This feels like a challenge to the defending national champions.
Do you want to be the first team to play repeatedly since Florida in 2006-2007? You’ve got to earn it.
Connecticut will have to face Iowa State, which is competing for the No. 1 seed, as the No. 2 seed, while Auburn University will play as the No. 4 seed.
Both of these schools are ranked in the top five by the analytics site KenPom.com. Even No. 3 Illinois, which has the No. 3 offensive line in the country and won the Big Ten Tournament, is still a team with a good chance of making it to the Final Four.
There’s no better top four in any region, and even No. 6 BYU feels like an underseed.
bracket buster
No. 4 Auburn: Typically, a 4 seed has a good chance of being a bracket buster, but not if the region includes the favorites to win it all. The only team in the country with a top-10 offense and defense in terms of efficiency, the Tigers have the potential to surprise Connecticut in Boston.
First round upset watch
No. 10 Drake defeats No. 7 Washington State: Watch out for drakes. They won 28 games, defeated tournament teams Akron and Nevada, and have a legitimate star in Tucker DeVries. Washington State, we are waiting for you.
Best matchups in the first round
No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 12 UAB: San Diego State forward Jadon Reedy is one of the nation’s most improved players, averaging 21.1 points this year, up from 7.9 points last year as a 6-foot-9 senior. UAB may find an answer in the junior college transfer of AAC Defensive Player of the Year Jaxel Lendeborg.
An unsung hero
Riley Minnix, Morehead State: The 6-foot-7 Minnix, the Eagles’ standout wing, has scored at least 20 points 19 times this year, displaying balanced offensive skills both inside and outside.
Featured players
Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois 3rd place: The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 34 points and shot 47.3 percent from the field in the Big Ten Tournament, a dominant performance that scared the rest of the region.
Post selection
connecticut
The area is not easy. Auburn could be tough for Connecticut in the Sweet 16, and Iowa State could be tough in the Elite Eight. Yes, it will be chalk. Remember, the Cyclones beat Houston twice. It doesn’t matter. The Huskies are the best team in the country by a wide margin and have only lost once at full strength. As they showed in the Big East Tournament, they can outwork you and lock you down on the defensive end. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that the second weekend is in Boston. Dan Hurley and his colleagues plan to cut down more nets.
