Day two takes a look at the West Bracket. This bracket has about 6 teams that could claim a spot in the final four. At the top of the list would have to be Syracuse, but without AO the Cuse are just another team. Don’t be surprised if you see a higher seed or two make a run to the regional final.
West Bracket
Teams with the most potential:
-#1 Syracuse-Yes I know, surprise a number 1 seed has the most potential, but this is the best team Cuse has had since Melo. Speaking of Melo, Wes Johnson is that kind of athlete that can put a team on his back and carry them in the tournament. A huge question is the health of their big man AO. This team even has Oscar the Grouch, I mean Jim Boeheim smiling; now that is saying something.
-#Kansas State-A strong performance in the Big 12 has the Wildcats primed to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. Loaded with guard play, KSU can score and defend with the best of them. Turnovers have been a problem in their 7 losses this year, averaging 17 a game in those defeats.
Thanks for coming, better luck next year:
-#6 Xavier-The A-10 was one of the strongest conferences all year, and it shows with 3 teams getting in. The Musketeers aren’t as strong as they have been in the past. Crawford and Love are great players but one slip up and it’s back to Cincy for Xavier.
-#10 Florida- Billy Donovan has won back to back national championships but hasn’t been in back to back tournaments since. His Gators are a young squad that I am still wondering how they made the field of 65. If they can get past BYU in the opening round, their fate will come to an end in round 2 against Kansas State.
If the slipper fits:
-#7 BYU-Everyone say it with me Jimmer Fredette. Yeah, I still don’t know how to pronounce it but the dude can score. BYU has a balanced attacked ranked in the top 25 in the nation in both scoring offense and defense. The past 2 years they have exited early, but this year I feel they may be able to sneak into the sweet sixteen. On the other hand if they lose I guess they get an early start on their mission trips.
-#5 Butler-The Bulldogs ran the table in the Horizon League but never truly could get over the hump for a big win out of conference. Hayward, Mack, and Howard are three players that you should get used to hearing this tournament. A scary 12/5 match-up in round 1 against the Miners of UTEP could have some worrying, but if they get by them, they could cause some problems with Syracuse in the Sweet 16.
Upset Alert on High:
-#1 Syracuse vs. Gonzaga/FSU Winner-The Zags are no longer a mid-major. Their talent is as good if not better than most of the teams in the Big Ten. If they can get past a very physical Florida State team, I think they can cause problems for that Zone of Syracuse.
A Star is born:
-Wes Johnson #4 Syracuse-The Big East Player of the Year looks to stamp his name as the nation’s best player. If AO is hurt for an extended period of time, look for Johnson to show off and look to score more. A very unselfish player that will get you a quiet 18, 10 and 7 every tourney game. If he is playing well, Syracuse could be a Sleeper to play in the national Championship game.
GET the ladder out please, thank you:
-#1 Syracuse-In the most balanced bracket top to bottom, I feel the Cuse will come out alive. Rautins has turned into an outstanding player and is more than just a 3-point shooter. A key to their success will be Chris Joseph and how he is going to adapt into the starting role if Onuaku can’t go. Overall, no one else in the bracket is as deep and talented as the Orange.
*SOUTH BRACKET TO COME*
Sac
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