1 Xavier
Nickname: Musketeers. Location: Cincinnati.
Record: 28-5, 15-3. Bid: Big East at-large.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to Gonzaga in Elite Eight.
Coach: Chris Mack (10-7 in seven appearances).
Overview: Instead of the plucky 11 seed making an unexpected run through the regional, Xavier will be the favorite. How well the Musketeers handle it largely depends on Trevon Bluiett, the senior catalyst. There are other scoring options, and the defensive focus usually is good, but when the star’s shots are falling Xavier’s chances for success vastly improve.
Projected starters: G Trevon Bluiett, 6-6, Sr. (19.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 42.1 3FG%, 96.1 FT%); G J.P. Macura, 6-5, Sr. (12.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.0 apg); F Kerem Kanter, 6-10, Sr. (10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg); G Quentin Goodin, 6-4, So. (8.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.9 apg); F Naji Marshall, 6-7, Fr. (8.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
2 North Carolina
Nickname: Tar Heels. Location: Chapel Hill.
Record: 25-10, 11-7. Bid: ACC at-large.
Last appearance: 2017, national champion.
Coach: Roy Williams (76-24 in 27 appearances).
Overview: It was an up-and-down season for the Tar Heels after losing several pieces from last year’s title team. The low points were losses to Wofford at home and three consecutive defeats in late January. A strong finish has given the team hope of an extended tournament run. The experience of Joel Berry II and Luke Maye — part of five upperclassmen starters — is one big advantage. The other is on the backboard as the Heels are near the top of the country in rebound margin.
Projected starters: G Joel Berry II, 6-0, Sr. (17.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 88.8 FT%); G Cameron Johnson, 6-8, Sr. (12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 86.2 FT%); G Kenny Williams, 6-4, Jr. (11.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg); G/F Theo Pinson, 6-6, Sr. (10.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.8 apg, 82.0 FT%); F Luke Maye, 6-8, Jr. (17.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 44.0 3FG%)
3. Michigan
Nickname: Wolverines. Location: Ann Arbor.
Record: 28-7, 13-5. Bid: Big Ten champ.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to Oregon in Sweet 16.
Coach: John Beilein (19-11 in 11 appearances).
Overview: The Wolverines, perhaps the hottest team in the country, have won nine in a row punctuated by wins against Michigan State and Purdue to claim the Big Ten tournament title. Beilein has one of his best defensive teams ever — the Wolverines limit opponents to 63 points a game — and a more balanced offensive unit than years past led by high-motor big man Mo Wagner. Versatile wing Duncan Robinson (9.6 ppg) has flourished in his role off the bench.
Projected starters: G Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, 6-4, Sr. (12.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 40.0 3FG%); G Zavier Simpson, 6-0, So. (7.5 ppg, 3.6 apg); G Charles Matthews, 6-6, Jr. (12.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg); F Isaiah Livers, 6-7, Fr. (3.9 ppg); F Moritz Wagner, 6-11, Jr. (14.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg).
Midwest: Team-by-team analysis of the region
East: Team-by-team analysis of the region
South: Team-by-team analysis of the region
4 Gonzaga
Nickname: Bulldogs. Location: Spokane, Wash.
Record: 30-4, 17-1. Bid: West Coast Conference champ.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to North Carolina in championship game.
Coach: Mark Few (26-18 in 18 appearances).
Overview: The Zags lost a lot from last year’s Final Four team but still have veteran guards Josh Perkins and Silas Melson. As always, they have foreign flair that will present matchup problems: Forward Killian Tillie is typically good around the rim but has also connected on 15 of his last 17 three-point attempts, and Rui Hachimura can be a beast off the bench. It’s the same question each postseason for the Zags, though. Considering the weakness of the WCC — which will send only Gonzaga to the tournament — are they truly battle-tested?
Projected starters: F Johnathan Williams, 6-9, Sr. (13.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 56.5 FG%); F Killian Tillie, 6-10, So. (13.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 59.3 FG%, 50.0 3FG%) G Josh Perkins 6-3, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.4 apg, 40.8 3FG%); G Zach Norvell Jr., 6-5, Fr. (12.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 82.4 FT%); G Silas Melson 6-4, Sr. (9.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 88.0 FT%)
5 Ohio State
Nickname: Buckeyes. Location: Columbus.
