1. Kentucky (29-2)
I chose the Wildcats over Kansas because I think they have better quality wins and stronger overall players. I also pick them to win the national title as long as they keep their youth in check.
2.Kansas (29-2)
The Jayhawks are a great team, and having won the National Championship last year they have all the experience necessary. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make it two in a row.
3. Syracuse (28-3)
The Orange are doing well, and they should have a number one seed locked up. If they can capture the Big East title, they may even earn the number one overall seed.
4. Duke (26-5)
In my opinion, the Blue Devils must win the ACC to get a number one seed. Otherwise, I see it going to someone else like Ohio State or Purdue.
5. New Mexico (28-3)
I really like New Mexico, especially because they are a mid-major. However, I don’t see the Selection Committee giving them a one seed because they haven’t beaten any amazing out of conference opponents. A two seed could get them into the Elite Eight, or further.
6. Ohio State (24-7)
The Buckeyes are easily the hottest team in the country right now. Evan Turner is the greatest player in the game right now, and since he's been back, Ohio State is unstoppable. They are now the number one seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
7. Purdue (26-4)
I don’t see Purdue making a deep tournament run without Robbie Hummel. They are one of the top 10 teams I see getting knocked off before the Sweet 16.
8. West Virginia (24-6)
The Mountaineers also could face some trouble in the early rounds of the tournament. While they have some talented players, they have gone on some cold streaks this season. They must all be playing on top of their game.
9. Pittsburgh (24-7)
The Panthers to me are the sleepers in the tournament. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them advance into the Final Four. They have shocked so many people thus far, and there is nothing stopping them from making a deep run.
10. Kansas State (24-6)
The Wildcats were looking at a possible number one seed last week, but now they may not even get a two seed. This team better get back on their feet, and a victory over Kansas is the conference tournament would help a lot.
11. Michigan State (24-7)
The Spartans are another Big Ten team that has finished the season solidly. Kailin Lucas was injured earlier this year, but seems to be back at full strength. To be successful in the tournament, they need him playing strong basketball.
12. Butler (27-4)
This team has the chance to be a Final Four team. They are going into the tournament with lots of momentum, winning 20 straight games. I like Butler to surprise many in the tournament and make a deep run.
13. Villanova (24-6)
The Wildcats will have a strong showing in the Big East tournament as well as the real tournament. I think their stellar guard play will be able to help them through clutch, high-pressured games.
14. Tennessee (23-7)
The Volunteers have struggled at points, but they are still the only team to beat both Kansas and Kentucky. I think, if they are playing their best basketball, they can be considered a National Title threat.
15. Wisconsin (23-7)
The Badgers are flawless at home, but I’m worried about them on the road in the tournament. All I can say is wait and see…
16. Brigham Young (28-4)
This team needs a strong showing in the MWC Tournament. They may get a shot to play New Mexico, and they must take full advantage of it.
17. Baylor (24-6)
The Baylor Bears quietly climbed up the Big 12 rankings. It will be tough for them to knock off Kansas and Kansas State, but if they can they are looking at a much higher tournament seed.
18. Maryland (23-7)
The Terrapins caught fire at the right time. They were able to beat Duke and tie them atop the ACC. I like this team surprise all critics in the Big Dance.
19. Temple (26-5)
The Owls need at least a semifinal run in the Atlantic 10 to secure a solid tournament seed. But I’m still not completely sold on this squad.
20. Texas A&M (22-8)
The Aggies have also finished the season strong. If they can play well in the Big 12 Tournament, they will be looking at a mid-level seed in the tournament.
21. Vanderbilt (23-7)
That loss this week hurt Vanderbilt. They need to make the final of the SEC Tournament to prove to the Selection Committee that they should not be taken lightly.
22. Xavier (23-7)
Like Temple, Xavier needs to do well in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. I see them as a team that could make a splash in the tournament by upsetting higher-seeded teams.
23. Georgetown (20-9)
The Hoyas could be a dominating force in the NCAA Tournament, if big man Greg Monroe plays well. When he is on top of his game no one can stop this team. Watch out, the Hoyas are on the prowl!
24. UTEP (24-5)
UTEP is another mid-major that could make a deep run in the tournament. While I don’t see them making it to the Final Four, the Sweet 16 could happen.
25. Siena (27-6)
I like the Saints a lot. While they don’t have the best non-conference wins, they have been on a roll lately. I could seem them being like Davidson and advancing into the Elite 8.
On the bubble: Cornell (27-4), California (21-9), Texas (23-8), Virginia Tech (23-7), Notre Dame (21-10), Richmond (24-7), Northern Iowa (28-4), Louisville (20-11), Utah State (25-6), Oklahoma State (21-9)
Newcomers: Maryland (18), Siena (25)
Off the list: Gonzaga (20), Oklahoma State (25)
Jimmy Loomos, Maine South
