The South Region in the 2021 NCAA Tournament has no shortage of story lines. t sees Scott Drew trying to take Baylor to the Final Four for the first time in 70 years. Also we get to watch Chris Beard’s encore performance from Texas Tech’s national runner-up run in 2019. With elite coaches and fun mid-majors littered throughout, this quadrant of the bracket will be one to watch.
The Favorite: Baylor +100
Scott Drew’s Bears come into the South Region as an even money favorite to go to the Final Four. This comes with good reason. After rising to the elite in the 2020 season, Baylor has taken it up a notch this season. They started the season 18-0, a streak that saw them win every game by at least 8 points. While they faltered down the stretch to the tune of two losses a week of practice before tournament should do wonders for this team.
Baylor’s back court makes the team go. Consensus All-American Jared Butler is the headliner but Davion Mitchell is one of the most improved players in the country. If you shut down those two Macio Teague can light a team up for 30. When you combine that with high energy forwards and two sharpshooters off the bench one can see why this has been a top 3 team all season.
Teams to Watch:
Ohio State, 2 Seed: The Buckeyes have been one of the most impressive teams in the country this season. OSU was able to pick off each of the rest of the tournament teams in the B1G at least once, besides Purdue. They are led by the dynamic duo of EJ Liddell and Duane Washington Jr. Liddell, who was First Team All-B1G, is a small-ball five who presents a matchup problem for traditional centers. Washington is the big shot maker in the back court. We were all witnesses of his ability to bring the Buckeyes back in a game in the Big 10 Championship. If Baylor does not go to the Final Four, Ohio State is the most likely candidate.
Texas Tech, 6 Seed: The Red Raiders are back after their huge run in 2019. It is going to be extremely interesting to see if Chris Beard can take his team deep in the tournament without a definite pro prospect. The name to know here is Mac McClung. The Georgetown transfer is the heart and soul of this team with his clutch gene being built for March Madness. After McClung, Kyler Edwards And Kevin McCullar help form a potent trio capable of leading this team in March.
Winthrop, 12 Seed: The last team to watch is going to be everyone’s favorite upset pick this week. The Golden Eagles have been getting a lot of love this season going 23-1. Winthrop is the Big South champ and is led by Conference POTY Chandler Vaudrin. The 6’7 guard leads a team that is 11th in the country in adjusted tempo making them an extremely difficult guard. Behind Vaudrin, a number of shooters make them a threat from the outside.
Players to Watch:
Jared Butler, Baylor: The consensus all-american did not get his chance in March last year. That changes in 2021 where he will try to lead Baylor to their first ever National Championship. Butler is one of the nations most feared shooters. With a shooting split of 54/43/79 and a top 40 steal rate in America, the guard can impact the game on both ends.
Justin Moore, Villanova: The talented sophomore has had a nice season for the Wildcats. He is about to be thrust into a role vacated by a Villanova legend. With Collin Gillespie’s injury, Moore steps in as the man with the keys to the offense. How he handles his new role is going to be important for Jay Wright’s team to advance in the dance.
Neemias Queta, Utah State: It surprised a lot of people to see the Aggies avoid the First Four. Unfortunately, Texas Tech is the one who might be punished. Dealing with the 7′ Center is a problem for anyone but especially when your tallest rotation piece is 6’7. Queta is one of the most feared rim protectors in College Basketball, averaging over three blocks a game. He also has the ability to score and make plays that could lead to a Cinderella run for Utah State.
Upset Alert: Colgate vs. Arkansas
Lots of people are going to pick Winthrop to beat Villanova. Colgate vs. Arkansas is going to be the most fun game of the first round in the South Region though. Both teams love to get up and down the court which could see scoring in the triple digits. That is not the normal recipe for an upset but given Colgate’s offensive ability it’s a nice match up for them. The name to know here is Jordan Burns. The senior guard has the capability to help the Raiders send Eric Musselman’s group home early.
Prediction: Baylor
To put it simply, the Scott Drew’s group is the best team in the region. A potential Round of 32 game against North Carolina could cause problems but if they get through that, The Final Four is within reach. Depth will be the difference. Adam Flagler and Matthew Mayer off the bench provide a scoring punch that not many teams can answer. Scott Drew and Co. will finally get their chance in the Final Four.