It’s bracket time!!!

Let’s take a look at the East Region…

Most Exciting Opening Round Matchup:

In this bracket, the most intriguing match will predictably be the #8-seed George Mason versus #9-seed Villanova. 

George Mason will be very solid, and they will make the Wildcats beat them.  It will all come down to Villanova.  Will Villanova continue to play subpar basketball as it has for the past 15 games?  Or will the personnel come through for Jay Wright, and give him what everyone expected from the outset of this campaign?

Look for Villanova to barely make it past GMU, only to get ousted by the Buckeyes in the second round.

Most Unheralded Players in the Region:

Tu Holloway (Xavier), Isaiah Thomas (Washington) – Holloway and Washington are two amazing point guards that can carry their teams to victories.  Holloway, the A-10 Player of the Year, is tough, smart, and plays with a chip on his shoulder.  Thomas, blends true point guard attributes – scoring, playmaking and passing – to lead the Huskies.  Given Washington’s position in the bracket, Thomas is good enough that he could cause the Huskies to make an unforecasted appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.

Potential Upset Brewing?:

None, really.  But by the seeding – despite the best efforts of Holloway – Marquette should beat Xavier.  The Musketeers are truly undermanned when matched up with the Golden Eagles, who are a tough #11 seed.  Giving Marquette a #11-seed is, in essence, saying that they are the anywhere from the 41th-44th best team in this tournament.  Xavier is a #6 seed.  Who in their right mind would believe that Xavier is really 24 spots better than Marquette?

Washington could be a tough out, thanks to the talents of Isaiah Thomas.

Surprising Team That Could Make A Deep Run:

Well, I don’t know how surprising you could deem a #4 seed…but Kentucky would be that team.  The ‘Cats are loaded with talent on the perimeter (Brandon Knight), on the wings (Darius Miller, Doron Loamb) and versatility (Terrence Jones).  But the biggest thing that should lift them would be the contribution of upperclassmen, DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrelson.  Sure, Kentucky has limited depth, but the value of that can be a bit overrated – particularly when discussing at team with many offensive options such as this one.

In the End it Will Be:

Ohio State and Syracuse.  Ohio State has the look of a well-balanced winner.  With Jared Sullinger anchoring the low post, and capable shooters like Jon Diebler and William Buford on the wings, the Buckeyes are able to achieve floor spacing that few other teams can.  Add the versatile David Lighty to the mix, and this team has the components necessary for a potential title run in the tournament.

Syracuse has something that cannot be overvalued – upperclass leadership and experience.  Rick Jackson will eat up the glass and control the paint, while Scoop Jardine will manage the floor and make the key plays when the Orange need them the most.  Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone is paralyzing to teams that are lacking players able to successfully navigate the high post.

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