Things to look for

PLAYERS: While a #16 seed has a slim chance of winning there is reason to watch one of the 1-16 match-ups. Power Forward Caleb Green (Oral Roberts) is an animal in the paint, and if Memphis takes him lightly he will give the fits on the inside. It seems the SEC always has some player who is under the national radar, and that is no different this year. Maybe the most complete player in the country is Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas), he excels on both ends of the floor. At 6’7 he can defend the 1-4 spots and his ability to go in the lane and rise up, as well as hit the three pointer makes him a potent offensive weapon who led the SEC in scoring this season at over 18 PPG; hopefully the country will get to appreciate this unique talent. There are two young exciting point guards in this year’s tournament. The first is Mario Chalmers (Kansas), he has progressed all season long and has emerged as a leader for this young Jayhawk squad. Over the final 15 games of the season he scored in double digits 13 times while helping Kansas to a 14-1 finish. The other young PG is Dominic James (Marquette), he poured in double digit scoring in all but 2 Big East games and dished out 7 or more assists 11 times this season, all while averaging 5 boards a game for a 5’11 point guard. James is speedy & explosive and will turn the corner on any defender in the country. One of the best inside/outside players in the country is the seldom talked about Jeff Green (Georgetown). At 6’9 245 he can score in the paint with his back to the basket, but he also has the ability to draw his defender outside and drive the ball, and as a power forward has a pretty good assist/turnover ratio. Another inside/outside combo player is the big Swede Christian Maraker (Pacific). Maraker is a tremendous inside player who can score in a variety of ways, back to the basket, face up, and drive bigger slower defenders. He also has the ability to create for teammates and hit the outside Jumper when needed. The last player to look out for is the guy I have had a man crush on all year and that is Nick Fazekas (Nevada). Fazekas in my opinion is the third best player in the country, he can do it all on the basketball court. He scores from anywhere including being able to spot up from three. He is a game changing player with his ability to rebound and play defense, and offensively he can take over the game and will his team to victory.

COACH’S: I believe there are a number of coach’s who are on the hot seat even though their teams are repeatedly in the tournament, however they have yet to really do much in the big dance. Al Skinner (Boston College) has had a few big time teams that were supposed to make some noise in the tournament and they haven’t yet. This year’s team features two of the best players in the ACC and many people feel they are a final four caliber club. Over the past 7 or so years Mark Few’s (Gonzaga) team has been everyone’s darlings. Though as a higher seed in the tournament they are 3-4 in the big dance. I was one who thought they should have had a higher seed this season but it is time for them to put up or shut up this year. They have a nice veteran team led by the best player in the country. Everyone, including the professional gamblers out there, is picking Iona over LSU, and a lot of that is because of Coach John Brady (LSU). Brady has had some of the most talented players in the country but never seems to advance too far in the tournament. This season, led by Glen “Big Baby” Davis, he has an opportunity to bring his Tigers to national recognition. One of my picks to go far this year is Steve Alford’s (Iowa) Hawkeyes and it is about time. Alford has been at Iowa for 7 years now and these were the seasons he was supposed to be having, finally he has his team poised on the verge of a Final Four run. Lastly, I would not really say Rick Barnes (Texas) is on the hot seat, but he has maybe the most talented team in the country, it would be nice if he could get them back to the Final Four and seriously challenge for the National Title.