2nd Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Ahhh the smell of spring right around the corner and 64 teams ready to go smash, crash course at each other. One of the interesting things that happened thus far in just the bracketeering is the fact that we've got 3 of the top 4 teams from the Big East. Wow. Never thought I'd see that day...but then again...I'd never thought I'd see the day that the top 4 teams going into the conference championship play would all lose previous to the finals rounds.

Nonetheless...let's get it on!! I've got my final four picks right here:

MidWest:

Wake Forest is dangerous with Teague at the point and Johnson at the forward. They shoot just above 31% from the arc and just under 50% from the field. However, this team is dangerous and streaky. However, they'll definitely have their hands full Louisville in the elite eight. Pitino's team has a nitty gritty defense that can definitely shut down the perimeter shooters and this season, he's got 8 deep that can give him some valid minutes. The great thing about this team is that every player brings something to the table. What they lack in size, they make up in speed and wit. Pitino presses hard and I'll definitely be looking for them to get some easy steals and fast break points.

However, my sleeper pick's going to be USC from this group. I believe that they'll have an easy time against Tyrese Rice and BC. USC outmatches BC in the post with a older, more matured Taj Gibson and a consistent backcourt in Hackett and Lewis. Michigan State looked quite skiddish against Ohio State in the Big Ten finale and I think they'll continue that skid (barely surviving the Cinderella story) and then getting kicked out in the top 32.

Kansas looked horrible against Baylor and their excuse for being a young team will not save them from the onslaught that will be USC in the sweet 16.

USC will win a nailbiter against Pitino's slightly smaller, press-oriented defense using their backcourt prowess and added presence of DeRozan who will have a huge game due to the press defense, the spot holes near the rim, and the focus on Gibson. There just won't be enough people to cover all the weapons...

More to come for the next 3 divisions...

(Oh, right...and THE most beautiful time of the year is the Super Bowl, duh?!)