NCAA March Madness

Dirty Picks March Madness Preview

THREE BOLD ASS TAKEZ ON THE TOURNEY!!!

Bobby Catz

1. Multiple high seeds will fall in the first round.

  Eastern Washington will absolutely beat Georgetown in Portland! GTown is notoriously overrated year after year and its going to take a loss to a team like this to finally get that across to the selection committee. Throw in the fact that the Hoyas have to travel across the US and Eastern is a mere 5 hour drive down to Rip City. Georgia State will absolutely beat Baylor!! 

  G-State is a solid ass squad going against a very overrated (based on seeding) Baylor team. Plus State has Kevin Ware who is known for having the grossest injury ever on live TV which means he has to be due for some good luck right?? Give the man a bone already!! Oh....shit that was gross. State's gonna win though. 

  BUT THE GRANDDADDY UPSET OF THEM ALL!! Arizona will lose in the first round to Texas Southern!! Southern has already played a brutal schedule (and got rocked a bunch) that prepared them for the crucible that is the NCAA tournament. Throw in huge road wins against Michigan State (I know, its not much) and Kansas State and you have a team that is primed for the upset!! Throw some serious money on this one and show off to your friends because this one is gonna be a shocker!!

2. Gonzaga will make the championship game!!!

Sure this pick is biased as shit because I happen to be an alum of this prestigious institution (I have the credit score to prove it). But this is easily Few's best team ever and first legitimate team that could actually contend for a national championship. Sure other teams might have had higher potential draft picks and what not, but this one is tall, deep and very talented. Now all bets are off once they get in to the final, especially because most likely they will play Kentucky, but its a huge step for this program even making one. Zags are going to open up a few eyes this tourney, don't be surprised if they get a couple of lucky bounces along the way, this is a team of destiny. 

3. NOT A single 12 seed will beat a 5!

This has become an annual tradition where as soon as the brackets are released people are picking what 12 seed (or seeds) will upset a 5 because it always happens right?? Well not this year. Sure people will try and sell you on Stephen F Austin beating Utah or maybe Buffalo over WVU gets your solider to half-salute? Well put it back in your pants because they ain't happening. This class of five seeds is appropriately rated, whereas all of the 12's would have trouble against 14's. Don't fall for the classic 5/12 trap this year because you will be bustin' a lot of brackets. For what feels like the first time in history, a 5 seed will not lose to a 12. 

Kentucky Will Not Win the Tournament

Mr. Nutz

By now most of you have filled out 10-100 brackets for the Men's NCAA Tournament and 0 for the women's tournament (you feel bad now don't you?). The biggest theme in college basketball this year has been Kentucky dominating the shit out of everyone. The Wildcats have technically dominated this season, but I think when you take a deep dive into this Kentucky team you can find some key weaknesses. Will Kentucky win this tournament? Probably, but that's not as fun and would never get on such scripted shows as First Take or WWE. So here are three reasons to bet against Kentucky in this year's tournament. 

1. They don't have a tournament "star"

The beginning of each tournament is always carried by star players. Whether it be Jimmer Fredette, Kemba Walker, Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Williams, Adreian Payne, or whatever future NBA player; the Cats don't have it! Do they have NBA players? Oh fuck yeah, absolutely. Towns is and Cauley-Stein will be top 10 picks,  but they are not dominant stars! Can they block shots and rebound? Yeah! They're damn near 7 feet tall playing against a bunch of 19 year olds! What the fuck would you expect? Don't get me started on the Harrisons. They came alive last tournament to the surprise of yours truly, but they are not the typical bad ass Calipari-caliber guards we have grown to see. They are NBA role players AT BEST, and not the type of "take over the game " guards you need in a tournament. Kentucky may be unselfish and talented across the board, but they don't have an ultra talented player that will own a tournament moment and that's a big problem.

2. Too much pressure from all angles

They went all out during the season and kept their streak intact. This is a phenomenal feat in itself and should be applauded. The problem is, the pressure has been mounting for a while. They have shown weakness throughout the season and, to their credit, they were able to overcome it. The problem is, the tournament is a different animal! Teams are literally fighting for their basketball lives! Some of these dudes are going to graduate and start working at T-Mobile the next week! Everyone wants to be the team to beat Kentucky and they will throw every trick in the book at the Wildcats until they crack. By the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, the 'Tucky will be mentally and physically drained and vulnerable. 

