Ho-Hum number 1---
Kansas is a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament for the 13th time and for the fifth time in seven years. The Jayhawks are 27-9 as #1, they won it all as a top seed in 2008—but two years later were dumped in the second round by Northern Iowa, so go figure. In case you’re wondering at what the ‘Hawks have done best –believe it or not, they’re 7-1 as a six seed. That’s where they were seeded for their run through to the National Champion ship in 1988.
Perry rising---
There wasn’t much that made me happier last weekend than Perry Ellis’ rise to prominence for KU. Head Coach Bill Self chalked…ok, rock-chalked it up to a little confidence. Whatever it was, I was really glad to see a great young man finally have some success. I know how much he’s been grinding; he was due for some good things to happen. Perry’s emergence gives Self some better options heading to the post-season.
KSU’s long lost brother---
Is it a prerequisite that K-State can’t play in an NCAA tourney without Wisconsin? This is the third time in six years that the two teams will, or are likely to see each other in the NCAA and one other season, during that stretch, they were in the same pod.
Twice is nice---
In a ‘rebuilding’ year—Gregg Marshall gets his Shockers into the NCAA’s for a second season. It’s the first time since 1988 that Wichita State has gone back to back and it’s a tremendous tip of the hat from the selection committee. Most of the projections had WSU on the 11 line; instead they come in at a nine seed. The future at Wichita State is very bright.
Mirror image---
As for the Shocker’s matchup with Pittsburgh---it’s like seeing double. The Panthers are a team that defends and rebounds first and they play ten guys a lot of minutes. Pitt has lost eight times this season; seven of those losses have come to ranked teams. They started the season at 12-1 and finished it 12-7, the two teams met in Kansas City at the CBE Classic in December of 2009 in a game the Shockers lost by 13. WSU played without all-Valley guard Clevin Hannah and turned it over 24 times, yet still made the game a competitive one. One would expect at low-scoring affair---we’ll see.
Toughest region---
The experts are saying the Midwest with Louisville, Duke, Michigan State, St. Louis and Oklahoma State. But I’m going to take the South with KU, Georgetown, Florida, Michigan and VCU. The region does have the best shot for an 11-6 seed upset with Minnesota over UCLA.
Best 12 over 5---
It’s only been in two years since the NCAA started seeding teams that a 12 hasn’t beaten a 5. What’s the best bet this season? How about Oregon over Oklahoma State? Are the Ducks are undervalued at 12? They did just win the Pac-12 title, but someone had to. I’m not sure the Pac-12 doesn’t go 1-4 in the opening round and that’s giving Arizona one over Belmont, which is no gimme. How about Ole Miss against Wisconsin? I like the way the Badgers have been playing of late and besides don’t they always make the Sweet 16? Could UNLV be upset by Cal? No. Then we are left with Akron over VCU. The Zips did take Oklahoma State to overtime earlier in the season, but we’ve seen how difficult it is to beat the Rams when you haven’t played against that style of press. If you’re looking for good upset possibilities go to the 6-11 matchups, besides Butler vs. Bucknell –I think every one of them has a shot.
WSU women---
Congratulations to Jody Adams and her Wichita State Shockers upon reaching their first ever NCAA Tournament. That coming on the heels of their first ever Missouri Valley Conference regular season and post season titles. It’s been a consistent climb in Adam’s five seasons, culminating with this year’s championship season. I can’t imagine that WSU doesn’t have a chance to win in the tournament—even if they don’t, it’s been an incredible season.
Sports Daily---
Bob and I will be talking with Wichita State’s Chynna Turner and Gregg Marshall this morning on Sports Daily. We’ll have our latest observations on the brackets and look forward to hearing about yours. Stop in for a while at Sports Radio KFH—98.7 FM, 1240 AM from 8:55am-11:00am Monday through Friday.
