By Hunter Moore ’15

MIDWEST: It’s hard to rule out Kentucky for this region, really hard. However, I don’t think Kentucky can do it. Kentucky is 34-0, which is impressive to say the least, but since 1975, when Bob Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers went 32-0 to win the championship, no team that has gone undefeated has won it all. I think Kansas won’t be a threat to Kentucky, since they’ve played already and Kentucky won by 32 points; in fact I don’t think Kansas will make it to the Sweet 16. No, Kentucky will have problems with Dez Wells and the battle-tested Maryland Terrapins or the ACC Champion Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It’s March Madness after all and the overall 1 seed has only won the national championship three out of the last ten years.

PICK: Maryland

Potential Cinderella: Indiana

WEST: Wisconsin, the winner is Wisconsin. Their size and fundamental skill is a lot like the Duke team that won two championships with Christian Laettner. Let’s also not forget about Frank Kaminsky, a 7-footer whose game resembles that of Laettner. I’m also keeping my eyes on this Georgia State team out of the Sun Belt conference with Kevin Ware, a young man who won a national championship with Louisville already. Arizona poises a good chance, but the size and skill of the Wisconsin big men, like that of Sam Dekker, will prove to be too much in the end.

PICK: Wisconsin

Potential Cinderella: Georgia St.

EAST: I believe this is the most talented region beside the Midwest, I could see any number of these teams winning. Villanova is a team from a sub-par conference that is hyped up from its lack of valid competition, and I see them being upset early. Louisville is a team that I love, and I believe they could advance to the final four if they can get past Virginia, Montrezl Harrell is the most intimidating player in the country and is a match up nightmare. Virginia has been slacking the past few games, but will be getting a healthy Justin Anderson soon, and I don’t see Virginia losing with a healthy Justin Anderson.

PICK: Virginia

Potential Cinderella: Wyoming

SOUTH: In my opinion this is the softest bracket. Duke is an amazing team yet again, but Duke will choke in the tournament like they have year after year. If they aren’t upset by St. Johns, I think it will be Utah. Utah has a great guard in Delon Wright who can play well against anyone in basketball. Iowa is a lot better than they get credit for, with a stud forward in Aaron White and I think Iowa State is a lot worse. Gonzaga doesn’t stand a chance in my eyes, even in this bracket with less competition. Utah will be the lowest seed in the Final Four.

PICK: Utah

Potential Cinderella: Iowa

FINAL FOUR: I don’t think UVA will have much trouble against Utah. They are too good defensively and have great offensive potential with the return of Justin Anderson. Maryland’s Dez Wells will be a match up nightmare again against Wisconsin, now that he is completely healthy once again. Maryland’s big men will have to have a great tournament to beat Kentucky or Wisconsin, but I believe they can. In the Maryland and Virginia rematch, Maryland will come out on top because of great games by Melo Trimble and Dez Wells.

NCAA CHAMPION: Maryland