It’s here again, my favorite time of year. It’s NCAA Tourney time, and I’m so glad it is here. After 5 months of games, upsets, buzzer-beaters, and all the action in-between (not that type of action, Alabama), the bracket has been made, and it’s time to see who you got here to go head-to-head with Stacy in accounting, who will get a better bracket than you based on “Her favorite colors”. Ok, maybe I’m being too blunt, but this is a fun time for me. I didn’t do this last year, which bummed me out, cause I like to do this. Sure, I may not get it right like, 95% of the time. But that’s the beauty of March Madness. If it was predictable, we wouldn’t have St. Peter’s last year, or UMBC happen, or all the other stuff go down through the history of this tournament. That is what makes it my favorite time of year, as these 4 crazy days of 1st and 2nd round action, along with the Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final 4 go to a fun 3 weeks of action.

Anyway, here is the full bracket to show you what we have this season.

I will break down each region, who I like, the best games, upsets, and whatnot from them all. Again, I’m probably not gonna get this right, but who cares. Enjoy the games.

South Region

Top 4 teams in the regions

The #1 overall team in this region is Alabama, and for good reason. They dominated the regular season and SEC, and all their losses are to tourney teams. They have some great players on their team, led by Brandon Miller, and it seems like they are pretty much unstoppable at the moment. However, controversy has followed them ever since one of their former teammates had an ex be murdered on campus, and Miller was the one to give the gun to said teammate. While the police did find him not to be charged of any wrongdoings, the NCAA also didn’t suspend him, and they have given suspensions to lesser crimes. So yeah, this might still linger over them for the time being, and if it cost them, oh well lol.

But moving on. The other top teams in this bracket include Arizona, one of the best Pac-12 teams in a very down year for the league, led by Azuolas Tubelis, as they love to play a fast-paced offense. Baylor, even with losing alot last year, is back again as a top seed, as LJ Cyrer and Keyonte George lead an offensive charge. Virginia is back as a top 4 seed, and once again, they are led by defense. This team won’t outscore you, but they can shut you down.

Other top teams in the bracket

Perennial Mountain West powerhouse San Diego State is back again, and like Virginia, they beat you with defense. It’s been that way for awhile, but they still got the MW PotY in Matt Bradley to guide them. Creighton is a 6-seed, but watch out for them. They had some losses along the way, but that was due to injuries. They are now mostly healthy, and as they’re led by Ryan Kalkbrenner and crew, they can cause some chaos. Mizzou is back in the tournament, led by 1st year coach Dennis Gates. They may not play any defense, but they can put up 85+ points easily, even on good defenses. Maryland and West Virginia are the 8 and 9 seeds, and while they have their issues (Maryland not winning away from home, WVU being beat up in the Big 12), they have beaten some top teams, and will be an issue for Alabama.

Lower seeded teams who can go to the Sweet 16

Charleston and Furman. Charleston has only 3 losses, and has been ranked this year. Sure, they got San Diego State in the 1st round, but SDSU goes by defense and wanting to make you shoot 3’s at the end of the shot clock. Guess what tho? Charleston shoots 3’s. A ton of them. 47% of their shots on the year have been 3’s. Sure, they may not all go down, but if they go 12-30 on 3’s, that’s still an advantage to them. While Furman can hit you from the paint badly, and do-it-all-man Jalen Slawson can take over a game. Plus, Furman finally gets their chance this year after last year ended with that disappointment in the SoCon tourney. Also, Virginia has gotten upsetted before in the 1st-round hehe.

Best Game in the 1st round

Missouri vs. Utah State. I told you how Mizzou loves to put up points. Guess who also does? Utah State. People will remember USU’s coach, as Ryan Odom from UMBC fame is leading them now, and they can score on people. They hit almost 40% from 3, has a top-15 adjusted offense, and seeing as how they been playing, we could get a score in the 90’s with both. And look out for SDSU vs. Creighton, as mentioned above. A battle of different styles.

Best Potential 2nd Round Game

Creighton vs. Baylor should be an Elite 8 game, as both teams have been ranked in the top 10 this season. Quite frankly, they both can make the Elite 8, maybe more, with all that talent. If they both make it, they will be a problem for both Arizona and Alabama.

My Pick for this Region

Alabama. Despite all the “stuff” happening around this program, they have looked the most unbeatable this year. I believe Brandon Miller and co. will beat Arizona in the Elite 8, and go to the Final Four.

