Breaking Down the Brackets – Part I

The following are my reactions to the seeding, locations and match ups of the ball that begins in less than 48 hours.

Georgia Tech - Getting a No. 10 seed might be the best thing that happens to Georgia Tech all year. I've seen this team many times on TV, and once live at Cameron Indoor. The talent is immense in Javaris Crittenton and Thaddeus Young. But even more encouraging is the balance GT gets from Ra'Sean Dickey inside and Anthony Morrow on the perimeter on the perimeter. Tech's not a lock, but I have no doubt saying they could snip UNLV, Wisconsin (Yep, I said it), and Notre Dame/Winthrop/Oregon. The Elite 8 would probably be Tech's brick wall - the Florida Gators. The Gators are more talented and possess the chemistry that has escaped Tech this year.

Kentucky vs. Villanova - This one stands out as I my eyes glance down the bracket. Scottie Reynolds is my Freshmen Player of the Year if Greg Oden and Kevin Durant were allowed to take their immeasurable talent from high school à NBA. Reynolds has secured Nova’s relevance with Mike Nardi and Curtis Sumpter’s injury-proneness. He’s kept them steady.

Kentucky is more talented than its 21-11 record indicates. Kentucky always plays team basketball. When Randolph Morris dominates inside and Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford and Bobby Perry T-it-up from outside, they are tough to stop. Don’t forget about the Cats’ unrelenting ball pressure, either. Lastly, I imagine the junior leaders will come out with great passion to embrace Tubby Smith and prevent his firing.

My Pick: Kentucky – My Tourney picks are greatly influenced by tournament-experienced coaches. Tubby Smith defines that and Jay Wright is quickly catching up. Despite the Kentucky AD’s comments, Tubby will be motivated to quell his doubters. This team is also well balanced inside and out.

Marquette vs. Michigan State – Tom Crean confronts his mentor with a slightly better team. This is an engaging match up because Dominic James is a great college player who has not been playing like one. I expect him to revert back to penetrating and getting to the line.

But, Drew Neitzel has got all the will in the world. This kid elevates his game in the big ones – i.e. 10-17 for 28 points in a victory over Wisconsin. Tom Izzo is an impassioned tournament coach who finds a way to get it down – i.e. championships. But to continually compare, Tom Crean got Marquette to a Final Four before it reached national prominence.

My pick: Michigan State – This one’s real tough for me, but Izzo always finds a way to win. I think Marquette is the better team, but I’m not sure the pupil can make this happen.