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DID YOU KNOW …
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E’Twaun Moore’s 3-point shooting keys No. 3 Purdue
Purdue has two outstanding players in JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore. Johnson, the Big Ten player of the year, has been a consistent performer all season. Moore is scoring 18.2 points a game and shooting 41.1 percent from 3-point range. However, in Purdue’s seven losses Moore has made a combined six of 27 from the 3-point line. In fact, there was only one game that Purdue lost in which Moore made better than 35 percent of his 3s — and that came in the Big Ten quarterfinal loss to Michigan State, when he made just one of two.
KEY FIRST-ROUND MATCHUP
No. 6 Georgetown vs. No. 11 VCU/USC winner
This really isn’t about whom Georgetown is playing but rather how the Hoyas are playing. Specifically, Chris Wright. When Wright broke his hand, the Hoyas became a rudderless team and lost four straight. Wright does everything for the Hoyas; he runs the offense, he’s their leader and he draws attention to open up lanes for others. In one three-game stretch in February, just before his injury, Wright averaged 21.7 points and shot 50 percent from the field and 57 percent from the 3-point line. If Wright is healthy, the Hoyas are much better than a No. 6 seed and could be a serious threat.
THE FAVORITE
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks
For the fourth time in five years, Kansas is a No. 1 seed. Will this team be vulnerable to an early exit like 2010, when it fell to Northern Iowa? Or will it repeat the success of 2008, when Mario Chalmers and Wildcats had their Shining Moment? Markieff and Marcus Morris and high-energy reserve Thomas Robinson form a terrific trio of forwards. But is coach Bill Self’s backcourt too sketchy? Kansas enters the NCAA tournament winners of eight straight and 14 of 15.
THE CONTENDER
No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers were supposed to be done as a potential Final Four team when Robbie Hummel was injured. Instead, the Boilermakers received excellent play not just from standouts E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson — they score more than half of Purdue’s points — but guard Lewis Jackson has turned into an occasional threat because of his quickness. They’re well-coached and play terrific defense.
ONE AND DONE
No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini
Few teams were more disappointing in the Big Ten than the Illini. They returned a top guard in Demetri McCamey, who averages 14.8 points a game and makes 45.5 percent of his 3-pointers, but he’s not a terrific leader. And therein lies the problem. Despite having four seniors on the roster, the Illini lack a true leader. They are talented, but their stay will be brief.
CINDERELLA
No. 10 Florida State Seminoles
Another team that is more dangerous than its seed — potentially that is. If forward Chris Singleton returns from a fractured foot and is in top form, the Seminoles are dangerous (they beat Duke earlier this season). Singleton helps offensively, averaging 13.8 ppg, but he’s a stud on defense, especially as a weakside shot blocker. The Seminoles are 3-3 without him.
THE EXAMINER PREDICTS …
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks
We predicted Kansas to win its bracket last season, too. Um, wrong. And this could be a dangerous bracket if Louisville hits its 3s, if Georgetown reverts to midseason form and if Florida State receives a boost from Chris Singleton. Still, the Jayhawks’ strong inside presence and point guard Brady Morningstar’s ability to take care of the ball make the difference.