Midwest Region

Top 4 teams in this region

God, this might be my favorite region of them all. Houston is the #1 seed, and got 1 of their 3 losses in the ‘MURICAN Championship recently (another one of their losses? Alabama.) They shut you down with defense, and have 5 players who score 10 or more points. BUT, their best player, Marcus Sasser, went down in the Semifinals of the conference tournament with a groin injury, and if he can’t go, it opens up for others in this region. Like, for example, next year’s Big 12 foe Texas. They had a controversy earlier this year with their coach Chris Beard, fired him, and somehow, look better now. Marcus Carr leads this psychical team, and even tho they aren’t as good as they are at home, it didn’t stop them in the Big 12 tournament. Xavier lost one of their best players in Zach Freemantle for the year, and even then, that loss didn’t stop them in the tough Big East. Souley Boum leads this team, and is one of two players who hit 40% or better from 3. The 4 seed is Indiana, and they are lead by maybe the Big 10’s best player in Trayce Jackson-Davis, a skinny center who can do it all. They have looked funky at times, but they also have swept Purdue this season, and can score/defend with the best of them. The top 4 seeds in this region are legit.

Other top teams in the bracket

I say they’re legit, and yet there’s more to this bracket. Miami is a 5 seed, co-championed the ACC regular season title, and also have the ACC PotY in Isaiah Wong. Iowa State has been up-and-down, but they are lead by their top 10 defense, and has beaten Kansas, Texas, K-State, and Baylor twice. Texas A&M beat Alabama, was 2nd in the SEC, and with Wade Taylor IV leading the way, look like they could be an Elite 8 team. Iowa and Auburn are 8 & 9 seeds, and can beat any given team on any night with their different styles (Iowa with their fast-paced offense, Auburn with their slow-it-down defense). Hell, I haven’t mentioned what might be the hottest team in the NCAAs right now: 10 seed Penn State, who clawed their way into the tourney with wins over Indiana (x2), Northwestern (x2), Maryland, and almost beat Purdue in the B1G tournament championship. Led by Jalen Pickett, they earned it.

Lower seeded teams who can go to the Sweet 16

Didn’t I say I love this region? I already mentioned Penn State. Pittsburgh is the 11 seed, was at the top of the ACC for most of the year, and can beat any team on any night. Missouri Valley champ Drake is a sleeper, as they can hit 3’s, play defense, not turn it over, and as being led by the coach’s son, Tucker DeVries, could cause damage to people’s brackets. Kent State is a 13 seed here, and shouldn’t be overlooked. They just beat a team who had a 17-game winning streak in their tournament final, hung with Gonzaga and Houston on the road for most of those games, and can have the game taken over by their star, Sincere Carry. Hell, don’t overlook 15 seed Colgate. I actually think they got underseeded here (I think they should be a 13 seed), and is the best 3-point shooting team, percentage wise, in the whole tourney. If they get hot from there, look out.

Best Game in the 1st round

Take your pick. PSU/A&M looks like the clear choice, as both are hot teams, and can make a deep tournament run. Drake/Miami is that classic 12 vs. 5 matchup that could be an upset, and Drake has the goods to do so. Kent State/Indiana will be fun to see with Carry vs. TJD. Auburn/Iowa could be fun, cause even tho Auburn hasn’t played good recently, they will be backed by a mostly Auburn crowd in Birmingham. And as said, look out for Colgate and their 3-point shooting. 15 seeds have been feisty the last couple years, and they could be said team this year.

Best Potential 2nd Round Game

Again, this region. Houston is gonna have their hands full with Iowa/Auburn, especially if Sasser can’t go. Texas A&M vs Texas would be the rivalry we want, but Penn State/Texas would also be fun. If Xavier goes on, they could be met by either Pitt or Iowa State, both hard matchups. Hell, we might see a Miami/IU 2nd-round battle. Or a Kent State/Drake fight. This region is fun, no matter what.

My Pick for this Region

I really don’t know. Any of these teams can make a fun to the Final 4, and it wouldn’t surprise me. As much as Houston has played well, if Sasser can’t go, that hurts them. Right now, I think I like Indiana the most. Oh god, it hurts to say that. And yet, even so, they have played well at times to beat the good teams. But Xavier and Texas look good as well. I’m definitely gonna change this before the tourney starts.

West Region

Top 4 teams in this region

Kansas is once again, back on top with a top seed. The defending champs did lose some games this year, including the Big 12 tournament championship, and that was without Bill Self, who was in the hospital during it. Even so, they are still the top team in this region, led by Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick. UCLA is the 2 seed, and has basically everyone back that was around for the 2021 Final 4 run. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell, and co. are looking for another run here, but losing Jaylen Clark, their best defensive player, for the rest of the year, is gonna hurt. Gonzaga is once again elite, and looking for their 1st championship. Drew Timme and Julian Strawther are hoping this is finally their year. Connecticut is also back, and look like a true contender. Led by Adama Sanogo, they are top 15 in both offense and defense, and even tho they lost some in the Big East, when they win this year, they usually win BIG.

