So yeah. Luke Ridnour's been signed.

If you were a Bucks fan you've been steeling yourself for the departure of Luke Ridnour from the Bucks. Today doesn't come as so much of a surprise. Ridnour's been signed. But that's not the story.

The team that signed him is.

Now, if you're reading this, you inadvertently clicked away from a photo of Kim Kardashian's ass, so I'll do this with some build. We're living in a world where you have a team that is managed by someone who makes Isiah Thomas look competent.

Check out the bullet points.

• Drafted 4 point guards and made sure that his best point guard would stay in Spain last year (dealing the second best one to Denver as well.).
• Added a quality point guard to further muddle the situation.
• Signed an irrelevant joke best known for launching a classic NBA blog to a contract worth 5 million dollars a year.
• Drafting two, and trading for two small forwards this year. (Trading a valuable salary chip for Martell Webster in the process.)
• Adding one of the best headcases of the modern era (who also plays small forward).
• Trading one of the best young low post scorers in the league in year two after an ACL injury to Utah for Kosta Koufos (who may...may grow up to be serviceable), two protected picks, and a trade exception. And yes, this was after they signed the man who launched the classic NBA blog.

And to the Timberwolves? There goes Luke Ridnour. For another 4 years and 16 million dollars. At a position where it would be easier to bring back Nick Calathes. Where Ramon Sessions is already an overqualified backup point guard. .

If I'm Glen Taylor? I put David Kahn under the MRI machine. Check for a tumor. Because clearly David Kahn is a troubled man.

The Milwaukee Bucks select (Tiny Gallon PF-Oklahoma)

There are two scenarios about how this pick is going to go down. He's either going to have a chip on his shoulder about falling to pick 47 and he's gonna come into the league ready to kill some suckers. He's big and powerful with a deft touch in the paint. They say he can grow up to be a rich man's Big Baby.

Or? He's gonna go into camp at about 330. He's gonna get beaten defensively by Larry Sanders. And he's going to be released by 2012.

Like I said earlier. This is what the Bucks could afford to do this year. Take a flier on a high-upside guy. No problem with it.

The Milwaukee Bucks select (Jerome Jordan C-Tulsa)

I'll tell you what? If he plays as well defensively as he did as a sophomore? He'll become overpaid on his second contract. His offensive game is serviceable. He developed a decent range from 12-15 feet. That being said?

He's a 24 year old and he's kind of soft. Also, they passed on Paulo Prestes. You could have grabbed Alabi at 47 if you were so insistent on getting a center for right now.

As a pro? I think he'll be serviceable. I'm not sure that he'll be anything more than that. .

The Milwaukee Bucks select (Darrington Hobson-SF New Mexico)

Not thrilled, but not terribly upset. Hobson's not an athlete. But he's a versatile sort. He'll give you a little bit in a lot of areas. His energy will generate a decent amount of rebound, as well as a combined 2 or 3 steals and blocks. His stride allows him to beat defenders off the dribble. And if he works on his shot? He'll be deadly. Because he's a fine point forward.

He's a good off-the-bench addition. I feel like he would have been there at 44 or 47 though.

Like I said. I could be very wrong or very right about him..

So what do I want from the Bucks?

In a nutshell? Best player available. Expanding on that, the Bucks are not without needs and desires. But here's the tree things I want the Bucks to do.

1) Get a good power forward.

The dream scenario is that Patrick Patterson falls to 15. Will it happen? Maybe. But it's not likely. The possibilities that will likely be there preclude Patterson or Cole Aldrich. But the Bucks would be better served with a great four than an potentially good five. There are serviceable 2nd round fives this year.

If Larry Sanders is available? I would be thrilled. Dude gets stronger and he's going to be a disruptive force. I can;t talk myself into Orton or Whiteside. Upside guys who fall to this spot rarely pan out.

But with guys like Craig Brackins and Jarvis Vanardo in round two? I can get behind an other option. Just so long as it's not a small forward who has the perceived value of 10-20. They all suck if they're not named Daimon James.

So suffice it to say? Patterson is the dream scenario. A more realistic scenario would be Larry Sanders or Xavier Henry. No one would say James Anderson, but I could get behind that as a pick.

2) Get a foreign dude.

I was misinformed. The #2 that's going to Jersey for CDR doesn't come due until 2012. So basically, the Bucks may have a roster space issue. Assume that Salmons, Ivey, Stackhouse, Darrell Jackson and Brezec's gone? The Bucks are at 10.

Most teams like to remain at a roster size of 13. And anyway? This draft has two tremendously interesting foreigners in the Russian Alexy Shved and the Brazillian Big Man Paulo Prestes. Though a German Big Man like Tibor Pleiss? Send him to Milwaukee and he'd feel right at home.

3) The Luc Richard.

If ever there was an opportunity to take a flier on a diamond in the rough or a straight up specialist? It's this year. If John Hammond likes Tyren Johnson as much as I do? This is the year to go after it. Now the VP of common sense may disagree with this premise. But? I would not get so upset if a flier gets taken.

Draft starts in 32 minutes: Join me on twitter to follow my live tweet.

Power Forward and a Center Dumpster Diving.

