Image Courtesy: KU Sports
Round of 64
Des Moines
1.Kansas
16.Howard
Kansas, who would have likely been the top overall seed with a win over Texas in the Big 12 Tournament Championship, should handle Howard, who had a great regular season.
8.Arkansas
9.Illinois
In a game of up and down teams this season, either team can win this game. I lean Arkansas because of the coaching of Eric Musselman.
Albany
5.Saint Mary’s
12.VCU
VCU is a dangerous team to play for Saint Mary’s but the Gaels lock you up on defense so they will win against the Rams.
4.Connecticut
13.Iona
Led by coach Rick Pitino, Iona returned to the NCAA Tournament. Too bad the Gaels face a Connecticut team with talent to make the Final Four.
Denver
6.TCU
11.Arizona State/Nevada
TCU has been playing great basketball of late and they will face Arizona State after they beat Nevada, the final team in the tournament, in my opinion. TCU should advance but it will not be easy against hot shooting Arizona State.
3.Gonzaga
14.Grand Canyon
Bryce Drew’s Grand Canyon team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season. The Zags may not be a top seed this season but they are dangerous and again led by forward Drew Timme.
Sacramento
7.Northwestern
10.Boise State
Boo Buie, Northwestern’s star guard, will lead the Wildcats past Boise State.
2.UCLA
15.UNC-Asheville
UNC-Asheville has a talented roster but they will face a UCLA team that can not only play tremendous defense but they score with ease.
Round of 32
Des Moines
1.Kansas
8.Arkansas
Arkansas is good enough talent wise to beat Kansas but they have not shown me enough all season. Kansas moves on.
Albany
4.Connecticut
5.Saint Mary’s
Connecticut will dominate Saint Mary’s in the second half and move onto Las Vegas.
Denver
3.Gonzaga
6.TCU
The Zags should be troubled by TCU’s tough defensive play and the Horned Frogs will move on.
Sacramento
2.UCLA
7.Northwestern
UCLA will have to play well against a tremendous defense in Northwestern but if they can score on it, they will move on to Las Vegas and the Sweet 16.
Sweet 16
Las Vegas
1.Kansas
4.Connecticut
Kansas finally plays the defense that can stop stars Jalen Wilson and Grady Dick. Connecticut’s big man play moves them on to the regional final.
Las Vegas
2.UCLA
6.TCU
UCLA’s defense helps the Bruins move on to the Elite 8.
Elite 8
Las Vegas
2.UCLA
4.Connecticut
In what would be a terrific match up, Connecticut wins the west region over UCLA.
West Regional Champion: 4.Connecticut
2023 West Region Preview, Predictions Video
