FanHouse Roundtable: Breaking Down the 2010 NCAA Tournament Bracket

Whose year is it for their own Shining Moment? Which No. 1 seed will lose first? Which player will become a March legend in the next three weeks? Get the answers with FanHouse's college sports staff, where Fennis Dembo is a year-round state of mind.


EAST REGION CHAMPION

Kentucky starts three freshmen, the Wildcats wear their emotions on their sleeves and they've been known to shoot rocks from the free-throw line. What's not to like? John Calipari's team may implode or explode, so don't look away.
-Jim Henry, ACC writer

West Virginia. The Mountaineers arguably deserved a No. 1 seed especially considering what they did in the ultra competitive Big East and then winning that tournament. West Virginia got hot at the right time and the momentum gained from the run to the conference tournament title should take them to the Final Four. Their frontline trio of Da'Sean Butler, Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks will carry them.
-Terrance Harris, Big 12 writer

Congratulations Kentucky!

We've seeded you as the overall No. 2 team in the tournament and then given you the number five overall team, WVU, the only other legit consideration for a number one seed, as your two seed. As if that weren't enough, we've given your young team a former number one team in the country, Texas, to play in the second round and a tough, gritty, physical match-up against Wisconsin or Temple in the Sweet 16.
-Clay Travis, SEC writer, bearded fellow, racountuer

Kentucky. By a blade of bluegrass over West Virginia, which has been very good all season in a far better conference, with veteran players. But these young Wildcats look special. Yet they'll have to claw their way through the toughest bracket.
-David Steele, Big East/ACC writer

West Virginia. Kentucky might be the most talented team in the bracket, but the Wildcats just feel like the sort of team that needs a year of seasoning before cutting down the nets, which, unfortunately won't happen as both John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins will be in the NBA before they're legally old enough to buy a mint julep. And how good are they? The Wildcats look the part but haven't played a team seeded higher than fourth. Meanwhile, West Virginia is a veteran team on a roll -- Da'Sean Butler's bank shot to beat Marquette, the twisting, leaning game-winner against Georgetown. Not to mention, the Mountaineers are a tenacious defensive team and wil have opponents out of sync in the layup line.
-Ray Holloman, college sports editor

West Virginia. The couches are still smoldering and they're still singing "Country Roads" in Morgantown after winning the school's first Big East tournament Saturday. The Mountaineers now turn their attention to the NCAAs. They have the ability to play uptempo or grind-it-out and their versatility gives opponents nightmares. Also, no other player is on a better run right now than Da'Sean Butler. He's already has six game winning shots this season, including two in the Big East tournament. Get ready for more "The Butler Did It" headlines as the Mountaineers make their first Final Four since 1959 with Jerry West.
-Brett McMurphy, Big East writer

WEST REGION CHAMPION

Syracuse could -- and should -- complain about being shipped West. But it's done, so the Orange need to get down to business. Arinze Onuaku will likely return from a quad injury he suffered in the Big East tournament before the tourney advances too deep. Five players average double-digits scoring, they shoot 51.6 percent as a team and hold opponents to less than 40 percent shooting. That will work.
-JH

Kansas State. When the Wildcats play together they are as formidable as any team in the country. They can spread the floor and beat teams on the perimeter with guards Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente. But K-State will do considerable damage inside with forward Curtis Kelly and then Jamar Samuels coming off the bench.
-TH

Kansas State. And this is where having a frontcourt rotation that's less deep than Paris Hilton's inner monologue will catch up to you, Syracuse. If Arinze Onuaku is healthy, there's no reason the Orange can't make the Elite Eight, but the Wildcats have athletic bigs to get the Orange in foul trouble and guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen will attack the 2-3 zone as effectively as any backcourt the Orange has seen.
-RH

Syracuse gets a great draw, the second-weakest number 2 seed in Kansas State, a team that has won a single tournament game in the past two decades, a Vanderbilt team that has been far from proficient down the stretch, and a perennial tourney underachiever in Pittsburgh.