Record: 24-8, 15-3. Bid: Big Ten at-large.
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Arizona in Round of 32.
Coach: Chris Holtmann (4-3 in three appearances).
Overview: The Buckeyes undoubtedly exceeded expectations in Holtmann’s first year taking over for Thad Matta. There has been no rebuilding project in Columbus, and credit goes to Holtmann’s defensive fortitude and Wooden Award finalist Keita Bates-Diop, who has been an offensive juggernaut all season and helped Ohio State shoot close to 50% from the field.
Projected starters: G C.J. Jackson, 6-1, Jr. (12.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 81.8 FT%); G Kam Williams, 6-2, Sr. (8.2 ppg, 80.0 FT%); F Kaleb Wesson, 6-9, Fr. (10.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 56.8 FG%); F Keita Bates-Diop, 6-7, Jr. (19.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg); F Jae’Sean Tate, 6-4, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 55.6 FG%).
6 Houston
Nickname: Cougars. Location: Houston.
Record: 26-7, 14-4. Bid: American at-large.
Last appearance: 2010, lost to Maryland in Round of 64.
Coach: Kelvin Sampson (12-14 in 14 appearances).
Overview: This stage will be new for most of the players, but their coach is familiar with the landscape. They prefer a fast tempo, but they defend well enough to win a more physical contest if necessary.
Projected starters: G Rob Gray, 6-1, Sr. (18.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg); G Corey Davis Jr., 6-1, Jr. (13.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg); F Devin Davis, 6-6, Sr. (10.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg); G Galen Robinson Jr., 6-1, Jr. (4.7 ppg, 3.8 apg); F Breaon Brady, 6-8, Jr. (4.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
7 Texas A&M
Nickname: Aggies. Location: College Station.
Record: 20-12, 9-9. Bid: SEC at-large.
Last Appearance: 2016, lost to Oklahoma in sweet 16.
Coach: Billy Kennedy (3-3 in three appearances).
Overview: Texas A&M is way down the national list in three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and thus does not rely on the deep ball. Shooting percentages are mediocre overall. But the Aggies spread their scoring out, led by center Tyler Davis. And they are big, near the top of the country in blocked shots, defensive rebounds and rebounding margin.
Projected Starters: G T.J. Starks, 6-2, Fr. (9.6 ppg, 2.0 apg); G Admon Gilder, 6-4, Jr. (12.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 40.0 3FG%, 82.1 FT%); F DJ Hogg, 6-9, Jr. (11.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Robert Williams, 6-10, So. (10.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 62.0 FG%); C Tyler Davis, 6-10, Jr. (14.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 57.6 FG%).
8 Missouri
Nickname: Tigers. Location: Columbia.
Record: 20-12, 10-8. Bid: SEC at-large
Last Appearance: 2013, lost to Colorado State in Round of 64.
Coach: Cuonzo Martin (3-2 in two appearances).
Overview: Missouri scores a lot of points from beyond the arc and is relatively efficient (38.5%, 40th nationally). The Tigers are solid on defense, allowing 68.1 points a game. One question: Heralded freshman Michael Porter Jr., who returned in the SEC tournament after missing all but two minutes of the season. Can he get fit and explosive enough to be a factor? Another question: No. 2 scorer Jordan Barnett has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. His status is in question.
Projected Starters: G Kassius Robertson, 6-3, Sr. (16.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 42.5 3FG%); F Jordan Barnett, 6-7, Sr. (f13.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 89.0 FT%); F Kevin Puryear, 6-7, Jr. (8.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 82.0 FT%); F Jeremiah Tilmon (8.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 56.9 FG%); G Jordan Geist, 6-2, Jr. (7.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 apg).
9 Florida State
Nickname: Seminoles. Location: Tallahassee.
Record: 20-11, 9-9. Bid: ACC at-large.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to Xavier in Round of 32.
Coach: Leonard Hamilton (7-8 in eight appearances).
