Overview
Kansas is going to have to prove it can win games in the halfcourt. The
Jayhawks may meet UNLV in the second round and may have to get past either
Georgetown or Wisconsin to get to the Final Four.
The Hoyas and Bo Ryan's Badgers would be a methodical matchup in the Sweet
16.
Everyone is going to talk about the Michael Beasley-O.J. Mayo matchup, but
USC has a chance to go deep into this tournament if they can remain healthy.
I think this is the region that could provide the most entertainment in
terms of upsets and quality games.
Best first-round matchup
No. 6 USC vs. No. 11 Kansas State — It's the battle between the
two most highly touted freshmen — Trojans guard O.J. Mayo and National
Player of the Year candidate Michael Beasley of K-State.
Best potential matchup
No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 2 Georgetown — This could be one of the best
second-round matchups in the entire tournament. Don't be shocked if the Zags
pull the upset over the Hoyas.
Upset special
No. 12 Villanova over No. 5 Clemson — If the Wildcats' guards are
making shots, they can get past the Tigers.
Cinderella?
Cal State Fullerton — Bob Burton has some talent — including
former Kent State transfer Scott Cutley.
My pick
Kansas
— The Jayhawks are loaded with talent and should be able to walk through the
first two rounds before a potential test with Clemson.
Storylines
The first-round battle between the two most over-hyped freshmen in the
country — O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley.
Wisconsin has a difficult road with a second-round matchup against the USC/Kansas
State winner and then a potential meeting with Georgetown.
Can Kansas get to the Final Four this year with an abundance of talent?
Five Players to Watch
Best player you've never heard of
Scott Cutley, Cal
State Fullerton
Overrated
No. 3
Wisconsin
Underrated
No. 11
Kansas State
Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. He can
be reached at GoodmanonFOX@aol.com
or check out his blog, Good
'N Plenty.