To win or not to win? That seems to be the question these days for most of the teams that are ranked in the top 25 of NCAA basketball. There isn’t one team this year that is flat out above everyone else. Hell, most of the higher ranked teams have just as bad of a record as the unranked teams that are beating them.
If I was a gambling man (I gamble in the game of life too much), I would not have my money on any certain team this year to win the National Championship, nor, get to the Final Four. Here’s a couple of my tips on picking teams for the upcoming tourney. Just don’t hold these against me!
It is March Madness after all! ANYTHING can happen! BUT, if I help you win your bracket at work or cigars with the fellas during a friendly gathering, holla at ya boy! I love Jack and Cokes and I never turn down a free cigar if you wanted to support my habits with your winnings!
- Top Tourney Coaches- let’s face the facts, coaches that have a good track record of getting far in the tourney know how to get their guys playing at the right time. Looking at you, Coach Izzo! Don’t pay too much attention to the MTSU loss a couple years ago. Izzo knows how to get his guys playing and he’s a phenomenal coach! Look for teams like Michigan State or even KU to go far. Who can ever bet against Bill Self? Not me! And I despise KU, but Self works wonders. Coach K has all my respect, but F Duke (those assholes will probably win it now…* rolls eyes*)! Now, because this is my article and I get to write my own opinions, Coach Cal and my Cats may be able to make a run at it. Cal has a great record when it comes to tournament time. I’m hoping he can make it happen this year but we shall see. His hands are definitely full this year.
- Older Player Teams- it’s true what they say (most of the time): “experience helps.” I’m a firm believer in older players helping teams go far in tournaments. The basketball IQ of older players such as a good, sound junior or senior can never hurt having them on the court to calm the jitters for players who have never been there. This all being said, I’m looking at Purdue to make a good run at a title. Hell, it is Purdue though, so don’t be shocked if they get beat 2nd round or sooner.
- “Heart” Teams- I’ll be damned if I’m writing this because if you know me I hate this team… Tennessee. I know, I know… Tennessee gonna make a run? But, Barnes’ pups up in Knoxville are making a name for UT basketball again. I can’t stand it either because I truly think they are not that good and talent-wise, they’re below par. BUT, when you sweep my Cats, I pay attention a little more. I’ll give it to you, UT, y’all hate losing so much that you play HARD the whole game. I do like that and wished some other team that I actually liked would do that.
- Choker Teams- this is gonna upset some people but who gives a damn. Teams such as Vanderbilt, Baylor, and UCLA, y’all know those teams I’m talking about. CHOKERS! If a team looks too good to be true, you probably have a choker on your hands! Tread lightly my friends! Some can make or break your bracket.
This article is way before teams are picked for dancing and I get that. I’m the one trying to help some of your brackets, but most of the time, I can’t help my own and that’s what makes March Madness fun and disappointing all in one. Go with your gut and UK is never a bad choice if they are dancing! Hope this helps unless you’re making a bracket in my group.
Biffy is the Lead Basketball Analyst for SoBros Network.
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