Add Feedback | Send this Article | Published 3/21/03

Graphic By: Matt Witherow

EAST
Oklahoma received the top seed in this region but likely won't make it out alive. It's a pretty deep bracket, and there are some good teams that can beat the Sooners. Syracuse lost in the Big East tournament semifinals, but they are the team to watch in this region. Wake Forest is the number two seed, and it had a strong and surprising season while Louisville was almost ranked number one earlier in the season. The Sooners would have to face either N.C. State or California in the second round, who are both solid teams. I expect Syracuse, led by outstanding freshman Carmelo Anthony, to survive this region. Throw in the fact that all of their possible games are played in or around New York, and they should be fine.

SOUTH
Texas is the controversial number one team in this region. Kansas probably more deserves this slot, and I don't expect the Longhorns to win this region. Connecticut is young but should make a nice run to the Sweet 16. Florida was the top-ranked team for a short period, but they still have a tough road in this region considering a second round matchup with Colorado or Michigan State.  From there, they could have a shot at Maryland or Xavier. I like Maryland in this region because they have four senior starters. There shouldn't be many upsets in this region once Texas is ousted.

MIDWEST
This is Kentucky's bracket to lose. They are the hottest team in the country right now with a coach who has already won it all and a great senior leader in Keith Bogans. Tulsa should make a run at the 13 seed to the Sweet 16. Pittsburgh probably feels snubbed since they won the Big East tournament and did not get a top seed, but they won't have enough firepower to match up with the Wildcats. Oregon could test Kentucky in the second round, but Kentucky should march out of this region into New Orleans.

WEST
Arizona has no love from the selection committee. They put the Wildcats in the same region as Duke and Kansas.  This sets them up to have to possibly face Kentucky to get to the championship. History says that Arizona won't get that far, but this year should be different. Arizona has good senior leadership in Jason Gardner and Luke Walton and actually has the credibility of a top team. Kansas should beat Duke in the semifinals of this region for the right to play Arizona. From there Arizona should be able defeat the Wildcats at the Final Four.

FINAL FOUR
Anything goes from here on out. Syracuse should beat Maryland, and Arizona is going to upset Kentucky. This brings us to the Championship Game where Arizona will escape victorious. This is probably the most unpopular pick in the country right now since Arizona has broken everyone's brackets many times before. They were the preseason consensus top-ranked team and will end the season that way. However, I wouldn't suggest putting any money down on them.

The best thing about the NCAA Tournament is that no matter how confident you are about filling out your brackets, it usually blows up in your face. There will be upsets and a Cinderella story or two will captivate the country for about a weekend, but in the end a great team usually wins. This is the best time of the year for a sports fan.