The Buckeyes are led by star Evan Turner who is one of the leading candidates for the 2010 Naismith player of the year award scoring 20.3 ppg while grabbing 9.3 rpg and dishing out 6.0 apg. Guard William Buford is the next highest scorer knocking back 14.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, and 5.6 rpg. Jone Diebler and David Lighty are also significant contributors averaging 12.8 and 12.7 ppg respectively.

Although Ohio State is tall, they have not been dominating on the glass this season. The Buckeyes have also not been effective defending against the 3 if a team is knocking down the 3 ball consistently. When Evan Turner was out earlier in the season with a back injury, the Buckeyes sufferred three of their seven losses during that stretch. When Turner is in the game, the play of the other starters also improves due to his unselfish nature as evidenced by his 6.o apg average.

Ohio State scores 73.5 ppg and gives up 60.4 ppg. The team also shoots just under 50% from the field while holding opponents to 41% shooting. The Buckeyes hit approximately 7 3 point shots a game for a team average of 38% from beyond the arc. The team assist-to-turnover ration is approximately 1.3 per game over the course of the season.

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Coach Huggins has been at West Virginia for three years and has built the team’s size up over his three years at the school to the point you see 6′7” Da’Sean Butler at the 2 guard (17.4 ppg, 3.3 apg) and 6′9” Devin Ebanks (11.8ppg and 8.2 rpg) at the wing. The Mountaineers also have good size in the paint in Wellington Smith and Kevin Jones. Jones has been scoring 13.5 ppg and hitting 38 % from three.

The biggest weakness with West Virginia is their lack of depth at point guard. If Darryl Bryant gets into foul trouble Joe Mazulla is the only reserve capable of running the point…though not at the same level of Bryant. Casey Mitchell is also able to run the point in limited time-frames, though he has not had success in prolonged periods of having to run the show when Bryant has to sit out.

West Virginia scores 74.7 points per game and gives up 64.8 points a game on defense. The Mountaineers shoot 43.7 % from the field and knock back 7.3 3’s per game at an average of 34.8% per game. They shoot 69.4 % from the charity stripe and have an approximate assist to turnover ration of 1.5 to 1. Their rebounding margin is 6.6 rebounds per game over the course of the season.

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If you are absolutely stuck on your bracket, you can checkout our NCAA tournament bracket prediction for some help. No guarantees, but I went with upsets based on watching the particular team(s) play over the past two weeks and strengths of backcourts. I’ll come out with a more detailed prediction and previews article on the opening round of the tournament on Wednesday, but for now some highlights:

March Madness Predictions (Opening Round Upsets):

Northern Iowa over UNLV

Georgia Tech over Oklahoma State

Missouri over Clemson

Washington over Marquette

St. Mary’s over Richmond

Old Dominion over Notre Dame

March Madness Predictions (2010 NCAA Final Four)

NCAA South Region

Baylor

NCAA East Region

Kentucky Wildcats

NCAA Midwest Region

Kansas Jayhawks

NCAA West Region

Minnesota Golden Gophers

March Madness Predictions (2010 NCAA Championship )

Kentucky Wildcats over the Kansas Jayhawks in the championship game

Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Tournament 2010 Predictions

The Kansas Jayhawks come into the midwest region with a 32-2 record and have won the Big 12 regular and tournament titles. Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich came back this season to try and win another NCAA title after winning the 2008 NCAA championship. Kansas will likely not be challenged until the first game of the regionals against Michigan State. I have Tennessee predicted in an upset over Ohio State setting up a rematch with the Jayhawks in the regional finals, but it could just as easy be Ohio State, Georgetown, or Georgia Tech in the finals. The Jayhawks have the experience to handle the bracket hand they were dealt, however, and I expect to see them make it to both the 2010 NCAA Final Four and championship game. If the Jayhawks are going to be upset, it would likely be against Michigan State who has a backcourt capable of competing with Kansas. Kansas has played in 38 tournament appearances, won 3 national championships, and been in 13 Final Fours in the school history.

Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Tournament 2010 Predictions

The Kentucky Wildcats come into the east region with a 32-2 record and have won the SEC regular and tournament titles. Patrick Patterson came back for his junior year to play under Coach John Calipari and is joined by star freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe. The Wildcats have been in the top 10 in the nation in rebounding margin and blocked shots this year. If the Wildcats can make it through their bracket unscathed, it would setup a rematch between the coaches of the 2008 Memphis – Kansas national championship game. Kentucky will take on the winner of Texas and Wake Forest in the second round of the tournament. I have them projected to play Temple following, but it could also be Wisonsin or Cornell. The Wildcats did pull the strongest 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with potentially having to face West Virginia in the Regional Finals. Kentucky will have to overcome their youth and lack of experience to make it to the 2010 NCA Title game, but based on their bracket and record have the Wildcats projected winning the 2010 NCAA championship.

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2010 Women’s NCAA Tournament

Sacramento Region

Stanford CA

1 Sacramento 31-1
16 UC Riverside 16-15

8 Iowa 19-13
9 Rutgers 19-14

Tempe, Arizona
5 Georgia 23-8
12 Tulane 26-6

4 Oklahoma State 23-10
13 Chattanooga 24-8

Cincinnati, OH
6 Vanderbilt 22-10
11 Depaul 21-11

3 Xavier 27-3
14 ETSU 23-8

Seattle, WA
7 Gonzaga 27-4
10 North Carolina 19-11

2 Texas A&M 25-7
15 Portland State 18-14

Kansas City Region

Minneapolis, MN
#1 Nebraska 31-1
#16 Northern Iowa 17-15

#8 UCLA 24-8
#9 NC State 20-13

Louisville, KY
#5 Michigan State 22-9
#12 Bowling Green 27-6

#4 Kentucky 25-7
#13 Liberty 27-5

Norman OK
#6 Georgia Tech 23-9
#11 Arkansas LR 26-6

#3 Oklahoma 23-10
#14 S. Dakota State 22-10

Notre Dame, IN
#7 Wisconsn 21-10
#10 Vermont 26-6

#2 Notre Dame 27-5
#1 Cleveland State 19-13

Memphis Region

Knoxville, TN
#1 Tennessee 30-2
#16 Austin Peay 15-17

#8 Dayton 24-7
#9 TCU 22-8

Berkeley, CA
#5 Georgetown 25-6
#12 Marist 26-7

#4 Baylor 23-9
#13 Fresno State 27-6

Austin, TX
#6 Texas 22-10
#11 SDSU 21-10

#3 West Virginia 28-5
#14 Lamar 26-7

Durham, NC
#7 LSU 20-9
#10 Hartford 27-4

#2 Duke 27-5
#15 Hampton 20-11

Dayton Region

Norfolk, VA
#1 Connecticut 33-0
#16 Southern 23-8

#8 Temple 24-8
#9 James Madison 26-6

Ames, IA
#5 Virginia 21-9
#12 Green Bay 27-4

#4 Iowa State 23-7
#13 Lehigh 29-3

Tallahassee, Fl
#6 St. Johns 24-6
#11 Princeton 26-2

#3 Florida State 26-5
#14 La Tech 23-8

Pittsburgh, PA
#7 Mississippi State 19-12
#10 Middle Tennessee 25-5

#2 Ohio State 30-4
#15 St. Francis (PA) 17-14

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The Kansas Jayhawks are led by senior guard Sherron Collins and junior center Cole Aldrich who both chose to return to Kansas this season to try and win another NCAA championship. Collins scores 15.6 ppg and dishes out 4.4 apg while Aldrich scores 11.2 ppg, grabs 9.9 rpg, and blocks 3.5 shots a game. Freshman wing, Xavier Henry has been showing significant improvement the last half of the season scoring 13.6 ppg and grabbing 4.2 rpg. The Jayhawks also have PF Marcus morris to compliment Aldrich in the paint who scores 12.3 ppg and his brother Markieff who comes in off of the bench who scores 6.8 ppg.

