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Six potential sleeper teams Dick Vitale ESPN.com | March 6, 2013
This college basketball season has been wild and wacky. There aren't any dominant teams, and we have seen that, on any given night, shock city can hit anybody. My friends, that is why this year's March Madness is tough to predict. That is the beauty of the sport, that it is so wide open. There are probably 15 teams out there, capable of winning six in a row and cutting down the nets in Atlanta. As we head into the final week of the regular season, there will be a lot at stake. Schools want to build momentum leading into Championship Week and then March Madness. I have been asked several times about sleeper teams come tourney time. It is still a bit early to tell how the seedings will work themselves out, but for now, I will project six schools that could be dangerous in the big dance. These are schools that I believe will be seeded below the top four in their respective region. A lot could change in the next few weeks. Injuries could take their toll. Some squads could fade and struggle into the tournament. Here are a super six schools that could make some noise.
Saint Louis Billikens The Billikens have warmed up after a 3-3 start. They beat VCU and Butler, giving Jim Crews' team a real boost. Kwamain Mitchell's return has given the team a spark as well. This club plays solid defense, and that is an important attribute come tournament time. If Saint Louis stays hot and wins the A-10 tournament, it could grab a higher seed.
Wisconsin Badgers Bo Ryan's team plays with so much heart, passion and intensity. The defensive effort is so crucial, and they will take time off the clock and shorten games in tournament scenarios. The coach always gets the most out of his talent, and this will be a very difficult out in the tournament. The Badgers are battle-tested from Big Ten dogfights all season long.
UNLV Rebels Is Dave Rice's team peaking at the right time? The Mountain West has been a solid league, and the Runnin' Rebels have a lot of talent. Don't neglect them when filling out the bracket. North Carolina State Wolfpack Last season, Mark Gottfried's team made a serious tournament run before falling to Kansas. That experience could help this time around. Expectations were so high going into this season, and it has been a rollercoaster for the Wolfpack. It could end up in a positive way at the big dance for CJ Leslie and company.
Illinois Fighting Illini Any team that could beat Indiana, Gonzaga and Butler deserves some consideration. Guard play is important in the tournament and the duo of Brandon Paul and D. J. Richardson has experience and the ability to do some damage. There is no shame is mixed results in the tough Big Ten. This team could surprise.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Tubby Smith has an athletic team capable of putting things together. Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams can be tough to stop on the baseline. Andre and Austin Hollins can shine on the perimeter and Smith can go deep off the bench.
Ski U Mah
This college basketball season has been wild and wacky. There aren't any dominant teams, and we have seen that, on any given night, shock city can hit anybody. My friends, that is why this year's March Madness is tough to predict. That is the beauty of the sport, that it is so wide open. There are probably 15 teams out there, capable of winning six in a row and cutting down the nets in Atlanta. As we head into the final week of the regular season, there will be a lot at stake. Schools want to build momentum leading into Championship Week and then March Madness. I have been asked several times about sleeper teams come tourney time. It is still a bit early to tell how the seedings will work themselves out, but for now, I will project six schools that could be dangerous in the big dance. These are schools that I believe will be seeded below the top four in their respective region. A lot could change in the next few weeks. Injuries could take their toll. Some squads could fade and struggle into the tournament. Here are a super six schools that could make some noise.
Saint Louis Billikens The Billikens have warmed up after a 3-3 start. They beat VCU and Butler, giving Jim Crews' team a real boost. Kwamain Mitchell's return has given the team a spark as well. This club plays solid defense, and that is an important attribute come tournament time. If Saint Louis stays hot and wins the A-10 tournament, it could grab a higher seed.
Wisconsin Badgers Bo Ryan's team plays with so much heart, passion and intensity. The defensive effort is so crucial, and they will take time off the clock and shorten games in tournament scenarios. The coach always gets the most out of his talent, and this will be a very difficult out in the tournament. The Badgers are battle-tested from Big Ten dogfights all season long.
UNLV Rebels Is Dave Rice's team peaking at the right time? The Mountain West has been a solid league, and the Runnin' Rebels have a lot of talent. Don't neglect them when filling out the bracket. North Carolina State Wolfpack Last season, Mark Gottfried's team made a serious tournament run before falling to Kansas. That experience could help this time around. Expectations were so high going into this season, and it has been a rollercoaster for the Wolfpack. It could end up in a positive way at the big dance for CJ Leslie and company.
Illinois Fighting Illini Any team that could beat Indiana, Gonzaga and Butler deserves some consideration. Guard play is important in the tournament and the duo of Brandon Paul and D. J. Richardson has experience and the ability to do some damage. There is no shame is mixed results in the tough Big Ten. This team could surprise.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Tubby Smith has an athletic team capable of putting things together. Trevor Mbakwe and Rodney Williams can be tough to stop on the baseline. Andre and Austin Hollins can shine on the perimeter and Smith can go deep off the bench.
Ski U Mah
