Final Four Predictions 2018: Early Projections Following NCAA Bracket Release

Now that we have the full men's college basketball bracket in place, which programs have a pathway to the Final Four in San Antonio?

Sleepers, heavy favorites and conference champions once again clash in a one-and-done tournament that's sure to bring upsets and fantastic finishes as programs compete to headline the national title game.

At this time last year, very few people penciled South Carolina as a Final Four team, but head coach Frank Martin led his program on a valiant run to Glendale, Arizona. Will we see another under-the-radar entry pull off the same feat?

Oklahoma and Texas sat on the bubble and earned bids, which means we'll see sensational freshman talents Trae Young and Mohamed Bamba in action, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The typical hate-them-or-love them programs enter the tournament near the top of the pecking order. Duke (Midwest) and North Carolina (West) earned No. 2 seeds.

Before surveying your bracket for upsets and surefire picks, here's an early projection on the Final Four.

Arizona Reaches the Final Four

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Despite the off-court question marks surrounding the program, Arizona claimed a Pac-12 tournament title Saturday in a convincing 75-61 victory over USC. On paper, it's a game the Wildcats should've won. Nonetheless, their regular-season body of work looks impressive after a shaky 3-3 start that included three consecutive losses at a neutral site.

Guard Rawle Alkins has worked his way into form since returning from a broken foot. In recent outings, he's contributed on both ends of the floor.

Allonzo Trier should follow suit with a little more intensity on the defensive end. The junior guard struggled with his shot during the Pac-12 semifinal game against UCLA. He also had a quiet outing in the conference title contest.

Without question, star 7-footer Deandre Ayton gives the Wildcats a fighting chance at reaching the Final Four. He finished conference play on a strong note with back-to-back 32-point performances in his last two outings.

Furthermore, Ayton's ability to stay out of foul trouble will allow him to play more aggressively in the paint as a shot-blocker. Arizona can ride his star power through March.

Kansas Pushes Through Regional Final

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After failed attempts in the previous two years, Kansas jumps over the regional final hump.

The Jayhawks offense features two experienced shooters in Devonte' Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Both seniors hit more than 40 percent of their three-point attempts this year. Don't forget sophomore guard Malik Newman, who caught fire during the Big 12 tournament, scoring on 15 shots beyond the arc in three games.

Of course, Kansas' potential run to the Final Four could fall short without Udoka Azubuike in the middle. Give credit to Mitch Lightfoot for his efforts filling the role and Silvio De Sousa's hustle in the Big 12 title game. However, neither player has the tools to hold up against consistent top-notch competition in a concise time frame.

Despite missing the entire Big 12 tournament with an MCL sprain, head coach Bill Self expects Azubuike to return for the Big Dance, per Tom Martin of KCTV 5 News:

Without the sophomore center, Self can continue to open up the offense and encouragement a faster pace. However, when it comes down to elite competition, especially in close games, the Jayhawks will need stops and defensive rebounding.

Assuming Azubuike returns, Kansas will have an offense that can attack a defense inside and out, plus a reliable rim-protector who can anchor in the paint. It's a recipe for at least four wins in the tournament.

Villanova Goes to San Antonio

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Villanova's combination of experience and depth puts the program in the conversation for a Final Four run. Head coach Jay Wright can go six deep on key contributors, four of them playing in their junior season.

Additionally, the Wildcats rank second across the nation in three-pointers made and 22nd in shooting percentages beyond the arc. Freshman forward Omari Spellman gives this program a boost in toughness as a rebounder and interior defender, but Villanova's sharpshooters will lead it to San Antonio.

As far as intangibles, don't underestimate the championship pedigree among the key contributors. Wright has trust in several players who helped win a championship two years ago against North Carolina.

In the East Region, West Virginia's defense may cause Villanova to stumble a bit, but it's a tough task chasing multiple shooters away from three-point territory. Expect a showdown between the Big East champions and Purdue in the Elite Eight.

Gonzaga Returns to the Final Four

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Gonzaga came up short against North Carolina in the previous national title game, but head coach Mark Few and his players come back with revenge in mind. Xavier will pose a threat to the rematch, but the Bulldogs have a combination of high shooting efficiency and strong rebounding, which provides second-chance opportunities to edge a worthy opponent.

Unlike last year's run, this roster doesn't have two 7-footers to challenge shots near the hoop, but there's a collective effort to crash the boards and clog the lanes.

Senior forward Johnathan Williams leads the team in scoring with 13.5 points per contest. Josh Perkins has elevated his game as a distributor to pair with his shooting from three-point land.

Gonzaga doesn't have a glaring roster weakness. Opponents will have a tough time exposing a balanced roster that can win in a variety of ways, whether it's focusing on quality shot selection or putting forth extra effort on defense to limit scoring opportunities on the other end.

Click here for B/R's Printable Bracket.