The fact of the matter is that this draft is something interesting. You have a lot of interesting talent that would likely fall in the undrafted tier. The Jamario Moon All-Stars? Very interesting this year. And the microcosm of a drafts depth?

When a center in the second round is somebody with the upside of a good starter.

Paulo Prestes (6'10 270 Brazil)
He's a beast in terms of power. He's not the most athletic guy in terms of speed and the up and down? But he is an agile dude. And unlike your Anderson Varejao? He will go down and take the pain. Also? Not offensively useless beyond flopping. Solid prospect when he'll come to America..

Power Forwards? In a twitter-sixed Fashion? Sure.
8. Magnum Rolle (6'11" 200 Louisiana Tech) If he gained 20 pounds of muscle? He would have a future as a Dollar Tree Marcus Camby.
7. Luke Harangody (6'8" 250 Notre Dame) I do expect his scoring total to drop considerably. But his rebounding totals will coalesce to allow him to make an NBA rotation.
6. Charles Garcia (6'10" 230 Seattle) The archetypal superb athlete with a poor basketball IQ. So yeah. Call it a master of one scenario.
5. Latavious Williams (6'8" 190 Tulsa 66ers) For a skinny guy whose main strength is athleticism? He's got a tremendous defensive upside.
4. Trevor Booker (6'7" 230 Clemson) This years most likely to be Chuck Hayes with mad rebounding skills.
3. Craig Brackins (6'10" 230 Iowa State) Enigmatic. He's got the skills to be a great shooter and rebounder. But hes got his inside shooting percentage is weak. But the fact is? The team sucked. And he was good. Imagine if he lands on a good team?
2. Jarvis Vanardo (6'9" 210 Mississippi State) Blocks and blocks and blocks and blocks. And also rebounds.
1. Gani Lawal (6'8" 233 Georgia Tech) An energetic defender with good athleticism. His floor is that he's going to be a great 7th man in a rotation.

Small Forward Dumpster Diving.

Going for twitter sized bits and bites. There's a lot that interests me here and I cannot fight to post more than that. So, let's roll.

10. Tyren Johnson (6'8" 205 UL-Lafayette) A small school Josh Smith with surprising range. Won't be drafted. But watch him.
9. Tyler Smith (6'7" 210 Tennessee) A defender who would be ranked much higher if he could've kept his head right.
8. Vladimir Dasic (6'9" 225 Serbia) If he gets religion about playing inside? The sky's the limit. Big and physically gifted. Great defense.
7. Nemanja Bjelica (6'10" 210 Serbia) A 6'10" lead guard who needs to control the ball to be good.
6. Marquis Blakely (6'5" 220 Vermont) Yeah, he's undersized. But he's disruptive and smart. He's this years Diamon Simpson.
5. Darrington Hobson (6'7" 220 New Mexico) A lefty point forward who needs work on his J and lacks some athleticism. Will likely kill in Italy.
4. Lazar Heyward (6'6" 225 Marquette) Will be a great 7th man. Strong enough to defend a good four with good intangibles and an underrated shot and athleticism.)
3. Devin Ebanks (6'8" 205 West Virginia) Is it a question of pace or assertiveness? His offensive game is tremendous inside the arc and he vacuums up a goodly sum of boards. But 9 shots a game? Too few.
2. Quincy Pondexter (6'6" 220 Washington) Great athlete. Good slasher. An improving defender with an underrated shot from 3. I think I've talked myself into him.
1. Stanley Robinson (6'8 213 UConn) A physical freak who knows his offensive limitations. Good defender. Is he polished? Nope.

The Second Round 2 Guard

There are quite a few interesting talents here. They all fall into certain archetypes. I'll do a brief explanation as to each, and why they're going to be most likely a second round player. A fringe first rounder at best.

The Steve Kerr (Undersized, Unathletic Bomber.)
Here you have a guy whose strength comes from being the guy you want to be there on the kickout. These guys may have intangibles to bring to the table as well. But have them on the floor longer than 10-15 minutes in the pro game, and they're overextended. They're different than the average combo guard because they lack the necessary athleticism.

This years prospects?
Pietro Aradori-Italy
Andy Rautins-Syracuse
Jon Scheyer-Duke

The Poor Man's __________
They have a destiny that they absolutely could grow up to meet. Everything breaks right, and these guys are a steal. But the reason they're here? Somebody doesn't think they can. Odds are? Those certain somebodies are right. But we can dream, can't we?

This year's prospects?
Aubrey Coleman-Houston (A small Corey Maggette)
Elijah Millsap-UAB (A Corey Maggette-sized Maggette)
Manny Harris-Michigan (Jamal Crawford)
Sylven Landesberg-Virginia (Evan Turner)

The Master of One.
These are kids with several drawbacks. But the fact is, they have one strength that they bring to the table that makes them worth an opportunity, Most often? It involves the ability to create good scoring opportunities for themselves. Though sometimes? People are such good athletes that you can't not take a shot at them. And this may cause them to even climb into round one.

This year's prospects?
Jordan Crawford-Xavier
Lance Stephenson-Cincinnati
Terrico White-Ole Miss
Willie Warren Oklahoma

An interesting day of movement for the Bucks.

