Bob Haynie: Predictions For The Final Four
The 2016 NCAA Tournament is upon us and that means it's time for predictions. Predictions can be fun, especially if you get them right. The last couple of seasons, I haven't been having a lot of fun with my tourney projections.
Let's see if we can have some laughs this year with my picks for each region.
South:
The Maryland Terrapins are the five-seed in this region after a late-season swoon saw them dropping five of their last eight games. The Terps did show signs of life in the Big Ten tournament and are a dangerous team in this part of the bracket. As a matter of fact, I think Maryland makes it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2003. However, I'm going with the Kansas Jayhawks to win the South. Kansas rolled through the Big 12 and they have won 14 consecutive games. They're hot and will continue to play that way. But don't be surprised if Maryland makes them sweat in Louisville.
West:
The Oregon Ducks are playing well and looked great in winning the Pac-12 tourney. They are the top-seed in West. Oklahoma's Buddy Hield is the best player in this region for the second-seeded Sooners. But my choice to win the West is Texas A&M out of the SEC. The Aggies have won eight of their last nine games and are well coached by Billy Kennedy. In a competitive region, look for Mark Turgeon's former school to advance to Houston.
East:
North Carolina is the top-seed in this part of the bracket and may be the most talented talented team in the tournament. The Tar Heels were ranked number one in the preseason by the AP and now have a chance to prove that ranking correct. They won't. I'm going with West Virginia to take the East. The Mountaineers are a tough bunch that defends from the opening tip until the final buzzer. An improved offense will help get them to Houston.
Midwest:
The Virginia Cavaliers got the top-seed in this region to the surprise of some. But make no mistake, they are good. Efficient on offense and very strong defensively, the Cavs also have NCAA tourney experience. Unfortunately, Virginia's tournament nemesis has been Michigan State. The Spartans have bounced Virginia out of the Big Dance the last two years. They will not make it three-straight because UVA will be gone by the regional final. Michigan State will win the Midwest, though. Denzel Valentine has been one the top players in the nation all season long and will carry the Spartans to Houston.
To recap, it will be Kansas, Texas A&M, West Virginia and Michigan State in the Final Four. I also expect to see Maryland make some noise, as well.