Other top teams in the bracket

Probably my dark horse in this tournament is 6 seed TCU. They got impacted by injuries late in the season, as it effected Mike Miles Jr. Sure, they’re one of worst 3-point shooting teams in the nation. Even so, when they’re on and healthy, they are dangerous. Just ask Kansas how they did in Allen Fieldhouse. Saint Mary’s had one of their best seasons, and with a top 15 defense, and slow-ass offense, they can cause teams trouble. Look who is back in the tournament for the 2nd time: Northwestern! These cats were picked to finished 2nd-to-last in the Big Ten. Instead, they finished in 2nd place. Led by Boo Buie and Chase Audige, they can take over if you’re not ready for them. Then there’s Illinois and Arkansas, the 9 and 8 seeds, respectively. They underperformed in their leagues, and were inconsistent. Even so, they are both talented teams who were ranked highly to start the season, and have the potential to give Kansas fits, no matter who wins it.

Lower seeded teams who can go to the Sweet 16

Just 3 here for me. Boise State is the 10 seed, but they are not a pushover. Led by another coach’s son, Max Rice, he’s one of 5 players to average 10 or more points on the team, and has beaten SDSU and Texas A&M. VCU is back again, and if you don’t remember, they had a COVID issue in their last appearance in 2021, and couldn’t play in their tourney game. They will be itching to cause HAVOC once more, as they are back to turning teams over again, and scoring their points off them. The last one here for me is Iona. In what is most likely Rick Pitino’s last game here, he has a team that is on a 14-game winning streak, has some great players led by Walter Clayton Jr., and if you aren’t careful, they might show up for some 15 seconds of fame. Ok, I couldn’t resist that joke.

Best Game in the 1st round

Illinois vs. Arkansas. As I said above, these teams are inconsistent, but incredibly talented that they can cause fits to Kansas. Hell, Illinois themselves beat the 2 seed in this region earlier this season, so yes, they are capable. VCU/St. Mary’s is the classic 12 vs. 5 battle, and Iona/UConn can be fun with the Pitino Factor. But look out for Grand Canyon/Gonzaga and UNC Ashville/UCLA. Bryce Drew coaches GCU, and they hit almost 40% from 3. While UNC Ashville has a DUDE in Drew Pember. He averages 21 PPG, almost 10 RPG, and is a big guy who can hit 3’s. Watch out, UCLA.

Best Potential 2nd Round Game

I already said Kansas vs. their 8/9 foes, so why not mention this one instead? TCU vs. Gonzaga could be an epic showdown, as Gonzaga has all their talent, and TCU can beat anyone. I think whoever wins that game goes to the Elite 8, and maybe more. Also, look out for a potential UCLA vs. NW/Boise State game. With Clark out, that could be a problem for them.

My Pick for this Region

I didn’t mention them much, and gave TCU all the love. And even tho I have the Hypnotoads in the Elite 8, I think they get stopped by one team: UConn. I really like Connecticut here, and think they are set up for another big tournament run that they had in the past. I don’t think they’re gonna win by 20 or so points like they have before, but I really like their chances vs. the rest of the field.

East Region

Top 4 teams in this region

In the last region, we got Purdue leading the race here, as they are trying to get their 1st Final Four since 1980. They are led by the literal tank of a human that is Zach Edey, a 7’4″ 290 lb dude who, even if you double or triple team him, he can still score over your team cause of how massive he is (trust me, I seen him destroy my team. Twice.) But if you try to stop him, you will have to deal with his teammates, who all can hit from 3, like a Matt Painter team does. They did lose some near the end, cause after Edey, their team is pretty young. Marquette might be the story of the year, going from picked near the bottom of the Big East, to being regular season/tournament champs of their league, and a 2 seed, to boot. Led by Tyler Kolek, they are an offensive machine, and can turn you over like no tomorrow. Kansas State is the 3 seed, and are an emotional team led by their coach Jerome Tang. But more than that, the successful comeback of Keyontae Johnson after he was gone from basketball for two years after nearly dying on the court is still the best story of the year. Him and Markquis Nowell make a powerful duo. And then there’s Tennessee. The Vols won’t beat you with their offense, especially since they lost their PG Zakai Zeigler to an ACL injury. But, they are a top 5 defensive team, and can shut down your 3-point shooting with ease. It will be a rock fight with them.

