SOUTH: Texas A&M
Why: Because I'm an Aggie. Maroon blood has coursed through my veins since about nine months before birth. The Aggies might actually be the most likely among my 'dream 4' to make it. That isn't to say the path is an easy one. Utah State (an Aggie on Aggie matchup in round 1) is one TAMU should get past, and then the Aggies get either a Hummel-less Purdue or a solid Siena. Assuming A&M can get those two first wins, it will be playing less than 100 miles from home in the South Regional slated for Houston.
If the favorites continue to that regional, then the Aggies get the Dukies in front of what will be a very partisan A&M crowd before meeting the winner of Baylor/'Nova.
Why not: Because we're the Aggies, and if I've learned but one thing in my 55 years of existence, it is to never -- NEVER -- get my hopes up for the Maroon & White to "win it all."
EAST: New Mexico
Why: I'm a big Steve Alford fan to start with, and a fan of the Land of Enchantment in general. And while there is all this talk about basketball in New York City, basketball in Indiana, basketball along Tobacco Road, basketball in LA, you've never witnessed true basketball fervor until you've been to a high school hoops game in Hobbs. The Lobos could've been an easy 2-seed if San Diego State wasn't on their schedule this year. Maybe the rest of the nation will get a chance to see Darington Hobson in action now.
Why not: New Mexico draws a tough Marquette team in the second round, then will have to go through the likes of West Virginia and Kentucky to reach the ultimate quartet this season.
MIDWEST: Georgia Tech
Why: What a stinker this team was during the season. I'd really like to kick Paul Hewitt in the butt for letting the Yellow Jackets fall not once, but twice to Florida State. Have always been a Ga Tech fan (perhaps its the 'bee' logo), and one of the smartest individuals I've had the privilege to get to know over the years was a double-engr major from Wreck U. This might be the best 10-seed ever in a tourney, that is if they would ever play up to their potential. Love the size they have with Lawal and Favors.
Why not: Simply inconsistent, can't shoot free throws, and if they do get past Okie State in the opener, the Jackets then have to face ET and the Buckeyes. Uh, no.
WEST: Butler
Why: Like New Mexico, it's mostly about the coach. Brad Stevens is remarkable, and I pray each and every night he stays in Naptown forever. Well, ok, that's not true. I don't even pray for free beer each and every night, much less a college basketball coach. But I do like Stevens, and I really like his stud sophomore Gordon Hayward. Butler has a decent draw to at least reach the Sweet 16, though I will be torn a bit when the Bulldogs take on Vandy in the second round.
Why not: Stevens' squad, if they do make the Sweet 16, will most likely be going up against a very good 'Cuse team and another coach I respect, Jim Boeheim. Maybe the Orange shot its wad during the regular season, but probably not. Still, this is a very good team that could be playing Final Four weekend in its hometown. A nice little carrot on a stick, huh?
Why: Because I'm an Aggie. Maroon blood has coursed through my veins since about nine months before birth. The Aggies might actually be the most likely among my 'dream 4' to make it. That isn't to say the path is an easy one. Utah State (an Aggie on Aggie matchup in round 1) is one TAMU should get past, and then the Aggies get either a Hummel-less Purdue or a solid Siena. Assuming A&M can get those two first wins, it will be playing less than 100 miles from home in the South Regional slated for Houston.
If the favorites continue to that regional, then the Aggies get the Dukies in front of what will be a very partisan A&M crowd before meeting the winner of Baylor/'Nova.
Why not: Because we're the Aggies, and if I've learned but one thing in my 55 years of existence, it is to never -- NEVER -- get my hopes up for the Maroon & White to "win it all."
EAST: New Mexico
Why: I'm a big Steve Alford fan to start with, and a fan of the Land of Enchantment in general. And while there is all this talk about basketball in New York City, basketball in Indiana, basketball along Tobacco Road, basketball in LA, you've never witnessed true basketball fervor until you've been to a high school hoops game in Hobbs. The Lobos could've been an easy 2-seed if San Diego State wasn't on their schedule this year. Maybe the rest of the nation will get a chance to see Darington Hobson in action now.
Why not: New Mexico draws a tough Marquette team in the second round, then will have to go through the likes of West Virginia and Kentucky to reach the ultimate quartet this season.
MIDWEST: Georgia Tech
Why: What a stinker this team was during the season. I'd really like to kick Paul Hewitt in the butt for letting the Yellow Jackets fall not once, but twice to Florida State. Have always been a Ga Tech fan (perhaps its the 'bee' logo), and one of the smartest individuals I've had the privilege to get to know over the years was a double-engr major from Wreck U. This might be the best 10-seed ever in a tourney, that is if they would ever play up to their potential. Love the size they have with Lawal and Favors.
Why not: Simply inconsistent, can't shoot free throws, and if they do get past Okie State in the opener, the Jackets then have to face ET and the Buckeyes. Uh, no.
WEST: Butler
Why: Like New Mexico, it's mostly about the coach. Brad Stevens is remarkable, and I pray each and every night he stays in Naptown forever. Well, ok, that's not true. I don't even pray for free beer each and every night, much less a college basketball coach. But I do like Stevens, and I really like his stud sophomore Gordon Hayward. Butler has a decent draw to at least reach the Sweet 16, though I will be torn a bit when the Bulldogs take on Vandy in the second round.
Why not: Stevens' squad, if they do make the Sweet 16, will most likely be going up against a very good 'Cuse team and another coach I respect, Jim Boeheim. Maybe the Orange shot its wad during the regular season, but probably not. Still, this is a very good team that could be playing Final Four weekend in its hometown. A nice little carrot on a stick, huh?
good...hope all is well