2009 March Madness: The Big Dance Coming To A TV Near You

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is time to get the popcorn ready, as it is going to be a show. March Madness is finally back, and after an action packed regular season and conference tournmanets, everyone is excited to see who the new champ is.

Today you will read the top news and headlines heading into the tournament. My predictions will also be made, including upsets, Final Four Picks, and our champion.

Top Storylines To Watch For Heading Into The Tournament

1. Ty Lawson's Health. On paper North Carolina is the most talented team top to bottom, and my favorite to win the tournmane this year. The dream, however, lies on the health of Ty Lawson. The Tar Heels need Lawson at full strength to make a run. He says he is ready for the tournament, yet his bad health is to inconsistent for me. I need to see him healthy every year to be consistent.

2. The King Of Mid-Majors will disappoint once again. Over the years, we have seen the likes of Davidson and George Mason make a run. But why havent we seen the king of the mid-majors make a splash? Gonzaga, Butler, and Xavier have all disappointed us thus far.

Butler and Xavier can never make a big run past the Sweet 16 if that. Gonzaga has had the talent over the years, but never plays their best game in the tourney. I see the same shadow for them this year. Can they finally get over the hump?

3. Will The At-Largers Finally Be Successful? Each and every year the nation discusses which bubble teams sneak into the tourney. Yet, none of them seem to make a deep run into the tourney like the Mid-Majors.

This year, the likes of Michigan, Arizona, and Minnesota are upon us? The way they are seeded, once again I dont see any of these teams going far into the dance. How will they fare?

4. Duke will finally be heading back to The Big Show. After disappointment the last few years in the tournament, The Blue Devils are poised to make a run. Duke has a decent path to the tourney, however, everyone will have to play at their top game if they want to be serious contenders. Can they finally make it back to the Final Four?

5. Memphis is looking to prove the country wrong. After three back to back 25 striaght wins season, they sit at 31-3 with a number two seed! They have greatly improved with their defense from last year, and their reload has them of going deep into the tournament this year. Can Memphis live up to the pressure faced by us sports fans and make it back to the Title Game?

My Upsets This March Madness

Siena ( 9) vs Ohio State (8)

For the 2nd year in a row, the Saints from Siena look to get another win in tournament this time around. They will be lead by Kenny Hasbrouck and Edwin Ubiles. They match up pretty evenly at the guard positions.

Key: Alex Franklin and Ryan Rossiter will need to play well against the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio St. overlooks the Saints, being overconfident, and loses 78-72.

Western Kentucky (12) vs Illinois ( 5)

The Hilltoppers are back in the dance this year, winning the Sun Belt Conference. They are led by A.J Slaughter, and Orlando Mendez-Valdez. They can sure use a good game out of Sergio Kerusch, being solid with both points and on the rebounding side.

Key: Will Illinois be mentally ready for their opening round game?

Prediction: I still feel Illinois is a bit overrated, being ranked in the top 25, and will reach a shocker against Western Kentucky, losing 69-64.

Maryland ( 10) vs California ( 7)

Maryland continues their season after getting in as one of the final at-large bids in the ACC Tournament. Coached by Gary Williams, and led by big time scorer Greivis Vasquez, the Terps are in a good position.

Key: Landon Millbourne and Eric Hayes need to have a solid team to take the pressure off Vasquez.

Prediction: With the experience of Gary Williams, Maryland will squeeze past the slumping Bears, winning 78- 70

My NCAA Tournament Predictions

My Final Four Predictions Are: Louisville, Memphis, North Carolina, and Duke.A perfect tournament this shall be. Out of the four, Louisville will have the easiest path to the Final Four, having no trouble against any team except the Michigan St. Spartans. The Memphis Tigers will breeze through most of the bracket, then facing in the showdown against UConn, where in the end they will win 82-77. North Carolina, with a healthy Ty Lawson ( going with his word), the Heels will have a tricky time through the South bracket toward the finish, advancing like everyone expects.

Louisville vs North Carolina in The Title Game. After we see two great games in the Final Four, it will only get better in the Title Game. Memphis is good, however, will face a minor setback after losing many stars to the NBA, costing them their Title Shot. Carolina, on the other hand, is a different story. I just cant see UNC losing to Duke in a game like this, so much being on the line for these players after coming back for another year.

Prediction: North Carolina Wins The Title Game!

Sure, this can be an easy pick to make. However, I have had them as my champs since the beginning of the season, and can not back down now. Making my case, they are the most talented team already with the starting five, and if the bench can contribute they will be successful. Ty Lawson will be healthy for the Title Game, where he will be able to handle Louisville's full court pressure. In the end, I see UNC defeating the Cards 78-75.

Hope all of you enjoy it. Good Luck to all of you in your brackets, and enjoy the March Madness!

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com