2011 NCAA Tournament Brackets: Predicting the Top 16 Seeds Right Now

2011 NCAA Tournament Brackets Predicting the Top Four Seeds From Each Region

With the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, the most exciting four days of sports are just a few weeks away. That's right, I am talking about the first two rounds of the tournament. Is there anything better than the passion and pageantry of the single elimination tournament known as March Madness?  

Sure, there is going to be a lot of change between now and then, but the best way to figure out who is going in the tournament is to start the predictions early.

Here we will be going through the top four seeds of all four regions.

Does BYU grab a No. 1 seed? Where does North Carolina land? Which team gets the top overall seed?

For answers to these and many other questions, read on and let us know what you think.

No. 4 Southeast: Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators drives against the Ohio State Buckeyes November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Record: 26-3

RPI: 11

Strength of Schedule: 7

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Chandler Parsons, F

Parsons is a 6-10 forward that leads the team in both rebounds and assists. He is a real playmaker and the Gators are only going to go as far as he will take them.

Chances in the Tournament: Florida is really flying under the radar this year much like they did the first year they won the tournament a few years ago, however that's where the comparisons end.

The Gators struggle to score at times and they don't have much depth. I don't think they have what it takes to go that deep in the tournament.

No. 4 West: Arizona Wildcats

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats drives in front of Marc Trasolini #15 of the Santa Clara Broncos during the third round of the Las Vegas Invitational at The Orleans Arena November 26, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Pho

Record: 24-6

RPI: 22

Strength of Schedule: 61

Last 12: 9-3

Player to watch: Derrick Williams, F

If you have never heard of Williams, you soon shall. He is an outstanding basketball player that will be the Pac-10 player of the year and is expected to be a top-5 pick in the NBA draft. He can score inside and outside and is one of the best rebounders in the country.

Chances in the Tournament: The biggest problem with Arizona is on defense. They don't protect the rim all that well and they have a tendency to try to just outscore everyone instead of stopping them.

Williams could win them a few games on his own but they are going to need a few guys to step up to take the pressure off the sophomore forward.

No. 4 Southwest: Georgetown Hoyas

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Austin Freeman #15 of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts to a basket during a college basketball game against the Syracuse Orange on February 26, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC The Orange 58-54. (Photo by Mitchell L

Record: 21-8

RPI: 8

Strength of Schedule: 1

Last 12: 9-3

Player to watch: Austin Freeman, G

Austin Freeman has become an outstanding scoring guard for Georgetown. He may have taken a little longer to develop than some of his other high school classmates, but in his senior year Freeman has cemented himself as the cog that makes Georgetown go.

Chances in the Tournament: Georgetown is battle tested after playing the toughest schedule in America this year, but are they going to be up to the task of winning the tournament this year?

They Hoyas' biggest weakness is rebounding and in the tournament that could come back to bite them if they are matched up with a physical team.

No. 4 East: St. John's Red Storm

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: Dwight Hardy #12 of the St. John's Red Storm fakes in front of Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden on January 30, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Record: 19-10

RPI: 21

Strength of Schedule: 5

Last 12: 8-4

Player to watch: Dwight Hardy, G

As Hardy goes, so St. John's goes. Or at least that's how it has been for a lot of the season. That isn't to say he hasn't played well in the team's losses but more so that they look to him when they need a bucket.

Chances in the Tournament: If there is one thing Steve Lavin showed during his first job at UCLA it is his ability to do well in the tournament. Lavin took the Bruins to five Sweet-16 appearances in six years.

Lavin's ability as a coach is not really about his single game coaching but more about his ability to sustain a program. I don't think the Red Storm can win the tournament this year but I wouldn't be surprised if they were one of the last 16 standing.

No. 3 Southeast: Texas Longhorns

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LAWRENCE, KS - JANUARY 22: Jordan Hamilton #3 of the Texas Longhorns scores during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on January 22, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Record: 24-6

RPI: 15

Strength of Schedule: 23

Last 12: 9-3

Player to watch: Jordan Hamilton, G/F

Hamilton is one of the most gifted offensive players in college basketball and the impressive hing about that statement is that he is just a freshman. He is almost at 19 points per game but also is close to eight rebounds. He really does it all.

Chances in the Tournament: I think the Longhorns are a real dark horse candidate in this tournament. They have a good inside/outside game between Hamilton and fellow freshman Tristan Thompson.

