Blogs

EAST BRACKET

My Pick: A youthful Kentucky team that has had a whale of a season now has my attention in the East bracket. Ranked second in the Associated Press poll the Kentucky Wildcats (32-2) have what many people believe to be the next number one pick in the NBA Draft in John Wall. Wall, the freshman averages 16.9 ppg and nearly 2 steals per game. DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Paterson, and Eric Bledsoe have also become highly sought after prospects which all make up arguably the best starting lineup in the nation. The one weakness they have is their bench which they haven't needed at all this year but might need come tournament time. The Cats play East Tennessee State (20-14) from the Atlantic Sun Conference who has no one scoring over 15 points per game.

Team to Watch: My team to watch in the East bracket is from the state of Wisconsin. The Marquette Golden Eagles (22-11) who have been one of the biggest surprises this year. Marquette, coached by second year coach Buzz Williams has taken Marquette to a high level in a short period of time and has put him into contention to be national coach of the year. Despite their embarassing loss to the hapless Blue Demons of DePaul this team is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. I currently have Marquette advancing to the round of 16 before stumbling to 2 seed West Virginia (27-6), winners of the Big East Tournament. Keep an eye on Marquette who has players left and right, specifically Darius Johnson-Odom, who are in range as soon as they step into the arena. Marquette will have to get past 11 seed Washington (24-9) in a virtual road game in San Jose.

First Round Upsets: (None) Though I do have 6 seed Marquette defeating overseeded 3 seed New Mexico (29-4) in round two.

Players to Watch: G John Wall (KENT) 16.9 ppg 6.4 apg 4.2 rpg

                                         F DeMarcus Cousins (KENT) 15.3 ppg 10.1 rpg

                                         F Al-Farouq Aminu (WF) 15.7 ppg 10.7 rpg

                                         F Ryan Wittman (COR) 17.5 ppg 42.0  3PT FG%

                                         F Da'Sean Butler (WV) 17.4 ppg 6.3 rpg 3.3 apg