March Madness Picks
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
Gonzaga and Iowa are simply just two of the best teams in the nation, and will ride their superior talent to the Elite Eight. With Gonzaga led by their trio of Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, and Drew Timme the Bulldogs should cruise by anyone in the first three rounds. The Player of the Year favorite Luka Garza, surrounded by a supporting cast of elite shooters should be able to get by a potential Kansas matchup and set up a rematch between two championship favorites.
East: #4 Florida St. and #3 Texas
The Seminoles of Florida State have one of the best offensive attacks in the nation and their combination of crashing the offensive boards and a plethora of sharpshooters will propel them past number one seeded and potentially Isaiah Livers-less Michigan in the sweet sixteen. The Texas Longhorns are red-hot coming off of their first Big-12 Championship in program history. They’re led by head coach Shaka Smart who has already proven himself in March, and the Longhorns are well experienced in close games. All of these factors combined are a recipe for a deep run.
South: #4 Purdue and #1 Ohio St
Purdue is a big physical team which will help prevent the Boilermakers from being upset early on, and their physical presence inside will be enough to draw some fouls and play spoiler to a Baylor Championship run. Ohio State is no stranger to tough competition, with nine games this year coming against top four seeds in the tournament. The Buckeyes will be hungry to get a Big-10 Championship rematch vs Illinois in the Final Four, and their high-powered offense will get them a chance at their revenge game.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #2 Houston
The Fighting Illini have been nothing short of incredible this year, boasting the 18th best scoring margin in the nation while playing in basketball’s toughest conference. Coming off a Big-10 Championship the terrific duo of Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu will be too much for the beloved Loyola Ramblers and projected number one pick Cade Cunningham. Being one of the best rebounding teams in the nation, the Houston Cougars will be much more likely to not get eliminated on an off night. Quentin Grimes averaged nearly 20 points a game during the AAC tournament, and behind his hot hand the Cougars will set themselves up for a tough matchup against Illinois.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
Gonzaga, although it may play in an easy conference, has shown its dominance against top-tier teams including Iowa, Michigan, and West Virginia. It will take a miracle for Gonzaga to get knocked out of the tournament at all, let alone before the Elite Eight. The Luka Garza-led Hawkeyes should make it to the Elite Eight; however, they will have to limit turnovers and play good defense #3 Kansas, as the Hawkeys struggled against top 15 teams throughout the season.
East: #4 Florida State and #2 Alabama
Florida State is a talented squad and they’ve shown they can hang with the best teams in the country. Going against a #1 Michigan team that has struggled as of late, Florida State will be the only four seed to move on to the Elite Eight. Alabama won the SEC championship in basketball and football, they face a tough test in #7 UConn but they will pull out a victory late.
South: #1 Baylor and #2 Ohio State
Baylor has won several top 25 matchups this year and has earned their first one seed in program history. They will have little trouble making it to the Elite Eight. In 2019, Texas Tech made it to the championship as a three seed because of their powerful defense and low turnovers, this year they don’t have the same experience and leadership but will nevertheless make it past the sweet sixteen.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #2 Houston
Illinois just won the Big Ten championship and they’re on a tear this season. It’s hard to trust Houston’s impressive record, high scoring, and ranking when they have only played one top 25 opponent. However, their elite defense will get them to the Elite Eight.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
Gonzaga has built a big three connection with Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, and Drew Timme, in which all three players average more than 14 points per game. As for Iowa, Luka Garza is one of the best players, if not the best player in college basketball averaging a career high 23.7 points per game and carrying his team to the Big Ten tournament semifinals. This should set up for a nail biting matchup.
East: #1 Michigan and #3 Texas.
Michigan has gotten strong production from grad transfer Mike Smith as well as Big ten freshman of the year Hunter Dickinson who has just been outstanding in the paint. Franz Wagner also continues to be great beyond the arc which will help the Wolverines walk through teams in the tournament. Texas, coming off a big 12 championship, has strong momentum heading into the tournament led by senior Matt Coleman averaging 13.3 points per game and 4.1 assists. Arguably, one of the best passers in the NCAA will help the longhorns secure a spot in the elite 8.
