Georgetown will win the NCAA Tournament final over Wisconsin. It’s that simple … I think.
Forget the presidential races, Britney or “300.” It’s time to get serious. There’s probably $100 in your office pool that should go in your pocket instead of those picking colors or mascots. Just remember, real men submit one bracket.
My Final Four has Georgetown over Memphis and Wisconsin beating Kansas before the Hoyas take it all. Homer? Who else played better than Georgetown over the last month? Surely not Maryland, which spit the bit in the ACC Tournament’s opening round. The Terps are looking at wins over Davidson and Butler before they get knocked out by Florida.
Maryland’s seniors remember three years ago when upsetting then No. 1 Florida on the road amid derisive chants hurled at D.J. Strawberry related to his father. The Terps won’t fear the Gators, but don’t expect Maryland to win. George Washington, Virginia and Virginia Tech, meanwhile, will lose in the first weekend.
The only fans writing their team across the bracket are Georgetown. The sons of John Thompson and Patrick Ewing can repeat their fathers’ championship.
Boy, does that make me feel old.
Florida is the defending champion, buthas been streaky. The Gators can reach the Midwest Region final, but Wisconsin is underrated despite a No. 2 seed. The Badgers can beat the Gators in a track meet and might win it all.
North Carolina is Georgetown’s biggest threat in the East, but you have to like the Hoyas’ physical play over the Tar Heels. North Carolina was knocked out last year by George Mason and just seems to lack that intangible bridging contender and champion.
UCLA is a trendy pick, but the Bruins will lose the West Region final to Kansas, which is another speed demon. The Jayhawks are the only top seed in my Final Four.
The South is wide open. Tennessee could steal it. Louisville is a contender. However, Memphis is the choice over Tennessee in the region final with top-seeded Ohio State losing in the third round.
Who’s this year’s Mason? Better question — why didn’t Mason even reach the NIT? Notre Dame and Tennessee are the sleepers.
Just remember, real fans don’t pick Duke.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
