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March 16, 2007
Contest Update and Shawn's Picks
Well, things are really heating up in the NCAA men's tournament, and in our Elite Eight Contest. (By the way, if you haven't entered yet, you're missing a tremendous opportunity to win a great prize).
After a somewhat disappointing day for upset-lovers, things are looking a little more promising on this second day of the First Round. There are quite a few upset Duke fans (not including myself, I'm from New York) roaming around the office today. Maybe upset isn't quite the word. It's more like.... stunned, really.
As someone who picked VCU to pull off the upset, I definitely gained some ground. Sadly, it seems I cheer for the underdog way too often and find myself in dead last in our own office pool. It looks like you'd be wise to avoid my suggestions. Anyway, here are my Elite Eight picks, along with a little reasoning to go along with the selections.
THE MIDWEST
Florida
Although the Gators ended the regular season on a bit of a slide, they still have a dominating front court with Joakim Noah and Al Horford, and are extremely deep. Lee Humphrey can be deadly from behind the arc, and the other guards know how to score. I don't see anyone standing in their way to the elite eight, unless Arizona lives up to their potential or Maryland puts everything together on the right days.
Oregon
There may be more talented teams in this bracket, but the ducks could be the most entertaining. They enter the tourney on a roll and can shoot the ball from anywhere. Look out for Aaron Brooks to make a difference in big moments, be it with a timely three or a key steal.
THE WEST
Kansas
As deep as Florida is, I think Kansas is even deeper. Anyone who saw that game against Texas knows that they could go full throttle for 80 minutes if they had to. They have four players that average in double figures in scoring and what seems like an easier path to the Elite Eight than some of the others on this list.
UCLA
This team looks good coming into the tournament and can depend on Arron Afflalo to step up for them in big moments. Even though VCU made the most noise in the West yesterday, look for the Bruins to give Kansas a run for their money and perhaps make it to the Final Four. Unless Pitt plays big in a big game (which they have not been doing), look for UCLA to make the cut.
THE EAST
Texas
Kevin Durant. That's almost all I need to say. Barring mental errors from their extremely young team or some questionable coaching decisions, this team could very well win it all. But they have to get by UNC, and that won't be easy.
Georgetown
Jeff Green is developing into a big-time NBA prospect. They enter the tourney playing well, and it looks like the whole team is coming together at the right time.
THE SOUTH
Ohio State
This team has the potential to be very scary. They have absolutely lights-out perimeter shooters and Greg Oden, now that he can use both hands, is an absolute monster presence inside. Although they are very young, their only losses this year came against Florida, UNC, and Wisconsin. Not too shabby (although as I write this I can see that Wisconsin is down by 10 to Texas A&M - CC). A solid pick to make the finals (although I didn't).
Louisville
This is my Elite Eight sleeper. These guys play the first two games in Lexington! Is that even fair? It sure didn't look like it against Stanford. I mean, that wasn't even close. I look for them to ride the home crowd through a tough Texas A&M team (the other one), and then keep it rolling into the Elite Eight. But hey, I'm in last place. What do I know?
Well, I won't bore you with the rest of my picks, but I will say that they are somewhat ambitious. This should be an interesting weekend.
I hope you enjoyed my selections. As always, feel free to leave a comment, and fill out your contest entry before it's too late! (The Contest ends before the first game on March 22nd).
