The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is over and now the over-analysis is on full-tilt boogie. Let's take a look at the draws for the six Big 12 teams which were chosen for the field of 68.
Kansas: According to the tournament chairman, Kansas was the fifth seed overall. KU is certainly tested against the tourney field having played Kentucky (1), Duke (2), Ohio State (2), Georgetown (3), Long Beach State (12), South Florida (12) and Davidson (13.) The opening match-up against Detroit is being touted as a much tougher game than the normal two versus 15 duel. And, a potential second round game against. St. Mary's is one which makes me shudder. Overall, I like Kansas' draw as well as the idea of the Jayhawks--hopefully--making the Sweet 16 and playing in St. Louis.
Missouri: I know Missouri fans won't want to hear this but I think that this is the draw, and the year, which propels MU to the Final Four. It's well known that Missouri has the most NCAA tournament wins without a Final Four appearance--this is the year that finally changes. There is no team in the West bracket which gives MU appreciable problems, given their four guard lineup, unless it's Marquette in a Sweet 16 match-up. I actually think a game against Marquette gives MU more problems than a potential regional final against Michigan State.
Kansas State: KSU faces the unenviable eight versus nine game and Southern Mississippi. (The Golden Eagles are coached by former Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy.) I think the 'Cats advance but will they beat Syracuse? No. It'll be one win and done for Frank Martin's team.
Iowa State: Iowa State also is on that eight-nine line and, like KSU, I like their chances to advance, beating Connecticut and then having to face the one seed. Kentucky will take down ISU in round three action.
Baylor: Which Baylor team will show up in the NCAA Tournament--the one which beat Kansas and looked impressive in Kansas City this past weekend, or the under-achieving squad which lost a total of five games against fellow two seeds KU and Missouri? Baylor should advance but then will likely face a tough UNLV team. A potential match-up with Duke awaits the Bears in the Sweet 16--a rematch from 2010.
Texas: The sixth team from the Big 12 is an 11 seed and draws a tough assignment against Cincinnati (six seed) in the Longhorn's first game. Cincy will win and advance to likely play Florida State.
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