Hell, it's enough to make up for the absence of Carmelo Anthony.

Almost.
-CT

Syracuse. But only if Arinze Onuaku is healthy. The Orange have been exceptional all season, but they need all their pieces to remain that way. Don't necessarily buy the "blueprint'' theory about their matchup zone, either; two teams figured it out recently, but 28 that didn't.
-DS

Syracuse. The Orange started the season unranked and unloved before climbing all the way to a No. 1 ranking. That didn't last long thanks to a loss at Louisville in the Cards' final game in Freedom Hall and a first-round upset to Georgetown in the Big East tournament. Georgetown benefited greatly from having already seen Syracuse's matchup zone two previous times. The Orange's NCAA opponents won't have the same luxury. Even without center Arinze Onuaku (quad injury) for the opening weekend, the Orange, with Big East player of the year Wes Johnson and sharp-shooting Andy Rautins, will crush the opposition.
-BM

MIDWEST REGION CHAMPION

Kansas. The "Ice Road Truckers" have easier paths than the Jayhawks road to Indianapolis. But the Jayhawks are the nation's most complete team, maybe the only complete team, so whatever a would-be giant killer can do, Kansas can do better.
-RH

Jeez, the Kansas Jayhawks can beat opponents with any number of player rotations. All five of Kansas' starters probably are NBA draft picks, either this year or next. Plus, in a tourney where experience counts, the Jayhawks are good to go in this department, too.
-JH

Kansas. The Jayhawks -- the deserving No. 1 overall seed of the tournament -- were done little favor by being placed in the same regional as Ohio State, Georgetown and Maryland. But Kansas will emerge because of its ability to get production from so many places on the floor. Senior point guard Sherron Collins will be the focal point, but Xavier Henry, Cole Aldrich and Tyshawn Taylor along with Marcus and Markief Morris are all capable of putting up big numbers
-TH

Predictably, the NCAA committee managed to give the two top seeds the most difficult regions to traverse. I have no idea why this consistently happens or, more importantly, why the S curve only matters for the top four seeds. It's a joke. Anyway, here's my take on the brackets.

Kansas is the top overall seed in the tournament. So it makes complete sense for the committee to seed the only two teams to have beaten the Jayhawks as the number six and seven seeds in the same region. Seriously, has it ever happened that a top overall seed that has only lost two games all season gets both of those teams in the same region?

Doubtful.

And maybe it's preaching to the choir, but how is Villanova not Kansas' two seed since Villanova was clearly the weakest 2 seed in the tourney?
-CT

Kansas. Teams with great NCAA track records are in their bracket (Michigan State, Georgetown, Ohio State, Maryland). It's just hard to see any of them putting it all together to beat a deep, experienced, multi-skilled Jayhawks team.
-DS

Kansas. So who did Bill Self upset on the NCAA Selection Committee? The Jayhawks must navigate a region with Ohio State, Georgetown, Maryland and Michigan State. And as a reminder, the only two teams to beat Kansas this season -- Tennessee and Oklahoma State -- are also in the same bracket. Wonder how they would have been treated if they weren't the overall No. 1 seed? It won't matter. Kansas will be playing close to home (Oklahoma City and St. Louis) the first two weekends and will have a decided advantage fan wise - and talent wise. That will get the Jayhawks safely to Indianapolis.
-BM

SOUTH

Duke is facing criticism for receiving the third No. 1 seed over Syracuse and many wonder if the Blue Devils are athletic enough inside to make a difference. Seven-foot center Brian Zoubek has played well down the stretch, however, and has shown he can make a difference.
-JH

Duke. Sure the Blue Devils are the most suspect of the No. 1 seeds, but they are by far in the weakest of the four Regionals. You have to give them edge based on tradition and Mike Krzyzewski. Otherwise, this could be a Regional where a talented team like Baylor could get hot and emerge as a surprise Final Four team. But Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer will propel Duke to Indianapolis.
-TH

Say hello to the easiest region in the tournament. Honestly, anything could happen in this region and anyone could advance. Baylor as a three seed? Purdue, who was down 37-11 at the half of their last game and recently lost their best player, as a four seed?

