While all the so-called bracketologists are trying to predict the brackets, I wanted to get a little ahead of the game and project some Top 16 teams who appear vulnerable.
Here's my list for most likely to pull a Bob Huggins—or in other words "most likely to get a top four seed and not advance to the second weekend":
GEORGETOWN
The Hoyas have a similar ranking entering the NCAAs as they did last year but I can't help but get the feeling that this is a six seed masquerading in the form of a two or three.
No team has had a luckier string of wins than the Hoyas: three games have been won in the final seconds on close official calls (Nova, @WVU, @Marquette) and two others were pulled out of the fire at home (Cuse, UConn).
It's a testament to their experience and guile that they've pulled so many close ones out, but I can't help but think that the law of averages will catch up with these guys.
STANFORD
Because they're Stanford and that's what they do. How many times have we seen this before? Stanford flies under the radar, secures a Top Three seed in the West region and misses the Sweet 16. The 2007-2008 version doesn't have a single non-conference win that impressed and the fact they are overly-reliant on frontcourt scoring is worrisome.
UCONN
Jim Calhoun's team has made a quantum leap from last season and has overachieved, but not by UConn's typically high expectations, when you consider how fall they had fallen last year. Remember, this group didn't even make the NIT last year.
They've had a terrific regular season but are not the powerful juggernaut type that Calhoun has brought to many NCAA tournaments in years prior. This team tends to struggle guarding good perimeter shooters and I could see a Drew Neitzel type haunting them in a Round Two 4/5 type of game.
INDIANA
Even after the Sampson scandal has come and gone I've seen many pundits still talk about IU's potential to make a Final Four run. In addition to the question mark about the interim head coach, two other issues I have: an over-reliance on Eric Gordon and a somewhat suspect D.
I'll find my Final Four dark horse elsewhere, thanks.
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7 months ago
I agree with all but Indiana. The Hoosiers have back and front court scoring and two playmakers in Gordon and White. I agree about the defense (or lack their of) but that shouldn't stop them from making the Sweet 16.
7 months ago
do't over look uconn
7 months ago
My worry with UConn is that the core group of guys have no NCAA experience outside of Adrien and Austrie getting a taste two years ago. That and they don't have a huge margin for error, winning lots of close games this season.
7 months ago
Agree with Georgetown. They dont show any real bite like some of these other top teams do.
7 months ago
Georgetown has gotten lucky this year. They should have 2 more losses. I think a lot of us get down on Georgetown because the type of basketball they play is not very exciting.
UConn has the ingredients to be a final four team because of their inside-out play. How Calhoun can fit Dyson into the lineup remains key. Right now Dyson is struggling and he is cutting into the minutes of Wiggins who is playing outstanding. Not many teams have an inside presence like Adrien/Thabeet and outside player like Price.
UConn has struggled against good perimter players like a McAlarney but that has to do more with the fact that many teams wont go inside. UConn started off the year struggling shooting the 3. But Austrie has been shooting better. THey are in the top 5 or 6 from behind the arc in Big East play.
7 months ago
Uconn has the tools to make another Final Four appearance, but they lack one crucial thing: Senior Leadership. They have 0, count them 0, senior players to lead the team. When it comes to Tournament time, they will need someone to step up in the last minutes of the game, and there are still questions of who that will be for Connecticut.
6 months ago
This time of year Freshmen are no longer freshmen . . . they are pretty much only freshmen in name.
UConn lacks Seniors, but all of their contributing players are Sophomores and Juniors. I think in their case they have a tremendous leader, A.J. Price. He has been a part of UCONN basketball since 2004.
6 months ago
I like UConn's first weekend draw - I know Drake is tough but for them to lose to West Virginia in the Big East quarters and still get a "4" - JC has to be pretty pleased.
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