| North Carolina - This is the team to beat, in my estimation. Tyler Hansborough and Ty Lawson are taking turns winning ACC Player of the Year honors and the health of the latter is the only thing, I believe, that will stand in their way (although it was wise to rest him in the ACC Tournament). Unlike the other elite teams in the nation, Head Coach Roy Williams’ team in deep enough to withstand the losses of players like Marcus Ginyard and 7-foot freshman, Tyler Zeller (who has recently returned). This team has precocious young stars like Larry Drew and Ed Davis, but with the inside-outside leadership of Hansborough, Lawson, senior Danny Green, juniors Wayne Ellington and Deon Thompson, their fast-paced, shoot-quick style should lead for some serious early-round boat races. Their depth and talent, however, make them my #1-seed. Playing in nearby Greensboro then onto Memphis should appeal to their travelling fan base.
Player to watch-Hansborough and Lawson have had those “that dude is still there”-type of careers and should be able to produce at the next level, but freshman forward, Ed Davis might be the one most coveted by NBA scouts. Long, lean, and affective at 6-10 and 215, Davis can score from several spots on the floor, defend in a Tayshaun Prince manner, and control a game around the hoop like few in the nation.
Key wins-A neutral site win over Michigan State at Detroit’s Ford Field (site of Final Four) spotlights a decent resume. A win in Reno over UNR and wins at Duke, Florida State and Virginia Tech round out the team’s success away from Chapel Hill.
Michigan St - Coach Tom Izzo will always have good teams (that always seemingly make it to the Final Four) because of his commitment to not only finding great talent, but instructing his team in the ways of defense and rebounding. This year’s team has had a few health issues and faced a tough schedule, but came out healthy and in a position to make a Final Four run. Youthful, experienced, and plenty of size, the Spartans are always a threat and the two Big Ten friendly locales should work just fine.
Player to watch-Freshman Keon Lucas ran the ship of the most effective team in the Big Ten. He is lightning quick, a tenacious competitor, and has an advanced game for an individual of his age. Recently named Big Ten Player of the Year, Lucas will get your attention from the opening tip if we see them deep into the tournament.
Key wins-The Spartans have road wins against Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Illinois to go with neutral site wins over Oklahoma State and Texas. Their blow-out loss in Detroit to North Carolina was the backend of a tough stretch when their center was injured, so it can be important, but probably not until they face that caliber of opponent (ie Elite 8/Final Four).
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