It's anyone's tournament to win this year. The number 1 seeds are not nearly as dominant this year as they were a year ago with only one of them (overall number 1 seed Louisville) winning its conference tournament. Pitt, UConn, and North Carolina all lost in games they were expected to win. I can see any of the number 1 and number 2 seeds winning it all, and even a couple number 3s. But since half the fun is predicting the teams here's my final four
Louisville- won the Big East (best conference in college basketball) regular season title and conference tournament. A complete team with vicious defense.
UConn- They are the weakest number 1 seed, but luckily for them they somehow got placed in the bracket with the weakest competition. They are going to make it here for one reason and one reason alone. Hasheem Thabeet. He's 7'3" and has a tendency to swat every shot taken within the three point line. No team that is good enough to run with UConn in this bracket has anyone big enough to push him around. If a team like Washington is able to push around Thabeet and pull off the upset (unlikely), then Memphis will win this Region.
Pitt- DaJuan Blair. Sam Young. Levance Fields. They beat UConn twice this year. Enough said.
North Carolina- If healthy, the most experienced and talented team in the big dance this year.
Louisville over UConn
UNC over Pitt
UNC over Louisville to win it all. If Lawson gets over his toe injury, they are just too good for anyone, even athletic and defensive minded Louisville.
I know I picked all number one seeds after saying that a two seed or even a three seed could win it all, but that's just how my picks came out.
GO BADGERS!
GO GOLDEN EAGLES!