The first part of the day is something along the lines of a free roll. Charlie Bell can be a useful role player. He's high effort and a decent ballhandler. But that's it. He's a good 4th guard. And you have him coming with an albatross of suck in Dan Gadzuric. That's all the Bucks have given up.

Two end of the bench guys? What they got in return. The worst case scenario is that they're interesting. Corey Maggette is a ball stopper with inconsistent defensive effort. He's also a slasher who can attack the basket and generate many opportunities of the free throw variety. The upside? He's the sort of guy who can help a defensive minded team that's sorely missing offense.

The Bucks fit that bill.

And Maggette will be an upgrade over Salmons. He may not be worth the contract. But he will come close. And sometimes for a player? It's all about fit.

And the Bucks flipped the second round pick they got from Golden State. They turned that into Chris Douglas-Roberts. His zany twitter stream aside? I get the sense Skiles would like him. The Comedy Death-Ray's big strength is defense. You know how they say flaky people don't have defensive discipline? Nuts to that. CDR can defend.

Offensively? His game is somewhat similar to Maggette. Attack the basket and draw fouls. You can't hit the three and it kills your offensive efficency as a wing man. But CDR can make a smooth pass. He may only be a rotational guy? But he will bring upside and energy off the bench.

And he'll get more playing time than you think as well. Skiles loves a good defender. And Douglas-Roberts? He's gonna make a fearsome deer. .

Point Guard Dumpster Diving.

Now we can be honest. This year's draft is as deep as point guards as last years draft is to most other positions. Two will be drafted in round one, and none from a state that lacks the presence of Raylen Givens. That's not to say that you can't get interesting value in round two. Because you can.

Let's break down guys from May Be Drafted to Likely Drafted.

8) Stefan Markovic 6'5" 210 Yugoslavia

The sort of a guard whose strength is in the little things he does. His shot is inconsistent. Especially from beyond the arc. But he's a dynamic playmaker and he has moments of spectacular defense. Though there are European Guards that have taken him down before. But he's a veteran of the Euro wars and a coach could easily fall in love with him.

But that shot has to improve.

7) Jerome Randle 5'10" 160 California

There's a lot to like about Randle. He's a fast fearless penetrator who managed to hit the unwritten rule for sharpshooting in two consecutive seasons. (90-50-40). He's also a consistent distributor and a killer of zone defenses. The problem? You can see it for yourself. Good short point guards won't get picked. If he was 6'2" he would be a first rounder.

As it is? He's likely to get ignored.

6) Ben Uzoh 6'3" 200 Tulsa

If you're looking for a comprable player, it's Bo McCalebb. A super-sized McCalebb, but bear with me. Both have great speed. Both know how to get to the rack. Both are more twos than point guards when they were draft eligible. But McCalebb became a very intriguing prospect in three Euro Seasons.

Uzoh will likely be ignored here. But in 2013? He'll be an NBA player.

5) Mikhail Torrance 6'5" 210 Alabama

He's big. He can distribute at a very professional level. And he's very strong defensively. However? He's not a great shooter. That can be improved. His incessant habit of needing to switch up to his left hand to finish at the basket? That's weird. And scouts don't like weird.

But he does have ridiculous upside potential. Expect him to be in many D-League blogs.

4) Alexey Shved 6'6" 175 Russia

If this was 2006? He'd be a 1st round pick. NBAdraft.net compares him to Penny Hardaway. And I can see it. He's a tall distributor with great athleticism and an ability to create for others. He's also with good defensive instincts and a decent shot. But he's raw.

He'll get picked in the second round. And be interesting to dream about. Looking at you David Kahn.

3) Sherron Collins 5'11" 205 Kansas

If you're this bad of a shot, you shouldn't be a lead guard. I mean, there's things to like. He has good speed, and some real handles. He can beat his man off the dribble. But like Travon Hughes, he doesn't do so much with the kick out. And he may not make the transition to the pros because of it.

But that being said? He learns to share and he'll be more than a rotational player.

2) Greivis Vazquez 6'5" 195 Maryland

He's a self-made sort of player. He improved his passing, his perimeter shot, his ability to disrupt passing lanes and those things known as "intangibles" during his run at Maryland. And there were several instances where he singlehandedly took down a big scalp. Which is good and bad. See, his build is thin, and the guy taking over 20 shots a game and making 8 of them? That's Zap Branigan leadership.

But then again? He could have a career as a Vinnie Johnson off the bench. He seems to have learned "the secret." 

1) Armon Johnson 6'3" 195 Nevada

He's got an interesting lefty skill set. He's got good athleticism and a second gear to find an open shot. His lefty pull-up from the mid-range is deadly. His shot creating skill is improving, it's not all the way there yet. But even with over three turnovers a game, he still managed 1.65 Asstists for evey turnover.

He's not Ramon Sessions, but he's got a skill set that has him going in early round 2. He unlearns being the lead guard? He's very interesting.

I believe in Sports Karma...

I do. I believe that certain franchises are cursed because they have players do something bad. Or by the general egomania of certain owners. Sometimes, like when you're the Oakland Raiders? It's a little from column A and a little from Column B.

For whatever reason? The Suns have turned their karma back toward the positive. It could have something to do with Robert Sarver and his Los Suns protest. It could be because they have some of the best healers in professional sports. Or my gods.

