I know it could be said of any year’s tournament, but this season’s field is wide open. It’s interesting how many people have picked Michigan State and Louisville in the Final Four, both as 4 seeds.
Of the 1 seeds, Florida seems to be the most complete team. While Wichita State made a great run to the Final Four last year, they have played a horrible schedule this year. That’s not to say that they’re not good, but they’re not going to surprise anyone this year. They have a potentially tough second round matchup with Kentucky. While Kentucky has struggled this year, they’re an extremely talented team.
Florida potentially has a tough matchup with Kansas in the elite eight. I think both of those teams are easily good enough to win the title, so it’s a coin toss at this point. Florida has made it to the elite eight in each of the last three seasons. This year’s team is very experienced, and had the best season. They also have a coach who’s cut down the nets twice.
With my Buckeyes, they were ugly at times in the Big Ten. They potentially play a Syracuse team in the second round. Syracuse started 25-0 but has lost 5 of 7. The two teams are very similar. Neither is very deep or particularly good at shooting. Defense is the strength for both squads, the difference being that Syracuse plays a zone and OSU focuses more on man. Either way, I think that would be a close game, but I wouldn’t see Ohio State getting past that.
jrb
Josh Benner 