Overview: The Seminoles are more of a sum-of-parts success. Only Terance Mann received enough votes to be honorable mention on the all-ACC team. Ten players are part of the rotation that plays up-tempo to take advantage of their athleticism and overcomes a lack of consistent outside shooting.
Projected starters: G Terance Mann, 6-6, Jr. (13.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 56.1 FG%); F Phil Cofer, 6-8, Sr. (13.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg); G Braian Angola, 6-6, Sr. (12.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 83.5 FT%); G CJ Walker, 6-1, So. (8.5 ppg, 2.7 apg); C Christ Koumadje, 7-4, Jr. (7.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 bpg).
10 Providence
Nickname: Friars. Location: Providence.
Record: 21-13, 10-8. Bid: Big East at-large.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to Southern California in First Four.
Coach: Ed Cooley (1-4 in four appearances).
Overview: It’s fair to wonder just how much the scrappy Friars have left in the tank after working overtime three times in the Big East tournament. But that scrappiness has been their defining trait. They’ll definitely encounter bigger lineups, but their relentless ball pressure and streaky long-range shooting makes them hard to put away.
Projected starters: G Alpha Diallo, 6-7, So. (13.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.2 apg); G Kyron Cartwright, 5-11, Sr. (11.8 ppg, 5.7 apg); G Jalen Lindsey, 6-7, Sr. (8.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg); F Rodney Bullock, 6-8, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg); F Kalif Young, 6-9, So. (4.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg)
11 San Diego State
Nickname: Aztecs. Location: San Diego.
Record: 22-10, 11-7. Bid: Mountain West champ.
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Duke in Round of 32.
Coach: Brian Dutcher (first appearance).
Overview: The program didn’t miss a beat as Dutcher succeeded longtime boss Steve Fisher to maintain continuity, and enter on a nine-game winning streak. Now that they’re here, the Aztecs might be a tough out. Their scoring balance and solid bench production make them hard to defend, though their outside shooting isn’t always consistent.
Projected starters: F Malik Pope, 6-10, Sr. (12.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg); G Devin Watson, 6-1, Jr. (12.3 ppg, 3.8 apg); F Matt Mitchell, 6-6, Fr. (10.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg); G Trey Kell, 6-4, Sr. (10.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.1 apg); F Jalen McDaniels, 6-10, Fr. (10.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg)
12 South Dakota State
Nickname: Jackrabbits. Location: Brookings.
Record: 28-6, 13-1. Bid: Summit champ.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to Gonzaga in Round of 64.
Coach: T.J. Otzelberger (0-1 in one appearance).
Overview: Making their fifth tournament appearance in seven seasons, the Jackrabbits are in better position to advance for the first time. Mike Daum, two-time Summit League player of year, and freshman David Jenkins provide much of the firepower for an offense that averages 85 points and ranks near the top in three-point field goals made and three-point percentage. Brandon Key, who leads the team in assists, is a key contributor off the bench.
Projected starters: F Mike Daum, 6-9, Jr. (23.8 ppg, 10. 4 rpg, 85.6 FT%); G/F Reed Tellinghuisen, 6-7, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg); G David Jenkins Jr., 6-2, Fr. (16.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 79.0 FT%); G Tevin King, 6-2, Jr. (9.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.7 spg); G Skyler Flatten, 6-6, Sr. (7.0 ppg, 50.5 3FG%).
13 UNC-Greensboro
Nickname: Spartans. Location: Greensboro.
Record: 27-7, 15-3. Bid: Southern champ.
Last appearance: 2001, lost to Stanford in Round of 64.
Coach: Wes Miller (first appearance).
Overview: Known for their ability to defend (best in the conference and top-10 in the nation in scoring defense), the Spartans could be a tricky opponent. While they may lack depth, they do have some skill players. Leading scorer and conference tournament MVP Francis Alonso will need to have the game of his life to get his team past the first round.
Projected starters: G Francis Alonso, 6-3, Jr. (15.6 ppg, 3.0 apg, 40.7 3FG%, 87.4 FT%); G Demetrius Troy, 6-0, Jr. (7.5 ppg, 3.8 apg); F Marvin Smith, 6-6, Sr. (12.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 75.7 FT%); F James Dickey, 6-10, So. (8.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 53.7 FG%); F Jordy Kuiper, 6-9, Sr. (7.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg).