When Kansas has under-performed this season, they have had issues from the free throw line. Against Colorado, they shot a dismal 18 of 38 from the free throw line. Overall, the team shoots just under 70% from the charity stripe, so if they can remain consistent, free throws should not become a significant issue for the Jayhawks in the postseason.

The Jayhawks are 4^th in the nation in total offense scoring 82.2 points per game and holding their opponents to 63.6 points per game. Kansas shoots just under 50 % from the floor and holds the opponents to 37.6%. Kansas averages just under 7 3’s a game and shoots the 3 ball at a 40% clip. The Jayhawks are picked by many to win the 2010 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

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The Blue Devils are led by senior guard Jon Scheyer who scores 18.6 ppg, forward Kyle Singler 17.6 ppg, 2.4 apg, and Nolan Smith, 17.2 ppg who form the nucleus of the 2009-10 Blue Devils offense. Center Brian Zoubek has been playing better as the season has progressed and he is backed up by freshmen brothers, Mason and Miles Plumlee. The top reserve for the back court is guard Andre Dawkins who is scoring 5.2 ppg.

Duke averages 14 assists a game as a team and 11 turnovers. They Blue Devils also score 79.2 points a game as a team while giving up 61.9 to the opposition. Duke shoots 44.3 % from the field and shoots just under 40% from 3 making just under 8 3’s per game. When the Blue Devils get hot from the outside, they have blown ranked teams out this season.

Unlike past Duke squads, this year’s team is not deep in the back court. For the Blue Devils to make it past the Sweet Sixteen, they will need to rely on their guard play and stay out of foul trouble. They do have what is arguably the easier bracket of the #1 seeds in the 2010 NCAA Tournament and are being picked to make it to at least the Elite Eight if not the 2010 Final Four this year.

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2010 NCAA Basketball Rankings March 15^th, AP Poll

1 Kansas (65) 32-2 1,625 1

Last Week: Def Texas Tech 80-68 (3/11), Def Texas A&M 79-66 (3/12), Def Kansas State 72-64 (3/13)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Lehigh (22-10) Tickets

2 Kentucky 32-2 1,559 2

Last Week: Def Alabama 73-67 (3/12), Def Tennessee 74-45 (3/13), Def Mississippi State 75-74 (3/14)

This Week: 3/18 vs. East Tennessee State (20-14) Tickets

3 Duke 29-5 1,427 4

Last Week: Def Virginia 57-46 (3/12), Def Miami (FL) 77-74 (3/13), Def Georgia Tech 65-61 (3/14)

This Week: 3/19 vs. TBA Tickets

4 Syracuse 28-4 1,412 3

Last Week: Lost to Georgetown 91-84 (3/11)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Vermont (25-9) Tickets

5 Ohio State 27-7 1,377 5

Last Week: Def Michigan 69-68 (3/12), Def Illinois 88-81 (3/13), Def Minnesota 90-61 (3/14)

This Week: 3/19 vs. UC Santa Barbara (20-9) Tickets

6 West Virginia 27-6 1,365 7

Last Week: Def Cincinnati 54-51 (3/11), Def Notre Dame 53-51 (3/12), Def Georgetown 60-58 (3/13)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Morgan State (27-9) Tickets

7 Kansas State 26-7 1,209 9

Last Week: Def Oklahoma State 83-64 (3/11), Def Baylor 82-75 (3/12), Lost to Kansas 72-64 (3/13)

This Week: 3/18 vs. North Texas (24-8) Tickets

8 New Mexico 29-4 1,043 8

Last Week: Def Air Force 75-69 (3/11), Lost to San Diego State 72-69 (3/12)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Montana (22-9) Tickets