South: #1 Baylor and #2 Ohio State
Baylor, led by Junior and potential first round pick, Jarrad Butler had high expectations coming into the season and finished the season as a one seed in the tournament. Baylor finished first in the regular season of the big 12 with wins over ranked opponents such as Illinois, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas. Ohio State, who beat Michigan to go to the Big Ten tournament finals to later eventually lose are a very competitive team. Sophomore EJ Liddel and Duane Washington Jr. have been strong leaders throughout the season which will be a benefit taking them to the elite 8.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #3 West Virginia
Illinois won the Big Ten tournament just days ago and is on a roll beating Iowa, Rutgers, and Ohio State in the tournament. Ayo Dosunmo is arguably having one of the best college basketball seasons this year with over 20 points per game, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. West Virginia has had some quality wins in a difficult big 12 conference. They have beaten Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Kansas. Both of these teams will have strong momentum heading to the 4th round.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
In the West region, I have the two top seeded teams making the Elite 8. With March Madness, there is no lock to make it into the deeper rounds, however Gonzaga and Iowa are both more than well-built to survive the early threats. Gonzaga’s undefeated season and multiple future NBA players speak for themself. Iowa has the back-to-back player of the year in Luka Garza and snipers everywhere. I see these two favorites making the Elite 8.
East: #12 Georgetown and #3 Texas
Who in college basketball is hotter than Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown Hoyas. The Hoyas entered the Big East tournament 9-12 but caught fire and took home the conference title. Texas has all the talent needed for a deep run. The Longhorns showed all year their talent and are hitting their stride after winning the Big 12 tournament. In March it’s all about peaking at the right time.
South: #1 Baylor and #3 Arkansas
There is no team in any region that has the all around balance of the Baylor Bears. With only two losses on the season, it’s hard to see the Bears taking an early loss to a team seeded 8 or higher. Although Arkansas is the third seed in the south, the Razorbacks seem to be flying under the radar. Moses Moody will be a lottery pick this summer and will bring his team into the final 8.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #2 Houston
The Fighting Illini have all the pieces to make a deep run. This is the most talented team in Illinois history since their loss in the national championship in 2005. With Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu, the guard/big man balance will get Illinois to be a part of the final 8 teams. Houston is one of the most consistently solid programs in college basketball. Since they play in the AAC, the Cougars will never be in the conversation with the best teams in college but they are the two seed for a reason and will make a deep run.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
In a Covid riddled season where everything is unpredictable the West region of the NCAA tournament shouldn’t offer many surprises. While there could be a few small upsets in the first or second round, Gonzaga and Iowa will be the two teams to advance to the elite eight. Gonzaga is the clear favorite to win the whole tournament, coming in as the number one team in the country at a whopping 26-0. Iowa is the two seed in the West, led by Luka Garza, the likely Player of The Year, the Hawkeyes are averaging an impressive 83 points per game and sport an 8-5 record against ranked opponents this season. Gonzaga and Iowa will meet in the elite eight with Gonzaga advancing to the final four.
East: #4 Florida State and #2 Alabama
The Eastern region should certainly have more upsets than the West. Not only will number eight LSU knock off Michigan in the second round, neither the one or two seeds will advance to the elite eight. Both fourth seeded Florida State and second seeded Alabama will advance to the elite eight in the East region. Florida State is an excellent offensive rebounding team. Paired with their excellent three point shooting they are able to score with the best. Alabama’s offense is also a force to be reckoned with. With four players averaging double figures the Crimson Tide will have no problem getting to the elite eight and advancing past Florida State to the final four.
South: #6 Texas Tech and #1 Baylor
The Southern region is an extremely competitive group that should feature some exciting upsets. Number twelve Winthrop beating fifth seeded Villanova is one to watch for. The Red Raiders are a very well rounded and underrated team. They have multiple guards who are go to scorers and a dominant big man in Marcus Santos-Silva. Baylor, however, ended the season as the second ranked team in the country. They are the number one three point shooting team and have a superstar in Jared Butler. Baylor and Texas Tech will meet in the elite eight in the Southern region with Baylor advancing to the final four.