Steve Nash had an iconic performance tonight. He went for 20 and 9. And half of that was with one eye. Literally one eye. You're going to try and explain it tomorrow, and peoples minds will be blown.

And as for the likely series versus the Lakers. The Lakers will rightfully be the favorites. But there are reasons for the Suns fans to think they'll find their way into the finals.

One, Kobe has a broken finger and between Jared Dudley and Grant Hill? He has himself a real tough draw. Two? The point guard match-up swings far, far into the favor of the Suns. And with the Suns ability to hit 40% or better from beyond the arc? The draw and kick would be masterful. Three? Lamar Odom waxes and wanes in terms of his entry point.

As such? I say the Suns are your Western Conference Champions.

I'm in the Sky Tonight.

There I Can Keep By Your Side
Watching the wide world Riot and hiding out.
I'll be coming home next year.

I said after the Bogut injury I would be thrilled if the Bucks got to a Game 6. The simple fact they got there with a chance to win? Gravy. Not that it doesn't hurt? But still. Seven games without Bogut is a moral victory.

That being said? There's things the Bucks can do to solidify their situation. And none of them would involve getting a spectacular free agent, either.

1) Do we need Luke Ridnour?

I'm not sure that we do. It's no offense to Luke. Luke's a tremendous 6th man. In fact? You probably could consider him one of the 30 best point guards on an NBA roster. And that's the problem. The Bucks are the sort of team that should not be paying 7 million a year for Luke.

A sign and trade would be sweet. But I don't think any team that would be interested in dealing a pick in the bottom third of the draft. It may just be worth the time and consideration to bring a guy like Bo McCalebb over from Greece instead. Dude's got a certain sort of quality to him. Fast hands, good anticipation, and no fear of attacking the basket.

And he's just 24. Bringing him over would be like an extra draft choice.

2) Do we need any veteran?

Or does any veteran want to return? I mean Jerry Stackhouse and Kurt Thomas are more than valuable rotational pieces. But if and only if they don't resign any veteran or Darnell Jackson, they'll be under the cap. And they should be in fine shape. Jennings-Salmons-Delfino-1st round draft choice-Bogut with Redd, Ilyasova, and Mbah a Moute are a fine rotation.

But Stackhouse will get more than ta prorated veterans minimum next year. And I agree he deserves it. If Thomas signs for less money? I'd be thrilled to have him and his love of How Stella Got His Groove Back. But a point of fact? These decisions are hard.

And if all three are back? John Hammond is doing it wrong.

3) I would most definitely buy a pick.

Even a pick in the early second round. Sure, they will most likely find something highly interesting in terms of a best player available scenario. But the second round has a lot of value this year. Jordan Crawford. Terrico White. Jarvis Vanardo. Craig Brackins. Sylvan Landesberg. Kenneth Faried. Heck, even Armon Johnson has interesting value as a Ramon Sessionsesque backup point guard.  And these guys will all be second round picks. Get Faried, Brackins, and Crawford? This bench will be scary.

I'll delve into basketball further later. First? A piece of Business.

Re-Trying The Sweet 16

So, you know how I kind of gave up in the South Bracket on my projections? No? Well I did. It's because I knew I was going to be in trouble. I had seven of my original teams hitting the Sweet 16 in my Yahoo Bracket. Ironically? 6 of them were going to the Elite 8. And 3 for the Final Four. An atypical bracket for me.

So...More content!

SWEET 16

Midwest Regional

9 Northern Iowa vs. 5 Michigan State

This goes against every instinct. Izzo is a tremendous coach. Cinderellas always fall in the Sweet 16. They'll rally around their fallen hero. But that being said. Northern Iowa is steady. They do not make mistakes. Korie Lucious? He has not been consistent and steady. And if they get to a lead? Michigan State cannot shoot themselves back in. I will live and die with Starokhmanesh.

6 Tennessee vs. 2 Ohio State

The only teams Ohio State has lost to since the return of the Villain were against West Virginia in Morgantown and Purdue at Mackey with Hummel. If this Volunteer team could hit better from three and rebound? I would be less confident in this. But Buckeyes. Lock it down.

West Regional

1 Syracuse vs. 5 Butler

Butler's had a nice run. I'll agree. But that being said? I still like Syracuse. Not to say that Butler can't keep it to a point where Gus Johnson would not go apoplectic at certain points of the game. But Wes Johnson will do enough to win.

6 Xavier vs. 2 Kansas State

The run continues for Frank Martin. If they could shut down Jimmer, they can shut down Jordan Crawford. K-State is the stronger team inside and the Pullen-Clemente-Kelly have a nice inside-outside thing going. Three in a row for K-State.

East Regional

1 Kentucky vs. 12 Cornell

There's enough aspects to keep this game interesting. Kentucky doesn't have strong perimeter defense like Temple. Syracuse is very close to Ithaca. A close game will definitely shake Kentucky. 48 states want Cornell to win. But Kentucky is currently infused with destrucity. I have Kentucky going very far in my Yahoo bracket, and I think they win here. But I'm not surprised if I'm wrong. HEDGES!