However, the Longhorns have been beaten by teams with athletic point guards so that could end up really hurting them come tournament time.

No. 3 West: Syracuse Orange

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Scoop Jardine #11 of the Syracuse Orange takes a shot during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas on February 26, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC The Orange 58-51. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/G

Record: 24-6

RPI: 14

Strength of Schedule: 25

Last 12: 6-6

Player to watch: Rick Jackson, F

Jackson is seventh in the NCAA in rebounding. He also adds 13 points per game on offense. That versatility will come in handy against opponents in the tournament.

Chances in the Tournament: The Orange appear to be one of the more schizophrenic teams in the NCAA this year. They started the season 18-0 before losing six of their next eight, including four in a row.

The Orange have players capable of making a run in the tournament but unless they really impress during the Big East tournament I am not buying them.

No. 3 Southwest: Wisconsin Badgers

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 20: Jordan Taylor #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers brings the ball up the court against the UNLV Rebels during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center November 20, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 68-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty I

Record: 23-6

RPI: 13

Strength of Schedule: 41

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Jordan Taylor, G

Taylor may not be the leading scorer for the Badgers however he showed in the Badgers' last game that he can be an extremely explosive scorer after he scored 39 points against Indiana.

Chances in the Tournament: The Badgers are another under the radar team that has just been a steady team, but nothing special. Sure they will probably win a few games in the tournament, but are they championship contenders? I don't think so.

I think to win in the tournament you either need to be solid across the board or do one or two things exceptionally. The Badgers don't fall into either one of those categories.

No. 3 East: San Diego State Aztecs

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #15 of San Diego State dribbles the ball in the second half against TCU at Cox Arena on February 5, 2011 in San Diego. SDSU beat TCU 60-53. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)

Record: 26-2

RPI: 5

Strength of Schedule: 45

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Kawhi Leonard, F

Leonard is one of the more athletic forwards in college basketball. He needs a lot of work on his outside shooting and his mid-range game, however he is an outstanding rebounder and defender.

Chances in the Tournament: The argument for SDSU is the fact that their only two losses were to a top-10 BYU team. The argument against SDSU is that they haven't really played anyone good except BYU.

I think the tournament will be a good opportunity for the Aztecs to show just how good they are. I don't think they are contenders but they could be a Sweet-16 team.

No. 2 Southeast: Purdue Boilermakers

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: E' Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers brings the ball up court against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference game at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo

Record: 25-5

RPI: 6

Strength of Schedule: 20

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: E'Twaun Moore, G

I can understand Purdue fans wondering why JaJuan Johnson isn't the player to watch. However, I think the Boilermakers' chances rest more on Moore than on Johnson. Johnson is going to be the best player on the court but if Moore can help carry the load they are going to be a tough team to beat.

Chances in the Tournament: I think Purdue does have a legitimate gripe if they don't get a No. 1 seed. They have an outstanding team and could surprise quite a few guys.

If the Boilermakers are going to go far in the tournament they need Moore and Johnson to lead the way.

No. 2 West: BYU Cougars

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars celebrates the win against the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half at Cox Arena on February 26, 2011 in San Diego, California. BYU beat SDSU 80-67. (Photo by Kent Hor

Record: 26-3

RPI: 3

Strength of Schedule: 13

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Jimmer Fredette, G

If you have never heard of Fredette before you probably haven't watched Sportscenter or any college basketball for the past six months. Not only is Fredette the leading scorer in college basketball but he is also one of the most impressive players around.

Chances in the Tournament: The Cougars a little hard to judge as a team especially since forward Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team for having sexual relations with his girlfriend.

The Cougars are able to score with anyone but how they are going to matchup and defend more physical teams is going to be the biggest question for their tournament chances.

No. 2 Southwest: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 08: Ben Hansbrough #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irishplays defense during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2010 DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational at Freedom Hall on December 8, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Phot

Record: 24-5

RPI: 10

Strength of Schedule: 35

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Ben Hansbrough, G

Tyler's little brother has been the big man on campus this year for the Irish. He has outstanding range shooting from the outside and he has gotten some great help from fellow guard Tim Abromaitis.

Chances in the Tournament: If Hansbrough and Abromaitis can shoot the ball like they did in their final game at Notre Dame then their opponents are going to have a very tough time to matchup with the Irish.

