The final region to be announced today (sadly) did not include my favorite team, Syracuse. Still, it is an intriguing region to look at. One of my title contenders (Arizona) is in the region as well.
Favorites
#2 Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats have one of the most talented rosters in the nation led by Allonzo Trier and Lauri Markkanen. Trier returned from a suspension to average 17.3 points per game, while Markkanen averages 15.6 points per game while also pulling down over 7 rebounds a game. Arizona is also extremely efficient as a team, shooting 48% from the field and 76% from the free-throw line. The impressive combination of size and depth will get Arizona out of the region.
#5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Bonzie Collson’s rebounding will take this team places. In 29 of the team’s 34 games, Colson was the leading rebounder, with the team going 22-7 in those games. Colson was the only ACC player to average a double-double this season, with 17.5 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game. Though only 6’5″, Colson’s wing-span is a ridiculous 7’2″. Colson is not the only cog in the machine, with four players averaging double-digit points per game, and junior guard Matt Farrell dishing out 5.5 assists per game. Facing Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 is a favorable matchup for Notre Dame due to their versatility.
Potential First Round Upsets
#10 VCU over #7 St. Mary’s
If you didn’t know, I was not very high on St. Mary’s when they were still undefeated, although I did think they could fall into a 5 seed. Now, as a 7 seed, it is time for me to alter my prediction, having them losing to VCU in the first round. Although they have a size advantage, St. Mary’s is not as deep as VCU, a team that has 10 players averaging over 10 minutes a game. Despite an overwhelming size advantage for St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s and VCU both average 36 rebounds per game. Both teams have strong defenses, with St. Mary’s allowing just 56.5 points per game. Ultimately, the game will be decided by turnovers, and VCU forces an overwhelming 14.6 turnovers per game. The extra possessions will be the difference in this one.
#9 Vanderbilt over #8 Northwestern
Northwestern getting to their first NCAA tournament is a great story, but good storylines do not equal wins in March. Vanderbilt shoots, and makes, more three-pointers than anyone in the SEC Conference this season, leading to three wins over Florida and a win over Iowa State. The Commodores ability to shoot the three will distance themselves from opponents. Technically, this is not a major upset, but an upset nonetheless.
Sleeper Pick
#3 Florida State Seminoles
Another athletic team, Florida State has a chance to escape a competitive region. Jonathan Issac, Dwayne Bacon and Terrance Mann are all uber-athletes who can drive the lane and finish at the rim. FSU also has impressive size, with three players 6’10” or taller. They average 38 rebounds a game, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc. The Seminoles’ ability to shoot could allow the team to make a run.
Favorite:
#2 Arizona Wildcats
Arizona is the overwhelming favorite in my mind, propelled by Allonzo Trier, Lauri Markkanen, and efficient shooting. Arizona’s athleticism carried them to a Pac-12 postseason championship, beating UCLA in the semi-finals and Oregon in the finals. Their athleticism will continue to win games for them, all the way to the Final Four.