11 Washington vs. 2 West Virginia

I don't trust Bob Huggins, as you probably can tell. The Huskies rebound very well. In fact, they defend about as well as West Virginia. And not in a turnover generating sort of way. They play fast. They play hard. And they will find a way to win. They usually shoot just a little better. I will trust the Huskies to do.

South Reigon

1 Duke vs. 4 Purdue

In order for Duke to lose? They need a guard to go off and have a good offensive game. And while I respect Purdue for playing to their seed without their superstar? I don't think E'Twaun Moore or whatever he spells it. Duke has one more win in them.

3 Baylor vs. 10 St. Mary's (CA)

Don't expect this to be a blowout either. Samhan isn't going to be nearly as dominant as he was in the first two games (or they're going to let him go and try to stop the three). But that being said? Baylor's not great at defending a good three point shooting team. And a team like Sam Houston State has shown? They can keep it close. But I like Baylor. Tweety son. Tweety.

ELITE 8

9 Northern Iowa vs. 2 Ohio State

And here's where the dream dies and the run ends. Evan Turner's just simply better than anyone Northern Iowa has ever seen. Okay, seriously? Buford-Lighty-Diebler are spectacular from beyond the arc. Lauderdale is a strong garbage time player. And they won't panic. Not by a long shot.

1 Syracuse vs. 2 Kansas State

Gus Johnson is doing this game. It will be tremendous. And Syracuse was supposed to win this game anyway when I went all bracketological the first time anyway. End to end awesome. Whoo!

1 Kentucky vs. 11 Washington

The end result of this game is simple and sane. Kentucky can attack the basket with style and aplomb. And as such? The Huskies cinderellaish run ends here. As a mere footnote.

1 Duke vs. 3 Baylor

Baylor has the offensive backcourt talent that a team needs if they're going to go out and beat Duke. Add to that the will of America wanting them to get to the final four on the scalp of falling Duke? Baylor moves onward and upward.

Final Four

2 Ohio State vs. 1 Syracuse

This will be another tough classic. I believe the duel between Wes Johnson and Evan Turner will be spectacular. I feel less confident about this result than previously. But the Orange go to the finals. There I said it.

1 Kentucky vs. 3 Baylor

I know Kentucky could lose at any point. But I'm at least going to be man enough not to go away from my Yahoo bracket. Kentucky wins.

Championship: Syracuse 88, Kentucky 83.

Let's take you back.

Back to March 2003. A more confusing time. There was that whole Iraq thing. And anyone who said anything bad about that was a terrorist. So yeah. Confusing times.

So one would dive headlong into the basketball. After all, my high school had made the state tournament. Both Wisconsin and Marquette were looking frisky. And they were in the same bracket!

And hey, the Badgers held off their scrappy undersized opponent in the first round. And wonder of wonders, they got to avoid the Atlantic 10 Champions in favor of a Mid-Major who buzzbombed them. It's supposed to be an easy win right?

Nope.

13th seeded Tulsa played 36 minutes of destructive basketball, it got to the point where they pulled away from the game in Wisconsin. But the 5th seeded Badgers got off the deck and came back to win. The reward? The universally regarded #1 team alive in the tournament. Your Kentucky Wildcats. The Badgers were game, but Kentucky's talent level showed up when it counted.

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It's kind of a bizarro scenario for 20-0-10. The underseeded mid-major? 12th seeded Cornell who buzzbombed the A-10 Champ (Temple). The Badgers had a little (lot) more trouble with Wofford, but that's another W-Team they held off. And the winner? The winner is going to get Kentucky. The best team still alive (seeding wise).

And unlike Tulsa? Many Badger fans are scared of Cornell.

Then again? Bo Ryan is playing a metagame. Survive, advance, and shock the fuck out of Kentucky.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

The South Bracket

After my last bracket I was all WTF, how did Missouri get to the Elite 8? But this one is the Siena bracket, and you're asking me what I'm thinking. Can I book Siena into the Elite 8. Sure. But will I in blog form?

1 Duke vs. 16 Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Arkansas Pine-Bluff will make it a game between 25 and 30 minutes, but they don't have enough to win the game. No matter how much you might want it.

8 California vs. 9 Louisville

There are two things that Louisville doesn't work well with. Experienced guards and or sharpshooters. Cal has 4 senior starters. And they fill it up. Louisville's defense isn't good enough to overcome that.

5 Texas A&M vs. 12 Utah State

I wasn't exactly planning on having two five seeds going down. Especially when you consider the fact that Texas A&M doesn't lose in the first round. But Texas A&M gets beat by two types of teams. An A+ defense or a sharpshooting team. Utah State will make some moves on the glass, but you know what? They make their money from beyond the arc. An average game and the Utah Aggies advance.

4 Purdue vs. 13 Siena

Purdue without Hummel is a team that has lost its soul. Anytime you lose a great defensive rebounder, shotblocker, and your leading three point threat from a team that really doesn't have two? You're in trouble. Siena matches up pretty evenly. But they've done this before. And they've done it as a 13 seed. Veteran talent whos played big on the big stage? Gotta go with it again.

6 Notre Dame vs. 11 Old Dominion

Old Dominion has had offensive problems. But you know what? They are stronger off the glass than Notre Dame. And they force bad shots. The win against Georgetown, a Notre Dame for the super rich counts for a lot here. Am I really going three upsets in a row? Yes I am.

