7 Comments
Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Published Monday, March 15, 2010 | 11:32 p.m.
Updated Friday, March 19, 2010 | 10:36 a.m.
I'll be honest — I'm one of those guys who every year walks around to my friends and co-workers with my freshly filled-out bracket, and will proclaim "Here are the answers, in case you're curious."
It's a good thing people typically don't take my advice.
I'm the guy who picks at least one random selection to go to the Final Four, and likes to avoid putting No. 1 seeds in the national semis at all costs. Last year, I'll be honest, I had Purdue in the title game.
That said, this year is the first time in which I feel absolutely not one shred of confidence in my picks. None. All four of my Final Four picks could be done in the first weekend and I wouldn't be shocked.
So please don't use reverse logic in following my picks, thinking that the first time I'm down on my prognostications will mean my bracket turns into a golden ticket of sorts.
I just think I'm that much worse off...
Instead, I want you to share your Final Four picks and top upsets below. I love talking brackets with anyone and everyone who wants to, so let's get some conversation going below.
Here are mine:
Final Four: Kansas, Syracuse, West Virginia, Duke
The only two in that field I feel remotely confident in are Syracuse and Duke. Syracuse is, I think, the most versatile team in the country, while Duke's region is mysteriously thin on contenders. I picked Kansas by default, because if things were just a bit different, I'd have taken Michigan State. But the Spartans have some inner issues and lingering injuries going right now. If Kansas plays like it cares, it's as dangerous a team as you'll find. Problem is, it's a 50-50 chance the Jayhawks actually do that. And West Virginia is a matchup nightmare with its size across the board. But, not going to lie, I was this close to picking Morgan State to pull off the first-round upset. That game will be much closer than you think. I promise.
Three big upsets
Murray State over Vanderbilt: You don't win 30 games by accident, folks. The Racers can score with anyone. Plus, I covered point guard Isaac Miles when he was in high school at Bishop Miege in Kansas City. He lives for situations like this, and has been huge for the Racers all year. Vandy was also incredibly uninspiring on Saturday in the SEC semis against Mississippi State.
Butler over UTEP: No, a 5-seed beating a 12-seed isn't what many people would really consider an upset. But I've heard so many people talk about UTEP as a sexy pick. Why is everyone so in love with the Miners? Yes, they're athletic and flashy. But they're sloppy, while Butler can break anyone down, and has one of the most dangerous starting lineups in all of college basketball. I'm not buying the UTEP hype, sorry.
BYU over Kansas State (second round): This is the exact kind of team Kansas State will easily overlook. Honestly, outside of Kansas, I think this is the toughest backcourt match-up KSU has had all year, especially with the late-season emergence of Michael Loyd Jr. If BYU's big men can keep KSU's from going bananas on the glass, I think Jimmer Fredette out-duels Jacob Pullen and that's enough for the Cougars to get by.
Discuss ...
No way BYU beats K-state. BYU's big men couldn't stop Massamba or Marshall
Can't see BYU beating K-State. BYU has struggled against athletic guard oriented teams(see UNLV) and K-State has two terrific guards in Pullen and Clemente and a host of athletic wings and bigs. But then again I have a few crazy picks in my bracket(Baylor to the final four and Marquette to the elite eight)so who knows. Fun to debate.
I picked UTEP to go to the Final Four. If they play up to thier potential who knows what they could do. And cmon BYU over Kansas State? KSU= more athletic, bigger inside, better shooters
I agree about Murray State. They are a very good team and will be playing inspired ball. They are dealing with tragedy. It has the makings of a special game for them.
I like UTEP. I haven't been high on Butler all season, and I'm not jumping on board now.
Pains me to say it, but objectively, I like BYU's chances a lot. I can see Fredette having a Steph Curry like run in the tourney, dropping 40 on Florida and 30+ on K-State. Neither of those teams play great perimeter defense. Don't rip me guys. I can't stand the kid, but you have got to respect his abilities.
Baylor is my Final Four dark horse. The South Bracket is historically thin. I think Baylor could sneak into the Final Four and then get blown out by a battle tested West Virginia team.
@youngrebelfan: That BYU team that can't possibly hang with KSU beat down your Final Four-bound UTEP in El Paso.
I doubt BYU gets past KSU, but they're sure a hell of a lot better than the Miners.
your good.... murray state??
OK I officially eat crow. UTEP sucks