9 Villanova 24-7 961 10

Last Week: Lost to Marquette 80-76 (3/11)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Robert Morris (23-11) Tickets

10 Purdue 27-5 915 6

Last Week: Def Northwestern 69-61 (3/12), Lost to Minnesota 69-42 (3/13)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Siena (27-6) Tickets

11 Butler 28-4 903 12

Last Week: Def Wright State 70-45 (3/9)

This Week: 3/18 vs. UTEP (26-6) Tickets

12 Temple 29-5 843 17

Last Week: Def St. Bonaventure 69-51 (3/12), Def Rhode Island 57-44 (3/13), Def Richmond 56-52 (3/14)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Cornell (27-4) Tickets

13 Michigan State 24-8 836 11

Last Week: Lost to Minnesota 72-67 (3/12)

This Week: 3/19 vs. New Mexico State (22-11) Tickets

14 Georgetown 23-10 788 22

Last Week: Def South Florida 69-49 (3/10), Def Syracuse 91-84 (3/11), Def Marquette 80-57 (3/12), Lost to West Virginia 60-58 (3/13)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Ohio (21-14) Tickets

15 Tennessee 25-8 616 15

Last Week: Def LSU 59-49 (3/11), Def Mississippi 76-65 (3/12), Lost to Kentucky 74-45 (3/13)

This Week: 3/18 vs. San Diego State (25-8) Tickets

16 Wisconsin 23-8 603 13

Last Week: Lost to Illinois 58-54 (3/12)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Wofford (26-8) Tickets

17 Brigham Young 29-5 600 14

Last Week: Def TCU 95-85 (3/11), Lost to UNLV 70-66 (3/12)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Florida (21-12) Tickets

18 Pittsburgh 24-8 566 16

Last Week: Lost to Notre Dame 50-45 (3/11)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Oakland (26-8) Tickets

19 Baylor 25-7 550 21

Last Week: Def Texas 86-67 (3/11), Lost to Kansas State 82-75 (3/12)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Sam Houston State (25-7) Tickets

20 Maryland 23-8 394 19

Last Week: Lost to Georgia Tech 69-64 (3/12)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Houston (19-15) Tickets

21 Vanderbilt 24-8 382 20

Last Week: Def Georgia 78-66 (3/12), Lost to Mississippi State 62-52 (3/13)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Murray State (30-4) Tickets

22 Gonzaga 26-6 359 18

Last Week: Lost to Saint Mary’s 81-62 (3/8)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Florida State (22-9) Tickets

23 Texas A&M 23-9 290 23

Last Week: Def Nebraska 70-64 (3/11), Lost to Kansas 79-66 (3/12)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Utah State (27-7) Tickets

24 Richmond 26-8 141 NR

Last Week: Def Massachusetts 77-72 (3/12), Def Xavier 89-85 (3/13), Lost to Temple 56-52 (3/14)

This Week: 3/18 vs. Saint Mary’s (26-5) Tickets

25 Xavier 24-8 106 24

Last Week: Def Dayton 78-73 (3/12), Lost to Richmond 89-85 (3/13)

This Week: 3/19 vs. Minnesota (21-13) Tickets

Others receiving votes: Northern Iowa 68, UTEP 58, Notre Dame 39, Marquette 33, San Diego State 18, Saint Mary’s 15, Cornell 6, UNLV 5, Georgia Tech 4, Utah State 3, Virginia Tech 3, Mississippi State 1, Murray State 1, Texas 1

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Coach Cal started his tenure at Kentucky going 19-0 before the Wildcats suffered their first loss. Loaded with the nation’s #1 recruiting class and PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky has demonstrated that they have one of the most talent laden teams in college basketball. The Wildcats top three freshmen get the most press with John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe all averaging double figures in points to go with Patterson’s 15 point per game and 7+ rebounds per game averages. The Wildcats have ranked in the top ten in rebounding margin and blocked shots per game this season.