3 Baylor vs. 14 Sam Houston State

I usually can see an upset if you find a weakness in a matchup. Perimeter shooting versus poor perimeter defense? A team that keeps getting its shotblocked versus a Jarvis Vanardo? Yeah. That sort of thing equals upset. Here? Baylor is the platinum Sam Houston State.

7 Richmond vs. 10 St. Mary's (CA)

A bit of a coin flip. Richmond is the sort of a team with a veteran back court and a spectacular defense. The St. Marians are a team of sharpshooters with tight perimeter defense and Omar Samhan down low. I can really see St. Marys win this game. But my gut said Richmond. I've got to trust it.

2 Villanova vs. 15 Robert Morris

Please. 5 Big East Players can just beat one guy.

ROUND 2

1 Duke vs. 8 California

You either need low-post power or some sharpshooting guards for a team to be able to beat down the Blue Devils. Cal has the guards to be able to win. But they need a great day to do it. I can't see it.

12 Utah State vs. 13 Siena

Hmm. The better rebounding team is probably going to take this one. Not that Utah State isn't going to shoot themselves out of the tournament. It's just that Siena is the better rebounding team. TO THE SWEET 16 CRAYONS! KAKOW!

11 Old Dominion vs. 3 Baylor

The team that's going to beat Baylor is a team that will be able to take advantage of its weaknesses. Old Dominion will keep it close, but they will not beat the Bears.

7 Richmond vs. 2 Villanova

This will be a close game. A classic. But the fact is that Richmond is terrible against on the glass. Villanova will shoot well enough to advance to the Sweet 16.

Sweet 16

1 Duke vs. 13 Siena

Siena, because fuck you. That's why.

2 Villanova vs. 3 Baylor

Baylor wins in Houston. They advance to the final four and lose to Wisconsin. Syracuse beats Ohio State. And wins it all. LOL WHAT?

The East Bracket.

The question of the East Bracket is will I let my blatant homerism take control. Wisconsin AND Marquette live in this bracket. And I happen to like my home state sports teams. I remember Jerel McNeal and I care. And whatnot.

1 Kentucky vs. 16 East Tennessee State

Please. John Wall is God. And the fighting Mister Jennings may not be going out like that, but they are going out.

8 Texas vs. 9 Wake Forest

Texas is a sublimely talented team. They could come together and make a run to the sweet 16. But for two reasons, it's the Demon Deacons. They're a strong defensive team that forces a team into bad shots, and Texas has had severe offensive issues in recent weeks. Also? Never trust Rick Barnes.

5 Temple vs. 12 Cornell

If you wanted me to give Cornell my 5-12 blessing, they should have had a team that can't stop the perimeter jumper. Temple locks down the defense on the perimeter. Cornell's main strength is crazy go nuts from beyond the arc. Temple will force them off their game.

4 Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford

An undersized team that runs mostly man to man? An officially healthy Jon Leuer? Their last game being a terrible game for Trevon Hughes? I vote yes to the Badgers advancement.

6 Marquette vs. 11 Washington

I'm going Marquette. Washington has a tendency to play down to the level of their opponents. USC was a terrible team, and they beat Washington twice. UCLA got one with no defensive presence. Texas Tech and Oregon as well. And nobody was as good from beyond the arc as the Golden Eagles.

3 New Mexico vs. 14 Montana

Montana may be able to keep it interesting for a little while, but you know what? No. Montana's perimeter D is bad. And New Mexico rocks it from treyland, and while they do not defend at an A level? Their B- defense is good enough here. Lobos to round two.

7 Clemson vs. 10 Missouri

Missouri. They can generate Turnovers and take care of the ball. Clemson cannot. LOCK CITY.

2 West Virginia vs. 15 Morgan State

West Virginia. I don't trust them to get much further, but Todd Bozeman isn't gonna do shit.

ROUND 2

1 Kentucky vs. 9 Wake Forest

A poor shooting team that just doesn't generate many turnovers? Yes please, says Kentucky.

4 Wisconsin vs. 5 Temple

First to 50 wins? Yeah. It'll be like that. These teams have some real similarites. Hit up KenPom. You'll see something interesting. But I trust the Badgers to generate more good looks here. Also? Their tall guy has power in their offense.

3 New Mexico vs. 6 Marquette

This is the sort of thing where the winner of the 6-11 game is going to advance through to the Sweet 16. New Mexico just doesn't force bad shots with near enough the alacrity to stop the winner of this game. And as for Marquette? Most teams score on the Lobos from beyond the arc from three. And the Golden Eagles are 7th in 3 point field goal percentage.

2 West Virginia vs. 10 Missouri

Missouri's going to shock some people. Not me though. Bob Huggins will fall early again. Missouri's a pressure team and Joe Mazzula is made of suck and Truck Bryant's got one arm. Missouri to the Sweet 16 is a Book it upset pick.

SWEET 16

1 Kentucky vs. 4 Wisconsin

You know what? I'm going to let my homerism soar. Why? Because they've beaten three teams when they were in the Top 5. And they have two guards who have the ability to take over a game Devan Downey style. They're more experienced, and when the pace slows down, Kentucky has trouble. Hit the upset one time Bo Ryan!

