NCAA Tournament Sleeper: Kansas State

Q:  Is this a year for a Cinderella run like George Mason's epic Final Four run?

A:  Don't count on it. 

But you didn't want to hear that.  If your bracket pool has any type of Cinderella or upset scoring system, there are a couple of picks that might get you some points. 

The first option would be George Mason once again.  Unfortunately for the Patriots, they have to face the Big East POY in Luke Harangody who is averaging almost 21 points per game and two exceptional three-point shooters in Kyle McAlarney and Ryan Ayers. 

While picking against the Irish is never a bad thing, it might not be your best bet.

Picking Kentucky as your Cinderella might seem like a good, albeit ironic choice, considering the Wildcats history. However, they no longer have Tubby Smith, and Billy Gillispie has shown that the Wildcats can blow as many games as they should win. 

Plus, don't forget that if Kentucky does beat Marquette, they will have to face Stanford in Anaheim. 

Good luck with that one. 

The only real choice for a Cinderella this year is another Wildcat, Kansas State. 

With the Big 12 FOY and POY Michael Beasley, freshman-soon-to-be-NBA millionaire Bill Walker, and a deep bench, I would look for K-State to make a run. 

KSU averages almost 66 points a game from their starters and another 18 points from their bench; USC can only get 63 points from OJ Mayo and company with their bench chipping in 10. 

Wisconsin might be able to slow down the Wildcats, but with a Kansas State team that doesn't require poor play to succeed the Badgers will be hard-pressed to find a way to slow down and stop Beasley and company.

Look for the Kansas State Wildcats to be this year's Cinderella team. 

Who knows, the Motor City might host installment number three of KU-KSU.