Let the Madness Begin!

The greatest tournament in the world begins today, and I'd be remiss if I didn't lay my picks on the line for ya. Don't worry: I'm not taking Syracuse . . . An unprecedented four-wins-in-four-nights run through the Big East tournament was thrilling for my Orange, but I don't think the 'Cuse are gonna have enough gas left in the tank to win the Big Dance. It would be nice, but Gerry McNamara's legacy as Mr. Clutch is already cemented, regardless of how the NCAA tourney unfolds.

Here are some quick predictions:


Final Four: Connecticut, Villanova, Texas and Pittsburgh

National Championship: Villanova over Texas


It's been twenty years since the Big East got three teams in the Final Four, but I'm banking on it happening again this year. Connecticut is the most talented team in the country, with no less than four future lottery picks on its roster. Marcus Williams is the best playmaking point guard in the country, Rudy Gay can be the most dominant swingman, and when Rashad Anderson has the touch from three-point land, you better watch out. Boone and Armstrong are sturdy defensive and rebounding presences in the post as well. Sure, the Huskies sleepwalked through a loss to Syracuse in the Big East quarterfinals, but when focused, Jim Calhoun's crew is the best in the country. They should be good to go from the outset in the Washington, D.C., bracket of this year's tourney.

Villanova is a unique team with its smallball recipe for success. Jay Wright has done a phenomenal job coaching this team all year long, especially when you consider the fact that he lost his best player (and one of his club's only low-post presences) when Curtis Sumpter injured his knee in an October practice. But Allan Ray, Randy Foye and Kyle Lowry have all stepped up with senior leadership on and off the court, and with Ray's eye apparently okay, the Wildcats look poised to make a special run through Minneapolis to Indy.

Texas has gotten itself a number two seed and I like the Longhorns to get through the Atlanta bracket. With LaMarcus Aldridge down low, Daniel Gibson on the perimeter, and P.J. Tucker doing his thing inside and out, the Horns can handle whatever opponents throw at them. And a very cool Duke/Texas matchup looms in the Elite Eight of Atlanta if the seeds hold according to form.

Everybody's got to pick a surprise club to make it to the final weekend, and I'll take the Pittsburgh Panthers this year. As a five seed, the Panthers are a rugged defensive club. Carl Krauser sets the tone as a hard-nosed, physical leader in the backcourt. Seven-footer Aaron Gray does his thing down low in the post, and Pitt is seasoned and ready after a strong showing in the Big East's regular and post seasons. Look for Pitt to battle with Kansas in the second round, and then stun Memphis in the sweet sixteen.

Villanova's got the experience and the confidence (with a split on the year) against UConn to take the Huskies out in this year's Final Four. And Texas will prove too much for Pitt to handle in the other national semifinal. I see the Wildcats dancing in Indianapolis after a thrilling final with the Longhorns.

Bring on the Madness.

-JAB