6 Marquette vs. 10 Missouri

I honestly don't know how this will happen. And if this does? Honestly. Marquette has a rotation of six going up against a 40 Minutes of Hell scenario. But they cradle the ball like an infant child. Maurice Acker is a steady force. And Missouri can't take advantage of Marquette's size. Marquette had bad luck when their paths crossed last year. IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.*

REGIONAL FINAL

4 Wisconsin vs. 10 Missouri

The Badgers pride themselves on taking care of the ball. And they will not fear trying to go for the extra pass. I know it should prbably be New Mexico or West Virginia here. But screw it. No school. Wisco.

*Note: This Bracket Match-up will not happen. Come on.

The Midwest Bracket

Okay, in the interest of full disclosure? I'm going to tell you that I usually collapse by the first weekend. It's like a mediocre golfer at the Masters. But seeing as I'm starving the people in regards to production? I'll give you a commentary as I fill in the brackets.

We will start with the Midwest.

1 Kansas vs. 16 Lehigh

Kansas. I know that Bucknell has beaten a Bill Self led team. But Kansas is obvious.

8 UNLV vs. 9 Northern Iowa

Teams than can defend inside have given lots of trouble to the Rebels. The Rebels lost to Utah twice this year and they were kind of pretty terrible. Northern Iowa has one of the best rebounders in the country in Egelseder. I say they get to strap it up versus KU.

5 Michigan State vs. 12 New Mexico State

This is not the 5-12 upset that you're looking for. Izzo is built to win games in the tournament. Michigan State gets the win. Easy.

4 Maryland vs. 13 Houston

Houston absolutely can keep it interesting for 30-35 minutes. But the thing about Maryland? They get beaten by teams that rock the offensive glass. Houston just does not have that sort of genius power to their game. Maryland advances.

6 Tennessee vs. 11 San Diego State

This is the sort of matchup that actually plays right into San Diego State's hands. Most of the teams that have shown that they can beat Tennessee have an inside presence. If you tamp down inside shooting and crash the glass? You can beat Tennessee. And Tennessee isn't the strongest team defending inside. I'm going to take the Aztecs.

3 Georgetown vs. 14 Ohio

Ohio's just happy to be here. The team that gets hot to get in will not get beyond the first round. Ohio may gave won 5 in a row and 7 out of 8, but please. Please. Georgetown.

7 Oklahoma State vs. 10 Georgia Tech

It actually favors Georgia Tech on paper. It's not the run and gun Oklahoma State of years before. And they haven't generated the turnovers that have killed the Bees at several points during the year. Oklahoma State's going to have to make threes to have a chance here. And it hasn't happened yet.

2 Ohio State vs. 15 Cal-State Santa Barbara.

Ohio State can work it inside. UCSB gets killed by teams with an inside presence. Buckeyes get to round two.

ROUND 2

1 Kansas vs. 9 Northern Iowa

The Balance of Kansas will make them win. Northern Iowa just doesn't have the offensive horses. It'll be something like last years Purdue score. 61-55 or something.

4 Maryland vs. 5 Michigan State

Remember when I said that Maryland has trouble with teams that find a way to hit the offensive glass? Say hello to Tom Izzo's latest trip to the Sweet 16. The 9th best team at hitting the offensive glass will overcome a good Maryland team.

3 Georgetown vs. 11 San Diego State

The big bugaboo for the Aztecs is their inability to defend a team that can consistently hit from beyond the arc thereby limiting their inside defensive presence. With players like Austin Freeman and Jason Clark? Georgetown will get into the Sweet 16. (But I want it to be known if this was like a Football bowl pool? I'd give this game a low confidence score. BETWEEN THE HEDGINGS!)

2 Ohio State vs. 10 Georgia Tech

This is the sort of game that Ohio State will pull out. Georgia Tech's size will keep them in it for a long while. They may even be leading as we get to crunch time. However? Georgia Tech cannot make a free throw to save their life. And we all know that Evan Turner's rolling through his draft status drive.

SWEET 16

1 Kansas vs. 5 Michigan State

Redemption comes through in this game. Kansas is one of the deadliest teams at defending inside. Outside shooting is Michigan State's big weakness. They get down by 10 and it's over. Kansas to the Elite Eight.

2 Ohio State vs. 3 Georgetown

Georgetown is a team that doesn't take care of the ball. They also don't go to the bench unless they absolutely have to. And they also don't have Evan Turner. The better defense will win this game. And that goes to the Buckeyes.

Regional Final

1 Kansas vs. 2 Ohio State

I have no empirical evidence as to exaclty why I'm saying this. But I am going with Ohio State. Evan Turner is the sort of superstar that Kansas doesn't have. And you know what else? By this point anyway? My bracket is toast. So guts and nuts. Buckeyes to the Final Four.

If I had to name the 33 at-large teams?

We can start with the obviously in from the Big Six who aren't leading their conference.

