaal Tatum leads the team in scoring with 15 points per game, good for 5th in the Missouri Valley Conference. Junior Randal Falker averages double figures in points (12.5) and 3rd in the MVC in rebounding grabbing 7 boards per game. SIU has talent and experience which might be the way to San Jose for the West Regionals and possibly carry the Salukis to Atlanta.
OTHER NCAA TOURNAMENT NOTES:
My Arkansas Razorbacks was one of the last to get in the NCAA Tournament and I like their draw. The Hogs are a hot team and can get by Southern California and could reach the sweet 16 though getting by Texas with all-world Kevin Durant would be a tall order. One things is certain, getting the in the Big Dance saved Stan Heath’s job.
Winthrop will beat Notre Dame and head coach Gregg Marshall will parlay that win into a job in a major conference. Perhaps one in South Carolina if it opens up.
The other budding head coaching star to come out of this tournament is Oral Roberts’ Scott Sutton. He has the bloodlines, his dad is Eddie Sutton and his brother is Sean Sutton. Scott’s turn at a major school is coming soon plus ORU should win a game or 2 at the NCAA’s.
The East sets up great for Georgetown to reach the Final Four. If Ohio State’s talented freshman withstand the pressure of March Madness their in. Florida is on a mission to repeat and to me they are the best “TEAM” in the NCAA Tournament. I would like to see Ohio State and Florida (Just like the BCS Title Game in Football) to meet for the title at the Georgia Dome. Unfortunately Buckeye fans, the might Gators will win this, too.
That's it...I'm spent.--John Wilkerson
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