More picks, more pans...

More NCAA Tournament thoughts as the Big Dance tips off in earnest today-- while the NIT is already underway and the CBI (College Basketball Invitational aka Can't Buy Interest) is securely under the radar...


MIDWEST--
BOLD--how did Ohio State get to play the first weekend in nearby Dayton? Did the committee not realize that Dayton is in the state of Ohio? Reminds me of when I was a student at Syracuse and the Orange had to play Virginia in Richmond--which happens to be the state capital of Virginia. Still, I don't think the Buckeyes can beat top seed Louisville...but Arizona is the classic underachieving team that's been given second life--and after hearing they're undeserving of being in the final 65, will turn that criticism into motivation to reach the sweet sixteen.

FOLD--West Virginia has advanced to three of the last four regional rounds...but for some reason this year's team doesn't give me confidence. Is it the lack of offensive explosion? Is it that Bob Huggins always happens to have an early round exit in him? Is it because everyone is gunning for Big East schools? I think it's because Dayton is deep and Minneapolis is so miserable this time of year it makes Morgantown look like South Beach.

GOLD--it's tough to see anyone keeping pace with Louisville...the Cardinals have two freaks of nature in Earl Clark and Terrence Williams...plus Rick Pitino's bunch has won ten straight (seven by double figures). Last year's team missed the Final Four because they couldn't beat North Carolina in North Carolina-- this year the Cardinals rule.


WEST
BOLD--Maryland plays a Cal team that is probably a year or two away from completely being in tune with coach Mike Montgomery's system...is riding momentum from a late-season surge...and the Terps likely second round opponent Memphis hasn't played anyone of note since the Bush administration.

FOLD--Since Dominic James was lost for the season, Marquette has gone 1-5 (the lone win a victory over hapless St. John's)--if they survive Utah State in nearby Boise, Missouri and forward Demare Carroll will show them the way back to Milwaukee in round two. (Boise note: if anyone visits the Gem State's capital, stop by "Chocolat Bar"--and enjoy fine crafted gourmet candies...owned and operated by my Uncle Chris)

GOLD--questions, questions...is Missouri for real? Can anyone stop a Memphis team that had no resistance in 2009? Will UConn bounce back from a Big East quarterfinal defeat...and continue to cover for the loss of guard Jerome Dyson? I'm not sold on anyone...and although I could see the Huskies losing to the other Huskies (Washington) in the Sweet Sixteen-- it's tough to go against Jim Calhoun when he has talent. Yes, UConn can.