Tournament Friday: Some Early Superlatives

Ah yes, the NCAA Tournament is officially within striking distance. While we are finally under 50 days until Selection, we’re still just a little bit too far way to start serious debating the bubble credentials of certain teams. Basically, if Selection Sunday is Christmas Eve, we are. But it’s never too early to start making some predictions that come back to bite us in March. So with fewer than 50 days to go, some STF Tourney Superlatives predictions….

Mostly Likely to Be this Year This Year’s Florida - Oregon Team
Both ‘06 Florida and ‘07 Oregon got off to unexpected hot starts (17-0 each), then cooled in the middle of conference play, only to heat up again in tournament time.

Candidates: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Arizona State

STF Predictions: Ole Miss - Like the Rebels more than Vandy because Andy Kennedy might the most underrated coach in America.

Most Likely to be This Year’s Mid Major Cinderella
I think you know the drill on this one, every year we get at least one mid-major surprise in the Sweet 16 and in the rare occasion, the Final Four

Candidates: South Alabama, Saint Mary’s, Butler, Drake

STF Prediction: Saint Mary’s - This team is really, really, really good behind Patty Mills and Diamon Simpson (pictured). May lose this crown because they could wind up a #5 seed.

Most Likely to be this Year’s “It” Team
Usually not a top line team, this is the one team that everyone has making a deep run based on the premise that not every top seed is going to make it to the Final Four

Candidates: Xavier, Indiana, Michigan State, Texas, whoever the hell ends up winning the Big East

STF Prediction: Indiana - Have all the elements needed. Star player (Gordon, veteran leader (White), great role players and legendary program. We’re even falling for this one

Most Likely To Destroy Your Bracket
Without even looking at the seeds, this team has the possibility to destroy your bracket because of their wildly inconsistent play. Whether you pick them to win or lose.

Candidates: Arizona, Pittsburgh, UConn, USC, Louisville, everyone in the Big East actually.

STF Prediction: Arizona - Easy choice here, have the talent to beat anyone (as shown last night against WSU), but always one mood swing away from a first-round exit.

Most Likely to be this year’s BCS Slide-In Team
Every year, a 5th or 6h place team from a BCS conference seems to slide into the tourney, and even dedicated hoop fans are caught saying “Wow, didn’t even know they were any good”.

Candidates: Minnesota, Nebraska, Florida State, Providence.

STF Prediction: Minnesota - Just a hunch, but I’m thinking the Gophers will be picking up plenty of wins from the Big Ten bottom-feeders

Most Likely To Be This Year’s Upset Pick
Team that everyone and their brother is going to betting against, most likely meaning that the upset will never take place.

Candidates: Stanford, Georgetown, Texas A&M

STF pick: Stanford - I personally like this Cardinal team, but people will not forget last year’s bomb vs Louisville.