By Ryan Deal ’16

MIDWEST: When looking at this section of the bracket, it is easy to see the favorite. Kentucky, the one seed in this region, has won all 34 of their games this season, raising the question of whether this team can become the first squad since Indiana in 1975 to go undefeated. However, this Kentucky team that some say may be the most talented college basketball team ever will not be without its challengers. 2-seeded Kansas, ACC champion Notre Dame and regular season Big Ten runner-up Maryland round out the Midwest. Despite these talented teams, however, it is hard to see any of them knocking off Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie-Cauley Stein and company. Kentucky will reach the Final Four.

PICK: Kentucky

Potential Cinderella: Buffalo

WEST: There is a lot of talent within this section of the bracket. Wisconsin, the 1 seed, won the Big Ten on the shoulders of Player of the Year candidate and future NBA first round pick Frank Kaminsky. Arizona nabbed the 2 seed and will be looking to reach the Final Four for the first time under Coach Sean Miller. Baylor, the top rebounding team in the country, North Carolina, the ACC runner-up, and Arkansas, led by the potent one-two punch of center Bobby Portis and guard Michael Qualls, will all give any team they play fits. Ultimately though, I believe Arizona’s versatility and depth will reign supreme over this talented region.

PICK: Arizona

Potential Cinderella: BYU

EAST: The East is highlighted by Big East champion Villanova and Virginia, who for the majority of the season was ranked number two in the entire nation. Virginia has been slumping lately, however, and could potentially face a dangerous Michigan State team in the round of 32. Michigan State, who continually finds success in the tournament thanks to genius Coach Tom Izzo, came one shot away from winning the Big Ten tournament. Michigan State and Louisville, the NCAA Champions two years ago, could emerge victorious in this region, as well as Northern Iowa, who, led by forward Seth Tuttle, won thirty games this season. Despite the credentials of these teams, I believe that Villanova will emerge from this region and advance to the Final Four.

PICK: Villanova

Potential Cinderella: Dayton

SOUTH: Arguably the weakest region of the tournament, the South is led by Duke, who boasts arguably the most formidable “Big 3” in the country in guard Tyus Jones, forward Justise Winslow, and center Jahlil Okafor. Gonzaga, who appeared to be headed towards a 1 seed until a devastating loss to BYU, is out to prove that schools from smaller conferences can still win big in March. Iowa State, led by senior Georges Niang, has made a habit of comebacks, erasing deficits of 16 and 17 points, respectively, in each of their final two games en route to the Big 12 title. Iowa State could give Duke a run for their money, but at the end of the day, Duke is just too good to not win this weak region.

PICK: Duke

Potential Cinderella: Davidson

I would love to go against the grain and choose an underdog to win it all. However, this is just not the year for that. There will be no major “Cinderella” story a la NC State in the 80s or VCU four years ago. Nope, this year belongs to the Kentucky Wildcats. This team has no real weaknesses. They have a championship-winning coach in John Calipari, excellent guard play in Tyler Ulis, Devin Booker and the Harrison twins and shutdown big men in Willie Cauley-Stein, Karl-Anthony Towns and Dakari Johnson. This is a team that beat 2 seed Kansas by nearly 40 points. Although an upset lurks behind every corner this time of year, I do not expect Kentucky to be caught sleeping.

NATIONAL CHAMPION: Kentucky