Premature College Basketball Predictions:

I have to admit that it will be really difficult for me to watch the NCAA Tournament this year because I won’t have a vested interest. My team, UNC, is in the midst of a free-fall despite a solid start to the season. Unless they manage to win the ACC Tournament, which would be a miracle, they will be watching the tournament at home for the first time under Roy Williams. Nevertheless, here are my early tournament related predictions:

Number 1 Seeds

Kansas

The Jayhawks arguably have the most talented team in the country this season. Point guard Sherron Collins is lightning quick with the ball and can create plays by getting into the lane. In my opinion, he is a slightly slower version of Ty Lawson. Kansas also has a dominant inside presence in center Cole Aldrich. Aldrich rebounds, blocks shots and scores in bunches, but sometimes, he gets lost in the shuffle on offense. Collins and Aldrich are the straws that stir the drink, but the Jayhawks also have numerous role players who can fill it up on any given night. Freshman Xavier Henry has slowed down since the start of the Big 12 season, but he had some explosions earlier in the year. Also, the Morris twins have proven to be quality role players who do a lot of dirty work. In addition, I think Bill Self will have his team ready to compete on the biggest stage.

Villanova

‘Nova has certainly done enough to get a #1 seed this season with only one loss in the Big East so far. They will go as far as Scottie Reynolds takes them. Reynolds has always been able to score, but he was often criticized for his inefficiency.  He always took a ton of shots, and really did not shoot a great percentage. However, this year, he has improved his efficiency greatly and is shooting a much higher percentage than he has in the past. He is a tremendous player, but it is his leadership and experience that carry the team. My problem with ‘Nova though is that they really do not have an inside presence. They are vulnerable to teams with athletic big men (for example the loss to Georgetown and Greg Monroe).  I think their weaknesses will be exposed in the tournament.

Kentucky

There is no debating that Kentucky is a #1 seed, but how they will perform in the tournament is anyone’s guess. They have all the tools to go all the way, but will their youth catch up with them? Nobody can deny they have the talent. The backcourt is led by John Wall, who can take over a game on his own. The frontcourt is headed by DeMarcus Cousins, another freshman. Cousins’ play has been really impressive of late, and he is a physical specimen on the block. I personally believe that Kentucky will fold. They do not have enough experience despite being extremely talented.

Syracuse

I have watched a bunch of ‘cuse games this year and I have loved what I have seen. Their famous 2-3 zone has been dominant this year with Andy Rautins patrolling the top of the key and Arinze Onuaku providing solid help defense. There are very few ways to penetrate their zone and they force tons of turnovers. Their offensive game is also very refined. They get solid point guard play out of Brandon Triche. Andy Rautins is a sharp shooter from outside, and Wes Johnson is a future lottery pick who can beat the defense in a multitude of ways. They have all of the tools to win the national championship.

My Final Four:

Kansas

Syracuse

Purdue

Georgetown

My National Champion:

Syracuse

All-American Team:

Evan Turner, Ohio State

John Wall, Kentucky

Wesley Johnson, Syracuse

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova

Damion James, Texas

2^nd Team:

Jon Scheyer, Duke

Sherron Collins, Kansas

Robbie Hummel, Purdue

Greg Monroe, Georgetown

DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

All-Freshman Team

John Wall, Kentucky

Avery Bradley, Texas

Xavier Henry, Kansas

Elias Harris, Gonzaga

Hassan Whiteside, Marshall

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