NCAA Tournament 2012: Why Missouri Is Most Dangerous as a Projected No. 2 Seed

Just hours away from the unveiling of the 2012 NCAA tournament Bracket, several bubble teams are holding their collective breaths hoping their names are called to get into the field.

For those teams already assured of being in the field, Sunday evening is a little less stressful since it's just a matter of finding out seeding and travel plans.

One of those teams who doesn't have much to worry about is Frank Haith's Missouri Tigers.

The Tigers improved to an impressive 30-4 on the season by defeating Baylor Saturday night to capture the Big 12 championship. Missouri is worthy of a No. 1 seed in this year’s tournament, but according to the latest projections from ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, the Tigers could be penciled in as a No. 2 seed instead.

That's fine for the Tigers, though, because no matter where Missouri is seeded when the tournament begins, they have the talent to cut down the nets when it ends.

Of all the projected No. 2 seeds—which also include Duke, Ohio State and Kansas—Missouri is the most dangerous group, and the Tigers a real threat to make a run to New Orleans for the Final Four.

Looking at coaching, Haith may be in his first year at Missouri and may not have the pedigree of Mike Krzyzewski, Thad Matta or Bill Self. However, Haith can hold his own, and his team is just as, if not more talented than the others.

One huge advantage Haith has is the fact that he has a senior-laden team. Missouri dresses seven seniors, two juniors and a sophomore, and while they aren't very deep, they are experienced, and they are explosive.

Missouri's the sixth-highest scoring team in the nation at 80.3 PPG, and even more impressively, they are the third-most efficient team in the nation from the floor, shooting at a 50 percent clip on the season.

The Tigers spread the ball and have five players averaging double figures for the season, including Marcus Denmon (17.6) and Kim English (14.9). They get solid guard play from Phil Pressey and can beat you from both the inside or outside.

The Tigers are entering the NCAA tournament on an impressive five-game tear and are poised to make a run in March. If they aren't a No. 1 seed, one thing is for sure: The other four No. 1's will be checking to make sure Missouri isn't in their region.