It’s the middle of March, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to go dancing.
Selection Sunday has come and passed, and that scratching sound you hear is that of thousands of pencils etching Final Four picks onto freshly printed brackets. There are favorites (Kansas, Kentucky), long-shots (BYU, Vanderbilt) and no-shots (Robert Morris, Lehigh). It’s one of the most special events the sporting world has to offer, and what follows is a full preview of the tournament’s action.
Midwest Region

The favorite: Kansas headlines this region, and stands as the prohibitive favorite with the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. The Jayhawks have been dominant throughout the season, and never dropped below No. 3 in the AP poll. Senior guard Sherron Collins led the team with 15.6 points and 4.4 assists per game, while junior center Cole Aldrich averaged nearly a double-double with 11.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Kansas is arguably the most complete team in the tournament, and will be picked by many to win it all.
Contenders: Ohio State captured the No. 2 seed in this region, and could be a tough out behind the leadership of future NBA lottery pick Evan Turner. The junior did it all for the Buckeyes this season, averaging 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He also proved his worth in the clutch, hitting a game-winner in the Big Ten Tournament from well beyond the three-point line.
Watch out for: Michigan State, a favorite going into the season, fell to a No. 5 seed. The Spartans may have had a disappointing regular season, but they return most of their key players from last year’s Final Four run, and head coach Tom Izzo knows how to coach in the tournament.
West Region

The Favorite: After a surprisingly dominant season, Syracuse grabbed the No. 1 seed in the West region. There are, however, some concerns following the Orange. They laid an egg in the Big East Tournament, losing their opening game to Georgetown. In that game, senior forward Arinze Onuaku was injured. He will have to make a quick recovery for Syracuse to continue its remarkable season.
Contenders: Kansas State, led by senior guard Jacob Pullen and his beard, cannot be underestimated at the No. 2 seed.

Watch out for: Butler has the No. 5 seed, and they have not lost since Dec. 22. After an impressive run through the Big Ten Tournament, Minnesota could also make a run from the No. 11 seed.
East Region

The favorite: Take a look at Kentucky, the No. 1 seed the East, and you might mistake them for a 2011 NBA team. Head coach John Calipari has stacked the Wildcats with draft prospects this year, including an electric point guard in freshman John Wall. Whether this is a positive or negative trait remains to be seen, but what Kentucky lacks in experience, it makes up for in talent.
Contenders: Second-seeded West Virginia made an impressive run through the Big East Tournament, defeating Cincinnati, Notre Dame and Georgetown. Senior forward Da’Sean Butler has shown a penchant for hitting clutch shots, and the Mountaineers could challenge Kentucky if they meet in the Elite Eight.
Watch out for: Tenth-seeded Missouri runs a frenetic full-court press that could wreak havoc on opponents. Washington could also surprise at the No. 11 seed after bulldozing its way through the Pacific-10 Tournament.
South Region

The favorite: Love them or hate them, the Duke Blue Devils head the field in the South Region. After taking the crown in a weakened ACC Conference, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his crew will look to make the Final Four for the first time since 2004. Senior guard Jon Scheyer is the motor that makes the team go, while Oregon native Kyle Singler hopes to continue a career season.
Contenders: Villanova’s regular-season accomplishments were impressive enough to warrant a No. 2 seed, but the Wildcats staggered down the stretch, losing five of their last seven games. Still, look for senior guard Scottie Reynolds to right the ship in the tournament.
Watch out for: Thirteenth-seeded Siena draws a depleted Purdue squad in the first round, and could be poised for a run. California, a No. 8 seed, is also explosive and could make life difficult for teams if its three-point shooting is up to par.
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