#1 Seeds
Ohio State- Without a doubt has to be the #1 overall seed. With their only loss to top 15 teams on the road (Purdue and Wisconsin) there is no team with better overall performance. With player of the year candidate Jared Sullinger 17.1 ppg 9.8 rpg holding down the paint against any team, and sharpshooters Buford and Diebler I can see them making a deep run, and certainly a final 4 chance. Also my pick to win the Big 10 tournament.
Kansas- Although I will admit I hopped on the Texas bandwagon with the way they have been playing, Kansas is rightfully ranked #2 in the country. With the Morris twins at 18 ppg and 14 ppg respectively, there is no team that can successfully guard both of them, so you have to hope for a bad game from at least one. However shooting 52% as a team (#1 in the country) is a scary stat. Offensive production will win games come tournament time.
BYU- Sure, everyone is having a panic attack about Davies being suspended for the season and worried about lack of big men. Sure this may be a slight setback, but they will still win the MWC and probably not loose another game for the season. This will ensure them a number one seed no matter what. And has everyone forgotten about Jimmer? He still averages 27.3ppg and is still the best player in the country. Stephen Curry didn't have any help and if he didn't pass the ball against Kansas would have led his team to a final four. Surely Jimmer will lead his team to a #1 seed.
Texas- Wait what?! Not Duke or Pitt or Purdue? Yes Texas and I will explain why. I believe Texas will beat Kansas and win the Big 12 championship. Now with only 3 losses (2 which would be to a great Texas team), Kansas is still a #1 team. But you can't say Texas wouldn't deserve it with a Big 12 tournament championship under their belt. Put it on the back of Jordan Hamilton (18.7ppg) and the rest will fall into place. Watch out though, inconsistent play is a huge issue. However, when Texas plays at the top of their game they are close to unbeatable.
Bubble Watch!
Boston College- This was a tough call, but I have to put BC in over Richmond and Alabama because of the much tougher schedule and more quality losses. Boston College is all the way at 35 in the RPI, which I think is a spectacular way to judge how good a team is. They have a big win over Texas A&M and two wins over Vtech, who is a tournament team after their win over Duke. Also, they beat Maryland twice who is a bubble team (I have them out). If they do make the tournament you can not sleep on them with the skill of Reggie Jackson at guard (18.5ppg 4.4apg).
Colorado- Another team right on the edge that I would take over Richmond. Bottom line is big wins equal a tournament appearance. Colorado has a huge win AT Texas. coming back 18 points. That is one of the biggest wins of the entire season in college basketball. Though they have bad losses at Harvard and San Francisco that was early season. They have beaten Kansas St. twice and Missouri who are top 50 teams. They also have a quality win over another high bubble team, Colorado State. They may be on the outside looking in but look for a big win to get them in the tournament in the Big 12 tourney.
Michigan- After a mid season 6 game loosing streak I think it is fair to say that not only I but half the sporting world had ruled out Michigan from contention. However, they have played their way right into the tournament, especially with the huge win last week over Minnesota at Minnesota. With a good out of conference record and a win over bubble team Clemson that keeps them easily in the conversation. Though only being able to boast a 8-9 Big Ten record, they did beat Michigan State and all the teams they should. March 5th they have Michigan State at home, a play in game in my mind. Look for a big game from freshman Hardaway Jr. (13.6ppg)
Baylor- This was hard, because Baylor has had so many chances to lock it up and have lost games they need to win. However wins over Colorado and A&M twice keep them in the discussion. If they can beat Texas at home on the 5th consider them a lock. Otherwise they are going need a long run through the Big 12 tournament, however I need to keep faith in the Bears because of all their talent. A big win over Texas on senior night would make a great ending to a wonderful career for LaceDarius Dunn (19,7 ppg).
Covering the last 4 in and #1 seeds is not easy, and of course is very subject to change in the next week. Look again soon for my teams to watch out for, and my personal all conference teams for the power 6.
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