Wahoo Wire

courtesy of soraspy.com

East Region

Southeast Region

Southwest Region

West Region

Players to Watch

Kevin Anderson, Sr., Guard, Richmond: Hidden from nation during a stellar college career, Anderson has excelled under Chris Mooney’s version of the Princeton offense.  After an early exit in last year’s dance, look for him to go out with a bang.  Anderson’s ability to spread the defense as a lethal shooter (43.8% FG / 42.1% 3FG) should pose a serious threat to Vanderbilt and beyond in this tournament.

Ben Hansbrough, Sr., Guard, Notre Dame: This Irish squad is deadly from beyond the arc and Hansbrough brings the same high-level intensity that his brother did.  He shoots 48.6% from the field and is an excellent defender that can shut down top tier guards.  If his shot is on, expect great things from this clan.

JaJuan Johnson, Sr., Forward, Purdue: He and E’Twaun Moore have been carrying the load from the get-go.  Johnson averages 20 points per game and has mold of former tourney star Marcus Camby.   If he can get some support, the Purdue seniors will attain a 3^rd consecutive sweet sixteen appearance and maybe more.

Kenny Faried, Sr., Forward, Morehead State: A talented senior, Faried simply put does EVERYTHING.  The forward averages a double-double and has led the nation in rebounding the past two seasons.  If the Eagles hope to advance, they will need to keep opponent’s second chance opportunities to a minimum and play through their defense.

First Round

#1 Kansas over #16 Boston University

Nothing to see here.  The Jayhawks are back with a vengeance after last year’s early knockout.  Expect them to physically dominate every aspect of the game and for the Terriers to go home obediently.  “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.”

#8 UNLV over #9 Illinois
The Fighting Illini has underachieved all season and I do not expect them to turn it up now.  UNLV is solid and competed in a very strong Mountain West conference.  This team is at its peak and relies on suffocating man-to-man defense.  UNLV’s Anthony Marshall should be able to adequately cover Demetri McCarney and advance the Running Rebels.

#12 Richmond over #5 Vanderbilt

The A10 champion Spiders are vastly under-seeded and quite simply Vanderbilt just never seems to catch a break during tournament time.  The Commodores live and die with the three point shot, and Richmond has plenty of skill and discipline to advance.  Just ask Purdue.

#4 Louisville over #13 Morehead State

When I was glazing over my bracket, I thought twice about this game.  The styles of these two teams bode well for a low-scoring game that comes down to the wire.  Despite Faried’s dominant effort on the glass, expect the Cardinals to shoot well and force enough turnovers to advance past the stingy Eagles.

#11 VCU over #6 Georgetown

I honestly do not care which of these bubble teams wins tonight, because I have confidence that either one of them can and will handle Georgetown.  Having lost four games in a row, the Hoyas are on a slide and I do not see them recovering.  Chris Wright’s absence has been extremely detrimental and even if he returns this team will not be the same.

#3 Purdue over #14 St. Peter’s

The Peacocks are adept at forcing turnovers and limiting an opponent’s three point percentage (30.6 %).  Unfortunately for the peacocks, the Boilermakers have enough athleticism to overcome their defensive pressure.  Expect to Johnson and Moore to take over at the end, but for St. Peter’s to keep within striking distance.

#7 Texas A&M over #10 Florida State

In what looks to be a defensive stalemate, expect the Aggies to pull this one out.  Chris Singleton is coming off of a foot injury for the Seminoles and I do not expect him to play at his full potential.  In addition, the Aggies have experience at one winning flat-out ugly games.  If you’re looking for excitement, search elsewhere.

#2 Notre Dame over #15 Akron

Unlike last year, the MAC champion will not pull out a thrilling victory over the Big East.  Akron must guard the perimeter and if Notre Dame does not shoot well from long range, the Zips may just luck out.  Their chances are slim.  The only real chance this school from Ohio is going to have is if hometown supporter Lebron James steps onto the court for them.

Second Round

#1 Kansas over #8 UNLV

The Morris twins will dominate down low over a smaller UNLV squad.  The rebels may be able to keep it close in the beginning but do not have the offensive fire power to make it last.  Kansas should win this game handily and advance to the sweet sixteen.

#12 Richmond over #4 Louisville

Rick Pitino’s Cardinals have been overachieving all year long.  They squeaked by Morehead State, but will meet there match in the Richmond Spiders.  Mooney’s team has depth, senior experience, and the length to break down Louisville.  The Cardinals will have a difficult time against a defense that only allows opponents to shoot 30% beyond the arc.

#3 Purdue over #11 VCU

JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore will continue to shine in the tournament.  Either one of these bubble teams will give Purdue a run for their money, but Matt Painter’s balanced team has enough offensive mobility to break the quick defenses of either Cinderella hopeful.  When Purdue’s shots are falling neither one of these teams will be able to keep up.

#2 Notre Dame over #7 Texas A&M

Expect the Aggies inconsistent offense to enter enough periods of lag to cost them the game.  No matter how good Turgeon’s crew is defensively, it will not be able to match the offensive firepower of the Irish.  Look for Notre Dame to advance through this favorable draw.

Sweet 16

#1 Kansas over #12 Richmond

Unfortunately, Cinderella’s run ends here.  Kansas’ break out offense will overwhelm the Spiders.  The Jayhawks can adjust to the speed of any game, and if they get any kind of lead expect them to up the defensive pressure.  If Richmond falls behind, their conservative offense will not be enough to mount a comeback.

#3 Purdue over #2 Notre Dame

The battle for Indiana is set, and I don’t see Purdue’s dynamic duo leaving anytime soon.  This game is going to come down to three point shooting, and Purdue starts four versatile guards all capable of guarding the perimeter.  Painter will institute a man-to-man defensive game plan with the intent of preventing the Notre Dame long ball.

Elite 8

#1 Kansas over #3 Purdue

There is so much NBA talent in this game, but the Jayhawks have more of it than the Boilermakers.  Kansas will continue to work the ball down low to the Morris brothers who have a blatant size advantage that Purdue will have difficulty containing.  It was an impressive run for Purdue, especially without Robbie Hummel.  As for Kansas, they are a serious title contender.  Houston, we have lift-off.