There are six teams currently that appear like the lead horses for this season’s top tickets to the big dance. Those schools are: Kentucky, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona, and Kansas. Those who seem to be still in it, but a step back from the pack are: Duke, Louisville, Texas, Villanova, and Notre Dame. Yet, you will notice most of those close but not quite at the top are all part of the rugged ACC. All except Virginia whom I believe will come out on top. Part of this is based not just on talent and records, but also the conference these schools are in. Of course, there are only four spots and we still have to play the games.
Here is an updated list of our top six contenders for No. 1 seeds. Rankings are also in accordance with the latest Associated Press poll.
Number 1
Kentucky (22-0) – Indeed it is all good in the land of blue grass. With each passing contest the probability of this crew remaining unbeaten increases. Their strengths continue to be a relentless half-court defense with multiple shot blockers, and absolute control of the point on both ends of the floor. In the back court the Harrison twins and Mr. Booker lead the charge. They are a lock for the highest overall bid. This Saturday is a huge game in Florida. Can the Gators make this close? Expect the ‘Cats to be victorious.
Number 2
Gonzaga (22-1) – The toast of the WCC is growing in might. The Zags’ have put some quality wins on their resume by defeating Georgia, BYU, UCLA, St. Johns, and Memphis. They have real Final Four potential. Junior forward and former Kentucky transfer Kyle Wiltjer has flourished and leads the team with 15.6 ppg. Senior point man Kevin Pangos sets the table at 4.7 apg and averages 1.3 spg. The bigs on the block, Sabonis and Karnowski clog the middle, and clean the glass. Senior wingman and USC transfer Byron Wesley gives the Bulldogs an eagle eye beyond the arc. It’s hard to see them not getting a top seed.
Number 3
Wisconsin (20-2) – If they can avoid additional injuries, crown the Badgers as rulers of the Big Ten. Sophomore Bronson Koenig has stepped up during Jackson’s absence to run the point. Koenig has pumped in 12 ppg and swished threes at a smoking 54%. This team’s spread offense is highly efficient. Everyone, including seven-footer Frank Kaminsky is capable of bombing away from deep. They pass, set picks, and move without the ball, always working for a smart shot selection. The team defense is ranked 10th in the nation only giving up 56.5 ppg. Their odds as a top seed are excellent.
Number 4
Virginia (20-1) – Although the Cavaliers were bestowed their first “L” in a close home loss to Duke I am now a full believer in this crew. In a re-match they could defeat Duke. They play a fierce brand of basketball contesting every drive, pass, and shot. They dive for loose balls and battle for every rebound. UVA bounced back from their loss and went into Chapel Hill and left with a “W” by a final score of 75-64, and to respond against ‘Carolina like that is most impressive.
The offense is balanced, not star-laden. It’s selfless. Many contribute every night in whatever way they can. Overall, they play as one unit. They hustle not for their own stat sheets, but for each other. That’s a culture produced by amazing coaching, and recruiting. Coach Bennet has done a tremendous job rebuilding this program to a level not seen since Ralph Sampson. I like Virginia’s chances to win the ACC and get rewarded accordingly for a juicy post-season bid.
(Photo Courtesy of timesunion.com)
Number 5
Arizona (20-2) – UK is not the only batch of Wildcats clawing their mark on the landscape. This is the strongest squad in the PAC-12. It is a team that relies on shutdown defense and mental toughness. Arizona is another squad that buys into the team concept and sweats for the next guy. Their wins have come against Gonzaga, Kansas St, Utah, Oregon, and California. Youngsters Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are future NBA first round picks and are the roster’s most explosive and impactful players who score and defend. Sean Miller’s team is making a powerful case for a number one seed.
Number 6
Kansas (19-3) – At one time I wrote this team off suggesting that you dump their stock. That was not after the Kentucky massacre, but after the 25 point creaming they received in Temple two weeks later. I now realize they were still in shell shock from the embarrassing loss to Kentucky. Quietly Bill Self has found a way to reach these guys and re-build their confidence. His magic is working. You can see they believe in themselves once more. Wins against Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, and revenge against Iowa State have the Jayhawks ready to claim another Big-12 title. If KU keeps things rocking, chalking, and Jayhawking, they could easily stride right into a number one seed. Check the video below for their fan’s famous chant, Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk.
(Video Courtesy of AnUrbanJayhawk and Kansas University)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.