1. Duke
Complete juggernaut. Of the 1-seeds, was given the least amount of trouble on the first weekend.
2. Florida
Brought their C- game against a very game UConn team and still came out victorious.
3. Auburn
Are going to be tough to beat if the recent production from Tahaad Pettiford and Denver Jones continues.
4. Houston
The tough draw continues… after facing a top-10 KenPom team in Gonzaga, now have to face Purdue in Indianapolis. Were done no favors by the committee.
5. Tennessee
Chaz Lanier is starting to play more and more like Dalton Knecht, which could give an additional scoring punch to a team that already plays elite defense.
6. Texas Tech
The trio of JT Toppin, Darrion Williams, and Elijah Hawkins is one of, if not the best, trio remaining in the tournament.
7. Alabama
It only took a full season to figure out how to use Big Cliff, and now have a healthy Grant Nelson to complement him in the front court.
8. Maryland
A team that has been on the wrong side of heartbreak this season finally had one go their way. Also, I petition to make Derik Queen’s nickname “the Blizzard.”
9. Kentucky
A true team effort against Illinois where everybody played well. If they get that same full-go Lamont Butler, and another hot shooting game from Koby Brea, they could find themselves in the Final Four.
10. Michigan State
Were given quite the scare from New Mexico, and I still have questions about who the best 5 guys for this team really are.
11. Michigan
Death, taxes, and Michigan playing in close games down the stretch, no matter the opponent.
12. BYU
Outlasted Wisconsin in one of the most well-played games of the NCAA Tournament.
13. Arizona
Dug themselves quite a hole against Oregon, just to climb back out. But if it happens against Duke, they will just bury you
14. Purdue
Trey Kaufman-Renn versus the Houston frontcourt is going to be a sight to behold.
15. Arkansas
Finally playing like the team everyone thought they could be in the preseason, thanks to great production from Jonas Aidoo.
16. Ole Miss – I worry about shooting regression coming for a team that has now shot over 40% from 3 in two straight games, and would have lost both if they didn’t.