ACC: Duke*, Maryland*, Clemson, Florida State
Big 12: Kansas State, Missouri, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma State
Big East: Villanova, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Marquette
Big 10: Purdue, Michigan State, Wisconsin
Pac 10: NOBODY (Cal is leading the conference, after all.)
SEC: Vanderbilt, Tennessee

Okay, so where we are here? 18 teams. So we're down to 15 teams. And currently, we have three non Big Six at-large teams. (2 of Xavier, Temple, and Richmond, as well as BYU). That makes 12 teams.

1. Georgetown (They're scuffling badly. They've very likely done enough to get there. Their strength of schedule is 1. And SOS is the strongest factor for bubble teams right now.
2. Virginia Tech (The computer numbers are terrible. But either they beat Georgia Tech and get 10-6 in the best conference ever. Or they get the 12 seed in the first round of the conference tournament.)
3. Louisville (They beat Syracuse and they're an automatic lock. But they'll get a bye into the second round of the tournament. And even if they don't? Their SOS is currently 7.)

4. Rhode Island
5. San Diego State
6. Dayton
--This is the sort of thing where there really is not much available on the Bubble. All these teams have decent resumes, and a team like Mississippi State is fringy with their strength of schedule and road striggles. I could see one of these three teams (Dayton) get left out. But that being said? There could be a problem if all three get left out.

7. Arizona State
8. Florida
9. Georgia Tech (A tough game versus Virginia Tech. But they've won all they were supposed to. They take back Virginia Tech on Saturday? They should be fine with one tournament win.)
10. Wake Forest (The loss to North Carolina is leaving them among the walking wounded. The final regular season game is versus Clemson. Not that the 6th place team of the ACC likely can't get in, but they might be 7th.)

11. Ole Miss
12. Washington
13. Mississippi State

14. UNLV
15. Notre Dame (The RPI is 61. They lost to Loyola Marymount in South Bend. And their strength of schedule isn't nearly enough to overcome both without a deep run in the tournament.)
16. South Florida
17. UAB
18. Illinois (They have to beat Wisconsin twice or Wisconsin/Michigan State. Pretty much dead.)
19. Seton Hall
20. Minnesota (Would need a run to the Big 10 tournament finals to get in.)

I know it looks half-assed. But damnit. I'm bored. So hey. That's okay.

The Big and Pacific 10 Bubble Watchery.

Why two conferences? Because it's simple. The Pac 10 only has three teams that are in contention. The Big 10 is pretty much locked in at 5 bids. And I am lazy. As you can probably tell, right?

In: Purdue. Despite the tragic Robbie Hummel injury? They've done more than enough to porbably be a #2 seed. Ohio State. A solid RPI, a massive run (9-1 in their last 10), and 5 wins in the RPI top 50 with 12 conference wins equals locked down. Michigan State does not have the number one seed resume anymore, but two gimme home games coming up and an overall solid resume means a lock. In terms of quality wins? (Maryland, Duke, Marquette, Ohio State, Purdue and Michigan State) Wisconsin has done a lot. If they got a road win versus Illinois? It may get them a three seed.

Barring a collapse: Illinois. The Las Vegas Invitational killed their computer numbers. (Losing to Bradley and Utah would keep anybody from getting in this year.) But they have a legitimate shot at 12 conference wins if they can steal one against Wisconsin or Ohio State and hold serve versus Minnesota. If not? They'll likely get a second chance against Wisconsin in the tournament. If they don't? Then things could be interesting. California. It was a big win today against Arizona State. They win against Stanford? And they have the computer numbers to be the at-large team.

Bubble Teams: Minnesota has an RPI nearing 80. They have to win tonight if they even want to think about the Tournament. Arizona State. They have an RPI in the 50's and don't have the resume to handle getting upset even once. (Best win? San Diego State.) But they are better than Washington. Their RPI kisses 60, and they're 1-6 on the road. Their last three regular season games? On the road.

UPDATE: Minnesota is up double figures against Illinois. 46-31 as I type this. Could the Big Ten only get four teams?

Big East in a Bubble Scenario?

In? Syracuse. Even with a gimpy Wes Johnson they'll be a #2 seed. Villanova. They're also a #2 seed. Maybe a #1 seed if they make a tournament run. West Virginia. You think a team that has an RPI and SOS of 5/3 has done enough to get in? I know I do.

Barring a collapse? Pittsburgh. The non-conference wasn't impressive. But they won ten games and they're at the easy point of their schedule. Providence and Rutgers in Pittsburgh equals soon Panther fan. Soon. Georgetown. A couple of weird losses (at Rutgers, South Florida, and Old Dominion) means they have to win at least one more game. Louisville? Yeah. I'll leave them here. But two road games at UConn and Marquette and the return match with Syracuse? It means there could be that sort of collapse.

Bubble teams? Marquette. Sure, they control their own destiny. Louisville, Seton Hall, and Notre Dame are all quite winnable. But a .500 in the Big East Marquette is going to need to work a miracle to get in. 10 wins would still need tournament help. UConn is in a similar boat as Marquette, though with a strength of schedule at 2 they could go 9-9 and have a real case to be in. (But they have Notre Dame and South Florida on the road. Intricate.) Notre Dame? They also have to travel to Georgetown. And with a gimpy Harangody? Seton Hall is on the fringes. They beat Marquette and I'll delve into their case further.

One out of the four bubble teams is going to give the Big East seven berths. The Tournament is going to be fun.