A day later, Mike Krzyzewski must still think he won the lottery. Duke.
-CT

Baylor. Standing up for a very strong Big 12 and taking on a bracket loaded with good Big East teams. But the third-seeded Bears would have earned it, because Villanova was a top-three team most of the year.
-DS

Villanova. In the NCAA tournament, sometimes it just comes down to a player who can make plays. Nobody makes plays like Scottie Reynolds. Watch out for Duke in a possible rematch in the Elite 8. The last time Duke lost as badly in the NCAA tournament as the Blue Devils did to Villanova last year, they won the rematch a year later, shocking UNLV in the Final Four following a 30-point, watch-through-your-fingers loss in the 1990 title game. If anyone can convince a No. 1 seed it's them against the world, it's Mike Krzyzewski.
-RH

Villanova. Everyone has given up on the Wildcats based on Villanova closing the year 2-5. Looking a little closer at those losses and they were against teams that either: were desperate to boost its NCAA hopes (UConn), had huge revenge factors (Pittsburgh) or were playing before the largest on-campus crowd ever (Syracuse). The other two losses in that span were two points in OT to West Virginia and four points to Marquette. If it's possible to be overlooked as a No. 2 seed, that's what's happening with Villanova. One last thing: This is Scottie Reynolds' last go-around. Perhaps you remember what he did in last year's NCAAs? I do.
-BM


First No. 1 to Lose

Duke, simply because the Blue Devils, looking to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2004, have been known to take a second-round tumble from the tourney. Many also wonder if Duke was actually worthy of a No. 1 seed. Depth is a concern, too. Duke rides its "Big Three" -- Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer -- harder than the Pony Express did its dudes in the Ol' West.
-JH

Kentucky. Many have the talented freshman trio of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe taking the Kentucky Wildcats to the Final Four where they will cut down the nets. But the thing about freshmen who are inexperienced in the short turnaround environment of the NCAA tournament is they are very capable falling apart. The expected second round matchup between Texas and Kentucky will end up in disaster for the Wildcats.
-TH

Syracuse. After closing with back-to-back losses, the Orangemen will run into Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16, a veteran team with heady point guard play and deadeye shooting. The zone will confuse most teams, but not the Commodores.
-CT

Duke. The softest No. 1, Blue Devils have the same problem they've had in recent early exits: over-seeded, then exposed for their roster flaws by a bigger, faster team. That team could be Louisville as early as the second round.
-DS

Kentucky. Be mindful of Duke. The Blue Devils' Big Three are capable of putting up a shooting percentage that looks more like a utility infielder's batting average, but all those misses have a way of landing in Brian Zoubek's mitts before getting kicked back out. When Zoubek is out of foul trouble, Duke's offense almost looks like a hockey team cycling the puck. But don't go all in on Kentucky. As great a team as the Wildcats are, they've yet to face the quality of opposition they'll see from the Sweet 16 on and have played themselves into trouble several times.
-RH

Kentucky. I guess this pick guarantees I won't be getting a Christmas card from Ashley Judd. The Wildcats were undefeated through a fairly easy non-conference schedule (toughest games were Louisville and UConn) and then dominated a weak SEC that had only the nation's fourth-best conference RPI (even behind the ACC). Kentucky features three freshmen in its starting lineup, including the nation's best rookie in John Wall. However, the Wildcats' inexperience -- and the unrelenting pressure of knowing if they don't win it all it will be a huge letdown in Lexington -- will keep the 'Cats from Indianapolis.
-BM


