2015 NCAA Tournament Preview
Hello to all you DAPers out there... We finally have our new site up, and its time for me to do some quality posting. It's that time of year where we get to enjoy this great sporting event called March Madness. 68 teams compete until there is only 1 team left. I have my thoughts and gut feelings for tournament predictions. We shall go through all 4 regions of the bracket and I’ll give you my personal insight on teams that have a good chance to make it out of that region.
Let's start with the Midwest...
Midwest
Winner: Kentucky
Kentucky is on another level, few teams can match up with this historic Calipari-coached team. With that being said, their road to the Final Four looks like a cakewalk.
Wouldn’t Be Surprised If...
Notre Dame got hot at the right time, blowing by good competition in the ACC tournament. If they can make it to the Elite 8, I think with the way Grant and company have been playing, they stand a slight chance against Kentucky.
Are They A Sleeper? Wichita State
This is a team that has been here before for the past couple of seasons, so it comes as no surprise they made it again. Not too many people have been talking about the Shockers, but maybe that’s a good thing. This is a great road team with a defensive prowess, and with the leadership of Baker and Van Fleet, this team should not be overlooked.
Dark Horse: Buffalo
Buffalo tore through the MAC tournament taking out formidable competition. They are led by Justin Moss, a player they must rely on if they want to make a run in this tournament. They score points and grab boards, both necessities if they wish to advance. Their coach Mr. Hurley is a good coach to lead them; unfortunately they have to get by Kentucky if they want to make the Final Four.
Notable Mention: Valparaiso
West
Winner: Wisconsin
Coach Bo has a nice team this year, I mean a team that is capable of beating Kentucky. They score, board, play defense, and shoot 3s. They need their star players to shine if they want to make it out of the West, and a shot at a National Championship.
Wouldn’t Be Surprised If...
This is a tough Arizona team, expecting nothing less than a National Championship. They have a good chance to make it to the Elite 8, but that is when things will get tricky; I’m expecting a showdown to happen: Wisconsin vs Arizona. If they can play mistake free basketball they have a chance at going all the way, but mistake free basketball is easier said than done.
Are They A Sleeper? North Carolina
North Carolina is flying under radar because they had a mediocre first half of the season, but turned up their level of play to make the NCAA tournament. They have gotten healthy, and look to possibly make a little run in March. You can’t discount a Roy Williams team.
Dark Horse: Georgia State
I’m a big fan of this team, followed them all year. They have one of the best back courts in this tournament with both guards averaging nearly 20 points per game. Harrow a transfer from Kentucky who is a feisty ball handler, and the next Klay Thompson in RJ Hunter. They also have another notable option is Ware( ex-player from Louisville). Aside from being able to score, they play aggressive defense. Georgia State has a tough road in this tournament, but big names will emerge in this tournament.
Notable Mention: Arkansas
East
Winner: Villanova
This is the most complete Nova team since 2006. They don’t have one stand out player, however their starting 5 all complement each other well and make this a dangerous team. They blew by a tough Big East this year, and took home a Big East Tournament title. Although their past few seasons have seen early exit rounds, this team seems primed for a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Wouldn’t Be Surprised If...
Oklahoma is a fast paced offensive team, that can board the ball. They also have a prolific scorer in Buddy Hield. If Hield and company can play at a high level in the tournament, then they have a chance at making an impact in the East Region. They will live and die by Hield.
Are They A Sleeper? Michigan State
Michigan State has been inconsistent all season long; until coach Izzo does what he always does, and that is get his team ready for a run in March. They nearly won the Big 10, but lost a close one to one of the best teams in the country in Wisconsin. This team can play against any team, it just depends if Jekyll or Hyde shows up.
Dark Horse: Northern Iowa
I don’t think the East Region is that tough of a region, so for this small conference team to go on a run, they just need to do what they do, like their counter part Wichita State, play stingy defense and rely on your stars.
Notable Mention: Virginia
South
Winner: Gonzaga
Gonzaga has one of the best teams in the country 1-5; they are stacked, not to mention they have the best team field goal percentage in the country. No home field advantage no problem because they have the right players to overcome that. This is a tough team that no team wants to face.
Wouldn’t Be Surprised If...
Winners of consecutive Big 12 Tournament titles, Iowa State have completed only half their goals. This team has National Championship aspirations. This is a deep fast-paced team led by star player Georges Niang. Their coach has also been a big part of this programs recent success. If they can get past Gonzaga, I think they have a good shot at reaching the Final Four.
Are They A Sleeper? Duke
Duke is an interesting team to me; they have arguably the best coach and player in the country, but haven’t gotten much love as the #1 seed. There needs to be an emergence of a 3rd option for Duke, if they plan on going far; they cannot keep relying on Oakafor and Lyles.
Dark Horse: Georgetown
Georgetown had a really early exit their last couple of tournament appearances, but this is a way different team. They have strong big boys to help control the paint down low. They need superb guard play if they want a chance to make it to the Final Four.
Notable Mention: UAB
