As I pointed out on Twitter, I will be continuing my blog the next few weeks to discuss the rest of March Madness and the NBA. I will also be covering any transfer or recruiting news around the Bonnies team. I would assume we will have the same team back next season. Everyone seems to know and embrace their role on the team. The question is, if we want to to add to this team, what will it look like? Keep your eye on twitter as the Bonnies may land Robert Morris transfer, AJ Bramah. He is a 6’7, 210 pound power forward who averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds last season. He has offers from Arizona State, Nevada, St Bonaventure, and Western Kentucky.
The Bonnies season may be over but the madness has not disappointed so far. We have four double-digit seeded teams in the sweet 16, and a one seed has already been bounced. The Big Ten has struggled in the tournament after having a strong regular season. The Big Ten landed 9 teams in the tournament and only Michigan is alive after the first two rounds. The Pac-12 has been the strongest with some big upsets along the way so far. UCLA, Oregon, USC, and Oregon State are still alive. The Pac-12 is 9-1 in the dance this year. Let’s break down the Sweet 16.
On Saturday, we have four games. Leading off the day we have Loyola Chicago playing Oregon State. Sister Jean’s squad will be too much for Oregon State and advance to final four past Syracuse or Houston. I think they can play with anyone because of their big man Krutwig. He can pass from anywhere, double team high pick and rolls, and has the best footwork in the tournament on the low block. I have Loyola Chicago advancing to the final four.
Baylor has a tough matchup against Jay Wright and Villanova. This game will decide who ends up in the final four. Oral Roberts and Arkansas have had great seasons but Baylor has too much fire power. Davion Mitchell is a stud who can lock down your best guard and give you 20 points any night. What is great about Baylor is their three guard lineup of Jared Butler, Macio Teague and Davion Mitchell. They are lethal scorers and have great rebounders to start fast breaks leading to easy buckets. Baylor is advancing.
On Sunday we have Gonzaga against Creighton and Oregon going up against a familiar foe from the Pac-12 in USC. USC’s Evan Mobley will be the second overall pick in the draft. He is a stud with a wingspan that cover the entire court. Don’t enter the paint against Mobley. I expect USC to advance but lose to Gonzaga by a few points. If Evan Mobley can neutralize Gonzaga’s Drew Timme inside, this will be a great game. Gonzaga will advance.
Michigan is the last Big Ten team standing and will face off against Leonard Hamilton and Florida State. Leonard Hamilton, head coach of the Seminoles, is still fighting to get to his first final four. I believe Florida State was going to win the tournament last year if the season didn’t end. With Michigan still missing their best player, Isaiagh Livers, they will struggle to score on a Florida State team that has the best defense left in the tournament. They held Colorado to 53 points yesterday. This team is legit. They will get past Michigan and Alabama and face off against Gonzaga.
- Gonzaga Vs. Florida State
- Baylor vs. Loyola Chicago
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Tom Doyle Blog 