DARKHORSE

BYU. The Cougars rank in the top 22 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. Last year, seven teams matched that profile. Four of them went to the Final Four. The other three, Duke, Gonzaga and Missouri, all lost to those Final Four teams in the Sweet 16 or later. Unfortunately for BYU, potential second seed matchup Kansas State is also among both top 22s.
-RH

Georgia Tech, as its coach Paul Hewitt pointed out during the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, is "imperfect." No kidding. The Yellow Jackets have more turnovers than assists. Still, Tech also has incredible talent, starting with its frontcourt of freshman Derrick Favors, a near-certain lottery pick, and junior Gani Lawal, who could go in the first round. Senior forward Zachery Peacock gets overlooked, but the bearded one works blue-collar hard in the paint.
-JH

Texas. The Longhorns come into the tournament with few expectations after the way they fell apart in the Big 12 in February. But Texas, led by senior forward Damion James, may just find its stride against an unfamiliar field of teams. Getting past Wake Forest in the first round could be tough, but the confidence gained will lift them past Kentucky. it could be an interesting run from there for a program that won its first 17 games and spent two weeks as the No. 1 team in the nation.
-TH

Notre Dame. Look, Notre Dame isn't that good, but neither is anyone on the bottom half of their bracket. It's a dream seeding. Take the sixth-seeded Irish for an Elite Eight run.
-CT

Xavier. The No. 6 in the West and co-regular season champ in the loaded Atlantic-10, they're typically balanced, versatile and defense-oriented. Seeing the Musketeers get past Pittsburgh and Kansas State/BYU to face Syracuse isn't implausible.
-DS

Baylor. Can a three seed be considered a dark horse? The Bears are a trendy pick to reach the Final Four based on the play of guards LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter. Inside Ekpe Udoh, who transferred to Waco, Texas, from Michigan, is a shot blocking terror. The Bears are coached by Scott Drew and if you're a fan of March Madness, you know the Drew family has had some special moments on this stage before. You've seen Bryce's, now it's time for Scott's.
-BM


UPSET WATCH

Siena (13 South) over Purdue (4). Your heart goes out to Purdue but don't let your money follow. Since Robbie Hummel was lost for the season in a win over Minnesota, the Boilermakers have been something like a jigsaw puzzle minus a few pieces and the picture of what the thing is supposed to look like. The Boilermakers cratered to an 11-point first half against Minnesota in their last game. Siena has lost twice since Christmas. Also love Murray State and Old Dominion, if the Monarchs can get past Notre Dame.
-RH

Pittsburgh in the Final Four for the first time since 1941? Break out the all-purpose Terrible Towels. Despite its youth, third-seeded Pittsburgh will advance to the Final Four from the West with a win over Big East brother and top-seeded Syracuse. The big question the 'Cuse face is the NCAA condition of big man, Arinze Onuaku, who is expected to play after he injured his quadriceps in his team's first-round loss to Georgetown in the Big East tournament.

Also keep an eye on Montana (14 East) in its opening round game against New Mexico (3) in the East. The Griz can play fast or slow, and guard Anthony Johnson won the Big Sky tourney final for Montana by himself, scoring 42 points -- including the Grizzlies' last 21 -- as it rallied from a 20-point halftime deficit to beat top-seeded Weber State. Plus, his wife, Shaunte Nance-Johnson, is a starting guard for the Grizzlies' women's team.
-JH

No. 12 Utah State defeats No. 5 Texas A&M. The Aggies are a deserving No. 5 seed but they received the worst possible first round draw against No. 12 Utah State Aggies. The Western Athletic Conference regular season champion Aggies went from possibly not being in the tournament after losing to New Mexico State in the conference tournament to grabbing a 12th seed. Then to boot they landed in the geographically favorable Spokane for the first and second rounds. Throw in that almost every year a 5 falls to a 12. Your best bet is here.
-TH

No. 13 Murray State over No. 4 Vanderbilt in the West, just because it's hard to figure out Vandy, coming from the sketchy SEC. The Ohio Valley was no slouch, and the 30-4 Racers dominated it. They opened with a narrow loss at Cal and have lost once since Christmas.
-DS

Cornell over Temple. Temple excels in low-scoring defensive battles. So does Cornell.