Midwest: #4 Oklahoma State and #3 West Virginia
The midwestern region features some of the most exciting players in the country. Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham, Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu and West Virginia’s Miles McBride are sure to all put on a show. Ultimately, number four Oklahoma State and number three West Virginia will meet in the elite eight. Led by their two excellent guards these teams should have enough to power past the likes of one seeded Illinois and two seeded Houston. Oklahoma State goes as Cade Cunningham goes and as long as he’s on his game they can beat anyone. West Virginia, as usual, is fueled by their excellent defense. With dominant interior play the Mountaineers will advance to the elite eight and ultimately past Oklahoma State to the final four.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
Starting off in the West region, Gonzaga and Iowa have been two of the most prolific teams in college basketball throughout the 2020-2021 season. Iowa has the player of the year in Luka Garza, and is a team that will shoot the lights out if you leave them open. On the other hand, Mark Few’s Gonzaga finished the season undefeated, beating almost every team they faced by double digits. It would be fun to see these two heavyweights face off in the elite eight.
East: #4 Florida State and #3 Texas
The East region of the bracket seems to be one of the weaker sides in this year’s tournament. It’s 1 seed, the Michigan Wolverines just lost one of their key players in Senior forward Isaiah Livers, and ended the season losing three of their last five games, so they might not make it out of the first weekend. The two teams that seem most fit for a run here are Florida State and Texas. Both teams have great coaching and the rosters are made up of versatile players that could carry their teams to the elite eight.
South: #1 Baylor and #3 Arkansas
Baylor and Arkansas are the two teams I see coming out of the South. Baylor has been one of the most underrated teams in college basketball for years, but these past two seasons they have shown that they can compete with the best of the best, which is what made them a 1 seed. Led by All-American guard Jared Butler, Baylor is one of the best defensive teams in the tourney and should be set for a big run. Remember Nevada, and their run a few years ago? Well that coach, Eric Mussleman, has revived an Arkansas program that will light up the scoreboards on their way to an elite eight appearance.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #2 Houston
I don’t know if people can still doubt Illinois. They have one of the best guard-center tandems in the nation with Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn, along with a supporting cast that is built for March. This team is reminiscent of the 2004-2005 Fighting Illini team that went to a final four, so watch out. While many criticize Houston for their weak conference they do have one of the best defenses in the country, allowing under 50 points per game, along with former Kansas standout Quentin Grimes who could carry the Cougars deep this year.
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West: #1 Gonzaga and #2 Iowa
Historically one of the best college teams ever, the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs are star studded with players like Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert. Not only has Gonzaga been efficient on both sides of the ball this season, but they have an impressive resume with wins over high seeds like Virginia and Kansas. Senior Luka Garza is a double-double machine at Iowa who is simply a difference maker for the Hawkeyes. Although falling short to Illinois in the Big ten tournament, Iowa should have a deep run into the elite 8.
East: #1 Michigan and #2 Alabama
Despite Covid issues, the Michigan Wolverines, coached by Juwan Howard, have statistically been a great team, having high percentages on both ends of the floor. They also picked up big wins against teams like Iowa and Purdue during regular season contention. Alabama has been very impressive this season on the offensive side of the ball this season, having multiple double-digit scorers in their backcourt. Along with having the SEC Coach of the Year in Nate Oats in the fold, Alabama should be tough to beat.
South: #4 Purdue and #2 Ohio St.
Although not the prettiest pick, the Purdue Boilermakers are always a great tournament team when it comes to March. This year, Purdue has the size and experience to contend with anyone. Ohio State played great in the Big Ten Tournament and would have won the title if it were not for Illinois who beat them in overtime. Look for the Buckeyes to play well just like they did in the last few weeks.
Midwest: #1 Illinois and #2 Houston
Coming off of a crazy Big Ten Championship game with Ohio State, Illinois is looking to win their first March Madness tournament. They have been one of the hottest teams in the nation and have put on great performances against the likes of Michigan and Ohio State. Houston has one of the best defensive teams in the country, along with Quentin Grimes who has made shots all season for the Cougars. Illinois, however, should and will ride this wave of momentum they are on past Houston