Star guard John Wall is projected to be the #1 NBA draft pick in the 2010 NBA draft and is averaging 17 ppg and 6.4 apg. He is complimented by guard Eric Beldsoe who averages 10.8 ppg and 3.0 apg but is capable of 20+ ppg when he gets hot. DeMarcus Cousins is averaging a double-double on the year at 15.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg and 1.8 bpg. Darius Miller and Darnell Dodson have started to split time starting on the wing. Each averages around 6 ppg, and each is capable of 20+ points when they get hot from 3. Other key reserves include forward Daniel Orton in the paint and DeAndre Liggins at the 2 or 3 guard position.

On the season, Kentucky averages 79.7 ppg and gives up 65.6 ppg. They shoot just under 48 percent from the floor while holding opponents to 38.3 %. Kentucky hits 6 3’s a game and averages 34.9% from beyond the arc, however, they go through hot and cold spells with the 3 ball. When they are on, the games have resulted in blow-outs. When they are not, the Cats rely on rebounding and defense to makeup the difference. At times this season, Kentucky has been turnover prone with having just at a 1.0 assist to turnover margin on the year. As a team, they are a bit better than Coach Cal’s 2008 NCAA runner-up team at Memphis shooting 68.3 % from the free throw line.

After the first round, Kentucky will face either Texas or Wake Forest in the 2^nd round. Talent-wise, they should make the 2010 Final Four, but will need to emphasize defense and rebounding to overcome their tendency to slump at the 3 point shot in the tourney.

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This season’s Cardinals have improved along with the performance of big man Samardo Samuels. Samuels has blossomed into the talent fans expected his freshman season, scoring 15.3 ppg and grabbing 7.0 rpg. Jared Swopshire has also improved this year increasing his scoring average to 7.6 ppg and has a 3 point shot to go with his inside game.

Louisville averages 8 3 pointers a game. When they are at or above their season average of 33% from 3, they are a difficult team to beat. When they are under 30 % and are turning the ball over, games like the Charlotte facality have occurred. Edgar Sosa has matured significantly since he first came to Louisville, and is averaging 4.5 apg running the point for Coach Pitino while averaging 13.3 ppg. Fellow senior guard, Reginald Delk, is only averaging 6.6 ppg but when he gets hot, he is capable of 20 or more a game with his 3 point shot.

Overall, Louisville is averaging 76.7 ppg on offense while giving up 69.6 ppg on defense. The Cardinals shoot 44.8 % from the field and hold opponents to a 43% shooting average from the field. The Cardinals are a decent free throw shooting team at 70.6 % and have a team assist to turnover ratio of just over 1.1 per game.

The Cardinals are a #9 seed in this year’s tourney and will take on California in their opening round game. If they are able to make it to the 2^nd round, they will likely take on the #1 seed Duke Blue Devils.

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Florida State is led by small forward Chris Singleton who is the second leading scorer on the team at 10.3 ppg, and the leader in rebounds with 7.1 per game, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. Center, Solomon Alabi is the second leading scorer at 11.6 ppg and he also gets 2.4 blocks a game along with 6.2 rpg. Alabi is also one of the best 7 footers in college basketball at shooting free throws negating the “Hack-a-Shaq” tactic that many teams use against big men of similar size.

Although Florida State has one of the best frontcourts in the ACC, their backcourt problems have been the source of the majority of the issues the team has had this year. The team assist-to-turnover ration is less than 1 as a result on the season. Deividas Dulkys is one of the team’s 2 guards and shoots the 3 ball at 39.4 %

Florida State averaged 69 points per game as a team this year while only allowing 60.2 points a game on defense. They shot 45.7 % from the field as a team and only allowed their opponents to shoot 37.2% . They average 5.9 3 pointers a game and shoot 64.9 % from the free throw line.

Florida State was able to obtain a #9 seed in the 2010 NCAA tournament and will take on #8 seed Gonzaga. If they can make it to the second round, it will be against #1 seed Syracuse.

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