First one to 64 wins.

That will be Cornell.
-CT

Old Dominion (11) over Notre Dame (6). Just a few weeks ago, the Fighting Irish was headed to the NIT. Then they put together a six-game winning streak and was rewarded with a six-seed. To quote the movie "Used Cars" "that's too ... high!" The Irish did a tremendous job while playing without Luke Harangody, but after fighting so hard to reach the NCAAs, I see a letdown against an underrated ODU squad that held opponents to 40 percent shooting and led the Colonial Conference in rebounding margin. ODU already beat one Big East team (Georgetown) this season, so they won't be intimidated by the Irish.
-BM


PLAYER WE'LL REMEMBER

Jimmer Fredette, BYU. C'mon, Fennis Dembo thinks his name is memorable. And if that doesn't' do it, the 49 he scored against Arizona, a McKale Center record, is plenty unforgettable.
-RH

Houston's Aubrey Coleman. This guard can fill er' up, clean the glass, and dish the rock. Not only does Coleman lead the nation in scoring, he also leads the Cougars in rebounds and steals and is second in assists. Sure, he has a Jesse James trigger finger -- a tad too quick -- but he's enjoyable to watch and could give Maryland fits in their opening game in the Midwest if the Terps don't come to play and defend.
-JH

There seems to always be that one player that comes out of nowhere to make a big splash in the tournament. This year, that payer will be Houston's Aubrey Coleman. He's led the nation in scoring all season but few have actually seen this kid play. Coleman can seriously fill it up in a variety of ways, driving to the basket, pulling up for mid range jumpers and knocking down contested 3-pointers. Everyone, including NBA scouts will be singing Coleman's praises this week.
-TH

Shooters have a way of tattooing their names on the public consciousness. Meet Vanderbilt freshman John Jenkins who is going to light it up all the way through an upset over Syracuse.
-CT

Wesley Johnson, Syracuse. Once you see him a lot in the next three weeks, you'll talk more about him and a little less about Jim Boeheim and the 2-3 zone. Never mind his numbers, he'll take your breath away.
-DS

Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young. How can you forget a name like Jimmer? You also won't forget his game. The BYU guard earned legendary status by scoring a school-record 49 points earlier this season at Arizona – and he was pulled with 2:55 remaining - or he would have exceeded half-a-hundred. He also tossed in 45 points against TCU. Remember the name: Jimmer.
-BM


CHAMPION

Kansas. They're the most complete team in the nation, maybe the only complete team in the nation, and Sherron Collins, Kansas' constantly red-line point guard, is exactly the sort that wraps up a "One Shining Moment montage."
-RH

Look for Kentucky to snag ts eighth national championship and first since 1998. While the Wildcats' focus flickered at times during the season due their youth, they are one of the tallest and perhaps the most talented team in the field. Make that freakishly talented with electric freshman point guard John Wall and impulsive freshman forward DeMarcus Cousins. Wall directs John Calipari's up-tempo offense with a deft touch and Cousins can be the best player in the building when he's focused between the ears.
-JH

Kansas. When you do so many things well, a lot has to go wrong to lose.
-TH

Kansas.

The only dominant team in the tournament, Kansas doesn't just beat teams, they devour them.
-CT

Kentucky. Kansas sure seems more solid than anyone else in the country, key players from the '08 champs
are still there, and Bill Self has already topped John Calipari once. But Kentucky's freshmen will be the exception to the veteran-champion rule.
-DS

All season, Kansas has been the nation's best -- and most consistent -- team. The only negative, if there is one, is the Jayhawks have been so dominating for most of the year that they haven't had a large number of close games, which they likely will encounter somewhere along the line in the next three weeks. Even so, senior point guard Sherron Collins will lead Bill Self to his second national title in three seasons.