Other top teams in the bracket

Just look at all the teams seeded 5-8 here. Duke is the 5 seed, and didn’t look like much of a threat in the middle of the season. But they have gotten healthy and have won 8 straight, including the conference tournament, albeit in a weak ACC. Even so, they are a darkhorse by many to reach the Elite 8/Final 4 (And by “many”, I mean ESPN.) Kentucky is funny, cause they are a 6 seed, and even then, I haven’t seen much talked about them doing anything in the tourney. And yet, they are still led by Oscar Tshiebwe and his double-double maintenance. If his other teammates can stay healthy, they can be a factor. Michigan State is back again for the 25th straight year under Izzo, and you know how they are in March. They have one of the best 3-point shooting teams, percentage wise, but they have been inconsistent, especially on offense. Still, this is a team that has beaten Kentucky, Indiana, Penn State on the road, and hung with Gonzaga and Purdue, so you know they’ll be dangerous. Memphis being a 8 seed might cause problems for Purdue, because they are hitting on all cylinders right now. Their duo of Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams scored 68 points total in the ‘MURICAN tournament quarterfinals, and beat Houston in the championship (and almost beat them a week earlier.) They are someone no top teams want to see.

Lower seeded teams who can go to the Sweet 16

Oral Roberts. Remember them? 2 years ago, they made the Sweet 16 as a 15 seed. They are back again with Max Abmas, and might be even better than that team. They literally dominated the Summit League, have won 18-straight, and even if you stop Abmas, you will have to contend with the rest of his mates who are an offensive powerhouse. There’s also Florida Atlantic, one of the best stories of the year. I know I gave Memphis praise, but don’t count out the 9 seed Owls. They won 31 games, won 20-straight at one point, shoot at good as any team out there, and will be a tough out for anybody. USC is the 10 seed, and while they don’t have many good wins outside of UCLA, they are still led by Boogie Ellis, who’s 18 PPG can take over. Providence is a funky 11 seed, because it seems like they should be higher than that, given they were ranked in the top 25 for most of the season. They may not play defense as well as other Ed Cooley-coached teams have, but they still have wins over UConn and Marquette. To close, a shoutout to Vermont, as they are the 15 seed, and while I don’t think they have the firepower to stop Marquette, they have been a perennial tournament team for years, so they will get that win someday.

Best Game in the 1st round

Oral Roberts/Duke. There is no question about it for me. Hell, this is my marquee game of the 1st round. Seeing the Duke team led by Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski take on the Abmas-led team is gonna be a thrill, and I can’t wait to see it. Memphis/Fla. Atlantic is gonna be interesting, cause I really think both teams can give Purdue a challenge, which I’ll get to in a second. USC/MSU is funny, cause it’s gonna be a future battle in the Big 10, and Kentucky/Providence is a battle of teams that have been ranked this year, so expect a close game between them.

Best Potential 2nd Round Game

Memphis/Purdue. I am gonna make a bold prediction. I think this will be Purdue’s hardest game to face, if they meet up. Purdue does have Edey, but they also have a young core around him, and seeing how Memphis has played recently, I can actually see them upset Purdue here with their own talent. Yes, they have to get by FAU first, but even so, watch out for this potential match. Kansas State facing the winner of UK/Providence would be fun, and a potential MSU/Marquette matchup has the makings of a good 2nd-round fight.

My Pick for this Region

I’m going with Marquette. Even if Purdue makes the Elite 8, there’s always something that prevents them from making the Final Four, and has for 40+ years now. Right now, I think Marquette is just better, and I think it will be them coming out of this region, doing something the school hasn’t seen since the Dwyane Wade days.

Final Four/Championship Picks

My Final Four is Alabama vs. Marquette, and Indiana vs. Connecticut. Out of the first one, I like Alabama to take down Marquette, and I think that would be a 90+ point offensive total for both teams to eclipse. For UConn and IU, I like the Huskies more than the Hoosiers. That defense can shut TJD down, and I think they win it by 10+. For the championship game between Bama and UConn, UConn beat Bama earlier in the season. And quite frankly, I think they do it again. It should be closer this time, but overall, I really do like UConn in the tourney. That’s my pick, my 2023 champions are the Connecticut Huskies.

And now, cause I’m done with the Men’s bracket, I’m about to do something I have never done before. I’m gonna give a full, in-depth take on the Women’s tournament as well. Are you ready?

Here it is

2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament: Analyst, Predictions, and Picks

Just take South Carolina or UConn lol