Matt Zeman: Kentucky
No team can compete with Kentucky. They boast the SEC Freshman and player of the year, forward Anthony Davis, as well as coach of the year John Calipari. The Wildcats also have a roster of talented players surrounding their big star. Kentucky remarkably has six players on the team averaging at least 9 points per game. UK also has one of the most impressive resumes in the country, if not the most. They had an extraordinary 32-2 record this season, including an undefeated SEC regular season and have already beat Kansas and North Carolina this year, as well as many other NCAA tournament teams. Kentucky is my favorite to win it all.
Austin Redfield: North Carolina
With their combination of talent, toughness, and experience, I feel that the Tar Heels are the strongest team in the tournament. All five of their starters could potentially be drafted into the NBA this year, four of whom would most likely be in the first round. UNC’s frontcourt, led by Tyler Zeller, Harrison Barnes, and John Henson, is the only one in the country that can shut down and dominate Anthony Davis of Kentucky. Three-point shooting could be an issue for the Tar Heels and they will have to overcome the injury to their PG Kendall Marshall, but I believe their variety of skilled forwards can beat any team in the tournament. This is an athletic, powerful team that will be hard to take down.
Zach Berman: North Carolina
Before the bracket was revealed, I picked Missouri to win because they possess the key ingredients of a championship team. However, they were quickly ousted, so I’m going to have to choose a consolation pick. With forward John Henson returning from injury, along with wing Harrison Barnes, and center Tyler Zeller, the North Carolina Tar Heels look to have most the pieces in place to win. It was unfortunate that PG Kendall Marshall was lost to injury in the round of 32, but this team can find a way to thrive in his absence. According to the bracket, UNC will most likely face Kansas and Ohio State on the way to the championship game, which will simply reveal the power of this team. North Carolina has the toughest path to the championship, but I believe that they will prevail and their skilled veterans will lead them to a championship.
Morgan Olsen: Ohio State
Don’t think that Ohio State’s No. 2 seed and 29-7 record makes them unworthy of a national title. This is a group of very strong and aggressive players led by head coach and consistent winner Thad Matta, and includes one of the top forward combinations of sophomores Deshaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger. The Buckeyes have been controlling the boards extremely well, which adds to their destruction and competitive edge. 6 of their 7 losses have been against ranked teams, but their win against a tough Gonzaga team should sway those who think the Buckeyes can’t win under pressure. Other top teams like Mizzou, who fell to underdog Norfolk State, haven’t shown the same grit that the Buckeyes are giving, and something tells me that this confidence brewing in the Ohio State locker room will provide a strong ride to the top