14 Montana
Nickname: Grizzlies. Location: Missoula.
Record: 26-7, 16-2. Bid: Big Sky champ.
Last appearance: 2013, lost to Syracuse in Round of 64.
Coach: Travis DeCuire (first appearance).
Overview: As the Montana guards go, so go the Griz. Ahmaad Rorie is usually the best player on the floor, and Michael Oguine is a lockdown defender. Montana’s defense will be enough to keep it in games and give the Big Sky champ a chance at knocking off a higher seeded team. They force 15.7 turnovers per game — every starter has totaled at least 29 steals. But they have only one player who shoots above 40% from three.
Projected starters: G Ahmaad Rorie, 6-1, Jr. (17.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 84.8 FT%); G Michael Oguine, 6-2, Jr. (15.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 46.1 FG%); F Jamar Akoh, 6-8, Jr. (13.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 57.9 FG%); G Bobby Moorehead, 6-7, Jr. (7.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg); F Fabijan Krslovic, 6-8, Sr. (7.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 57.0 FG%)
15 Lipscomb
Nickname: Bisons. Location: Nashville.
Record: 23-9, 10-4. Bid: Atlantic Sun champ.
Last appearance: First appearance.
Coach: Casey Alexander (first appearance).
Overview: The Bisons (yes, with an s) are on a good run entering their first NCAA tournament. They have won eight in a row and 12 of 13, including the Atlantic Sun tournament final against favored Florida Gulf Coast. In that 108-96 win, they nearly surrendered a 32-point lead before recovering late. Lipscomb can put up points, 82.6 a game (23rd in the nation), led by all-conference guard Garrison Mathews, the Atlantic Sun tournament MVP. That kind of scoring will be a necessity in the tournament.
Projected starters: F Rob Marberry, 6-7, Jr. (16.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg); G Kenny Cooper, 6-0, So. (9.9 ppg, 3.7 apg); F Eli Pepper, 6-9, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg); G Garrison Mathews, 6-5, Jr. (22.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg); G Michael Buckland, 6-5, So. (7.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 80.0 FT%).
16 North Carolina Central
Nickname: Eagles. Location: Durham.
Record: 19-15, 9-7. Bid: Mid-Eastern Athletic champ.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to UC Davis in First Four.
Coach: LeVelle Moton (0-2 in two appearances).
Overview: The Eagles are a strong rebounding team and possess the leadership and experience from upperclassmen who will be looking to break through after a close loss in the First Four last year.
Projected starters: G Jordan Perkins, 6-1, Fr. (8.4 ppg, 5.4 apg, 40.4 3FG%); G Reggie Gardner Jr., 6-3, Fr. (11.2 ppg, 76.0 FT%); F Pablo Rivas, 6-6, Sr. (11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 50.2 FG%); F Zacarry Douglas, 6-8, Jr. (4.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 48.0 FG%); C Raasean Davis, 6-9, Jr. (15.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 66.7 FG%).
No. 16 Texas Southern
Nickname: Tigers. Location: Houston.
Record: 15-19, 12-6. Bid: SWAC champ.
Last appearance: 2017, lost to North Carolina in Round of 64.
Coach: Mike Davis (7-8 in eight appearances).
Overview: Texas Southern took a bizarre road to the NCAA tournament. The Tigers started the season 0-13, and for the second year in a row they did not play a home game until January. But the Tigers emerged again as one of the top teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference once league play began, and they secured a pair of double-digit tournament victories to head to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in six seasons.
Projected starters: G Demontrae Jefferson, 5-7, So. (23.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 81% FT); G Donte Clark, 6-4, Sr. (18.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg); G Derrick Bruce, 6-3, Jr. (13.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 84% FT); F Marquis Salmon, 6-8, Sr. (5.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 61% FG); G Cainan McClelland, 6-4, Fr. (2.6 ppg).
Contributing: Daniel Chavkin, Jace Evans, Joe Fleming, Lindsay Schnell, George Schroeder, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus, Adam Woodard, Jesse Yomtov
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "NCAA tournament bracket: 2018 March Madness West region capsules"
Post a Comment