I think the Irish are one of those teams that can really hurt teams that don't get out on them but if they have to change their style of play I don't know how successful they will be.

No. 2 East: North Carolina Tar Heels

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DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 09: Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 9, 2011 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Record: 23-6

RPI: 9

Strength of Schedule: 18

Last 12: 11-1

Player to watch: Harrison Barnes, G/F

Barnes had a ton of unfair expectations placed upon his shoulders to start this season. Before even playing a minute of college basketball he was named an AP All-American. He hasn't quite lived up to those lofty expectations but he has been getting better and better every game.

Chances in the Tournament: Looking at how well the Tar Heels have been playing over the past few weeks it is easy to see them doing well in the tournament.

However, the Heels are very young and that could end up hurting them down the stretch. I am interested to see how they do in the ACC tournament because that could dictate how deep they go in March Madness.

No. 1 Southeast: Pittsburgh Panthers

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VILLANOVA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Gary McGhee #52 of the Pittsburgh Panthers blocks out Mouphtaou Yarou #13 of the Villanova Wildcats at The Pavilion on February 12, 2011 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 57-54. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Record: 26-4

RPI: 7

Strength of Schedule: 29

Last 12: 9-3

Player to watch: Ashton Gibbs, G

The Panthers are one of the most balanced teams in the country but the guy that gets the Panthers going is Gibbs. He is the leading scorer and is a dead eye shooter from the outside at nearly 47% from the arc.

Chances in the Tournament: The Panthers could be a real sleeper in the tournament but their real chances won't be determined until they go through the Big East tournament. If they go far in that tournament it could get them on a roll before the Madness begins.

If the Panthers are able to dictate the pace of the game they are going to be a real tough team to deal with. If the game turns into a high scoring affair it could be their undoing.

No. 1 West: Duke Blue Devils

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CORAL GABLES, FL - FEBRUARY 13: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils talks to his teammates as they come back on court after a time out against the Miami Hurricanes on February 13, 2011 at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The Blue Devils

Record: 27-3

RPI: 4

Strength of Schedule: 43

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Nolan Smith, G

Smith is really the floor general that gets Duke going. He is averaging over 21 points per game and he leads a team full of experience. If he is able to play with energy and attack the hoop it could spell trouble for other tournament teams.

Chances in the Tournament: Duke has a great chance to win their second straight NCAA tournament. They are one of the deepest teams in the NCAA and they all have experience playing in huge games.

Duke also has a coaching mismatch over just about every team in the country. I may not be a fan of Duke but I really think they are very dangerous.

No. 1 Southwest: Kansas Jayhawks

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LAWRENCE, KS - MARCH 02: Markieff Morris #21 of the Kansas Jayhawks salutes the crowd prior to the start of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies on March 2, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Record: 28-2

RPI: 1

Strength of Schedule: 14

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Josh Selby, G

Selby has only played in 18 games this season because he was suspended for improper benefits to start the season. However, Selby is one of the most explosive freshman in the NCAA. He can score and distribute with the best of them. If he is comfortable with the offense the Jayhawks could be tough to beat.

Chances in the Tournament: To be honest before getting Selby back I though the Jayhawks had been doing it with smoke and mirrors a little bit. Sure they have the Morris twins who are among the best forwards in the country but their lack of balance and depth was disturbing.

I am intrigued by Kansas because of what Selby adds to the team but I am unsure if they are talented enough to win the championship this year.

No. 1 East: Ohio State Buckeyes

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 15: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts while playing the Michigan State Spartans on February 15, 2011 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Record: 28-2

RPI: 2

Strength of Schedule: 38

Last 12: 10-2

Player to watch: Jared Sullinger, F/C

Sullinger has been the most impressive freshman this year. He averages over 17 points per game and just under 10 rebounds. He is also one of the most polished post players in recent memory.

Chances in the Tournament: I think Ohio State really has a great chance at the tournament this year. They have the big man who can score any time in Sullinger but they also have William Buford who is an outstanding three-point shooter who could soften the defense for Sullinger.

I do worry about the Buckeyes when Sullinger isn't on the court though. He is a solid big man but he can't play every minute of the tournament. If Sullinger gets in foul trouble then the Buckeyes could be out of the tournament prematurely.