March Madness 2010 - Midwest Region

My pick to win it all in 2010, the Kansas Jayhawks, highlight the Midwest Region. The Midwest is considered to be by far the toughest region in the NCAA Tournament. Along with Kansas are #2 seed Ohio State and stud Evan Turner, #3 Georgetown, perhaps the most schizophrenic team in college basketball, co-ACC regular season champs, #4 seed Maryland, last year's championship runner up #5 Michigan State, and #6 seed Tennessee, which defeated two #1 teams this season. Despite all of that, I have felt the Jayhawks were the best team since December, and am riding them to winning their second championship in three seasons.

Best Game

#6 Tennessee vs. #11 San Diego State

These teams have a similar makeup. They are both solid teams that aren't led by one superstar, but a complement of good players. No player averaged more than 12.5 points this season for Tennessee. Their most recognizable player is probably F-C Wayne Chism, who has seemingly been in school forever. The Aztecs leading scorer is F Kawhi Leonard, who averaged just 12.8 points per game. If you like old-school team basketball, you will love this game.

Player to Watch

Ohio State guard-forward Evan Turner

Evan Turner is considered by many to be the best player in the country, even better than Kentucky's John Wall. Turner averaged 20.5 ppg, and also grabbed 9.2 rpg, and doled out 5.9 apg. If the Buckeyes are able to make a run to the Final Four, it will be on Turner's back.

Lowest Seed to Make It Through the Weekend

#4 Maryland

Since this region is so filled with exceptional teams I don't expect many upsets. I like the top four seeds to make it through unscathed this weekend. Maryland will get some trouble from Houston, and could face Michigan State in an exceptional Second Round game.

Best Potential Game

#3 Georgetown vs. #6 Tennessee

There are many potentially great games in the Midwest but this one would be the best. Both teams have amassed impressive wins, and also befuddling losses. This game would be incredibly physical and highly entertaining.

Predictions

First Round

#1 Kansas over #16 Lehigh

#8 UNLV over #9 Northern Iowa

#5 Michigan State over #12 New Mexico State

#4 Maryland over #13 Houston

#6 Tennessee over #11 San Diego State

#3 Georgetown over #14 Ohio

#10 Georgia Tech over #7 Oklahoma State

#2 Ohio State over #15 UCSB

Second Round

#1 Kansas over #8 UNLV

#4 Maryland over #5 Michigan State

#3 Georgetown over #6 Tennessee

#2 Ohio State over #10 Georgia Tech