Thoughts on the First Round of the NCAA Tourney: No Real Cinderella Yet

I am 24 out of 32 in my sister's office pool. Not bad, not great. I only filled out one bracket this year, as it seems silly to fill out multiple ones; sorta like buying 20 lottery tickets. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

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Midwest Region -

I had West Virginia making it to the Elite Eight, and they lost to Dayton and Chris Wright. No idea why I liked WV other than they're being from the Big East and made it that far last year. Apparently Wright is, now that he is finally healthy, one of the nation's best small forwards. Look for him to consider going to the NBA if Dayton makes it to the Sweet Sixteen, as he is a clear cut pro prospect.

Siena's win over Ohio State in double OT last night is the game of the tournament thus far.

Boston College seemed to lack a real spark against USC in their loss. BC has a history under coach Al Skinner of underachieving in the NCAA's, and I have no idea why. He is a terrific coach and well respected. Maybe he just lacks a certain fire to get the troops motivated come true crunch time.

The Wake Forest vs Cleveland State game was not on here in Portland, but it's hard to see how a team as talented as Wake could get blown out by a mid-major. Wake has been number one in the nation not that long ago. It appears head coach Dino Gaudio's decision to take the ball out of former point man Jeff Teague's hands midseason doomed Wake to mediocrity. I get the feeling that Gaudio is in over his head and won't last more than a few season down in Winston-Salem.


West Region -

UConn and Memphis won their first rounders in different ways: UConn in a blowout and Memphis in a tightly contested game against Cal State - Northridge. Only time will tell if these two terrific clubs benefitted from their respective performances.

No upset specials left in this region as all remaining teams are from power conferences.


East Region -

Pitt looked simply horrible yesterday against the 16th seeded East Tennessee State ballclub. No way they beat a fine Oklahoma State team tomorrow if they play that way. I remember during the selection show on CBS last Sunday showing a bored bunch of Panthers appearing to be in a daze when their team's name was read: they are going to pay for that arrogance on Sunday to young Travis Ford and his hustling bunch of overachievers. Ok St's rotund senior point guard Byron Eaton has gone from someone who, in my eyes, looked like he didn't belong on the court at first glance to being one of my favorite players. His bucket and free throw led to the defeat yesterday of a distracted Tennessee team. Look for Oklahoma State to advance and make it as far as the Elite Eight.

Duke surprised me with how well they played against an overmatched Binghamton team Thursday. Though I predicted at midseason that Coach K wouldn't make it out of the first weekend, I see Duke beating a talented but tempermental Texas team on Sunday.

I don't really like any of the teams left in this region, as they all have flaws. If I had to pick one team to make it to Detriot, I'd take the Big East's Villanova Wildcats because of their stellar guard play.


South Region -

North Carolina's best player, leader, and its key component, point guard Ty Lawson has not played in a week and a half with an apparent case of turf toe. Anyone picking UNC to win it all, and that includes you, President Obama, is crazy! Carolina need Lawson, and toe injuries are long term things. UNC may make it another round or two, but they aren't the same team that pushes the ball up without Lawson. Anyone else on the team is replaceable, but not Lawson. Look for UNC to fall soon.

Syracuse played well in the first half against their overmatched first round opponent, but the final score was not impressive. CBS did not show the later stages of the game, so I do not know if the 'Cuse was bored, tired, or both. Not a good sign.

Clemson continues their history of early round flameouts. They had one of the best teams in school history this year and finished the year staggering. Not sure what is wrong with coach Oliver Purnell's coaching or roster, but it is aggravating to be impressed during the year with the Tigers only to be disappointed every year with the end results.


Final Four Picks, Revised -

I'm sticking with Syracuse in the South, Memphis in the West, and Louisville in the Midwest. But after their debacle against ETSU, I can't pick Pitt to make it to Ford Field in Detriot. I'll say Villanova only because I don't trust Duke's reliance on outside shooting.