by Ben Arthur |
Many people make picks based on the AP Polls or place their bets on tournament regulars. You’ll even have those who pretty much flip a coin to determine the teams in their Final Four.
I don’t fall into either of these categories.
When March Madness rolls around each year, I feel confident about my bracket.
I like to do my research. I’m not only looking at teams that pass the eye-test or faced top competition in the regular season. I study trends. I find the hottest teams going into the tournament. I listen to what the ‘bracketologists’ say. I even go as far to check the injury report on teams.
Despite this preparation, you know how my bracket typically looks after the first round of play?
Like trash.
Excuse me as I tear my bracket to shreds once again (Thanks a lot, Middle Tennessee and Stephen F. Austin).
But one positive thing about not focusing on a bracket is that I can just be a basketball fan. This tournament is shaping up to be every bit as topsy-turvy as the regular season was. So it’s probably best that I enjoy it as just a spectator.
Let’s look at what we have. As of right now, Kansas looks like the team to beat.
Bill Self’s squad has shown that they were deserving of the tournament’s top overall seed. They cruised to a double digit win over Austin Peay and UConn en route to a Sweet 16 bid.
Perry Ellis is a dominant stretch big. The Jayhawks have gotten excellent play from their back court trio of Wayne Selden Jr., Frank Mason Jr., and Devonte’ Graham. They look like the favorite to cut down the nets in Houston.
“You look up and down (Kansas’) statistical profile on both sides of the ball and at this point in the season, there aren’t many things that you can poke holes in,” ESPN’s Eamon Brennan said.
One of the most surprising teams has been the No. 11 seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs. If it wasn’t for the automatic bid from the West Coast Conference tournament championship, it’s possible they would not have made the field.
The Zags have proved that they belong with solid play in the East Region.
They claimed a double-digit victory over Seton Hall and held star guard Isaiah Whitehead to just 10 points. Mark Few’s squad followed up that performance with a 23 point trouncing of Utah Thursday night, limiting them to just 59 points.
The Zags have a legitimate shot at the Final Four.
I don’t see them experiencing difficulty in the Sweet 16. They should be able to handle the winner of Syracuse/Middle Tennessee without much issue. The Orange have been inconsistent all year and the Blue Raiders could just be a fluke (Yes, I said it. It might be my bitterness talking).
Virginia or Iowa State in the Elite Eight wouldn’t be what you call a ‘dream date’ for the Zags. Nonetheless, either match-up is still winnable.
My advice to you March Madness enthusiasts: Take a take a step away from your bracket.
It’s not reliable. If the Michigan State loss to Middle Tennessee didn’t bust your bracket, something else will. The potential winner for 2016 is as unclear as it has ever been.
Kansas and Gonzaga are two teams that look great now, but either could be ousted in their next game.
Contact Sports Reporter Ben Arthur by email arthur17@up.edu or on Twitter @King_Arthur425
