By Ryan Deal ‘16

SOUTH:  When looking at the South portion of the bracket, a clear favorite easily emerges amongst the bunch. The Florida Gators, who own a 32-2 record and an 18-0 record in the ACC, is the number one overall seed in the entire tournament. Led by star point guard Scottie Wilbekin and experienced big man Patric Young, Florida is in a good position to capture a third NCAA Championship under Coach Billy Donovan. However, despite Florida’s dominance, there are still good teams in the bracket. Kansas, who holds arguably the top two prospects in next year’s NBA draft, is as talented and dynamic as any team in the nation. However, they are held back by star center Joel Embiid’s back injury. Syracuse, who spent the most time of any team in the league at #1 overall, has completely fallen apart lately, sliding as low as twelfth in the rankings. Despite some tough competition, this portion is Florida’s to lose.

Who will win: Florida

Watch out for: UCLA

EAST: In what is no doubt the weakest portion of the bracket, Virginia has ridden a late hot streak to grab a number one seed for the first time since 1983. Riddled amongst the bunch is Big East regular season champion Villanova, perennial superpower Michigan State, and the scorching hot Iowa State Cyclones. While Villanova and Virginia have played consistent ball all season, they lack the true star power that is necessary when making a deep run in the tournament. Michigan State, if they can survive a tough second round matchup against potential sleeper thirteenth-ranked Delaware, has both star power (sophomore guard Gary Harris) and experience (Coach Tom Izzo’s seventeenth consecutive tournament appearance). Ultimately, Iowa State will emerge in this region, largely due to momentum. The Cyclones are coming of an exhilarating victory in the Big 12 tournament and will ride the scoring of Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane to a Final Four berth.

Who will win: Iowa State

Watch out for: Delaware and Harvard

WEST: The West portion of the bracket has the potential for some very interesting matchups. The Arizona Wildcats, who have been in the national top five all season, have as deep and versatile a roster in the nation. The Wisconsin Badgers have continually been kings of the regular season, but utter failures in the tournament, having not won more than two games in the Big Dance since 2004. Lastly, The Creighton Blue Jays, a virtual unknown three years ago, have ascended the college basketball ranks on the back of mega-star Doug McDermott. McDermott, who is coached by his father Greg McDermott, is a lock for Player of the Year and is fifth all-time in NCAA scoring with 3,105 points and counting. Although this is a reach, put money on the Senior McDermott leading his team to a Final Four Berth in his final year as a Blue Jay.

Who will win: Creighton

Watch out for: Oklahoma State

MIDWEST: The winner of the Midwest portion of the bracket will truly earn it this year. With three of last year’s four Final Four teams, defending champion Louisville, the lone undefeated team in Wichita State and powerhouses Kentucky and Duke all included amongst the sixteen seeds, this is by all means a tough challenge for all participants. The Wichita State Shockers have shocked (no pun intended) the nation en route to the first undefeated regular season in over a decade. Amongst controversy about whether or not Wichita State’s weak schedule warranted a top seed, teams such as Michigan, Louisville, Duke, Kentucky and Saint Louis were steamrolling most opponents in their way. While seeing an undefeated mid-major win it all would certainly be a great story, go with the defending champion Louisville Cardinals and star guard Russ Smith to emerge.

Who will win: Louisville

Watch out for: Tennessee

OVERALL CHAMPION: The Florida Gators will win the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament simply because they are not only the hottest team right now, but are also the best. Between three-point ace Michael Frazier III, floor general Scottie Wilbekin, ferocious big man Patric Young, and coaching stud Billy Donovan, it is hard to find a weakness with this team. Florida has a stellar defense, only allowing 57.9 points per game (third in the nation) and a good enough offense (four players averaging 11+ points). Widely considered the favorite, Florida may just be the big winner come mid-April.