3. Their offense isn't good enough

So this one is probably the most offensive to Coach Cal and the 'Cats. They finished 29th in ppg at 74.9 this year which is not bad at all. The problem is, they don't have one thing they do at an elite level, nor do they have an elite scorer. Well, I guess they do have one thing going for them: Elite Size. Not sure if that is a thing or not, but it is really what they are best at. They are also 42nd in assists per game, probably due to the Harrison's lack of talent. They will probably put 120 on their first opponent, but when they get deeper in the tourney, shit's not going to be so easy. ESPECIALLY if teams pack the paint and hope for a bad shooting day.

March Madness Round 1

First Round Bracket Boner Picks – Day 2

#3 Duke (-12.5)  vs #14 Mercer (L)

Day 1 of the tourney was not short on storylines.  There was upsets, there was overtimes, and there was Adrian Payne dropping 41 on Delaware.  Today is another day that will not disappoint when it comes to action.  Duke begins tournament play today when they take on Mercer.  Typically I would stay away from a line this big but its Duke taking on Mercer.  Mercer became one of the automatic bid teams after defeating Florida Gulf Coast in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament.  Duke will be the best team Mercer has been on the court with this entire season and Jabari Parker will be the best player Mercer has been on the court with this entire season.  I don’t see any reason Duke doesn’t dismantle Mercer.

Sugar’s Pick: Duke -12.5

#3 Iowa State(-8.5)  vs #14 North Carolina Central (WINNER!)

Personally, I think this is a lock.  Iowa State plays in the Big 12.  North Carolina Central plays in the MEAC.  I’ve never lied to my readers and I don’t plan on starting now.  Before researching NCC this evening I had never heard of the MEAC or any of the teams in it.  I would argue that unless you are from desolate parts of the Southern East Coast or select parts of the North East, then neither have you. I think Iowa State can play with any team in the country.  They are 4-0 in their last 4 and every team they played is in the tournament.  Carolina Central hasn’t been on the court with a tournament team since December 22^nd when they lost to Wichita.  Every game since has been against teams you and I have never heard of (or want to hear of).  Last weekend Iowa State beat Kansas by 11.  North Carolina Central is going to get blown-the-fuck-out.

Sugar’s Pick: Iowa State -8.5

#2 Kansas (-14)  vs #15 Eastern Kentucky (L)

Embiid might be out right now but there is no way in hell Eastern Fuckin Kentucky has a close game with Kansas.  What is in Eastern Kentucky? (Besides white guys with no teeth, wearing overalls with no shirts on).  Eastern Kentucky plays in the Ohio Valley Conference.  The OVC is very similar to the MEAC; a little shit show conference I recently discovered. (see previous pick).  The difference is: I’ve actually heard of the Ohio Valley Conference before.  Let’s just say, I have more respect for the talent level in my 86 year old grandmothers Senior Shuffle Board League.  East Kentucky got lit up by NC State and Wisconsin early on this year and since then haven’t played another tournament team.  Tonight they take on Kansas.  Wiggins has been goin’ off lately and this is his tournament debut.  Look for Kansas to roll through Colonels with ease.

Sugar’s Pick: Kansas -14

#8 Gonzaga vs #9 Oklahoma State (-3.5) (L)

The Cowboys are in my Final Four.  I don’t expect them to blow out the Zags but I do expect Marcus Smart and his team to win this game by more than 4.  The white boys from Spokane are going to have an early exit courtesy of Oklahoma State. 

Sugar’s Pick: Oklahoma State -3.5

Bob's Final Four Picks

Bracks on Bracks on Bracks

As the countdown for March Madness begins, there are a few things you can bank on every year at this time. Gonzaga will lose in either the first or second round; Michigan State will make a final four once in a four year span, and somebody will improve their draft stock so much that Michael Jordan will draft him top five.

Final Four

Duke
Talent usually wins out in the tournament. Duke has two of the five best players in the country including Jabari Parker who has really come into his own as of late. Coach K knows how grueling this tournament is and knows exactly what it takes to get this thing done. Do not be surprised if Duke gets hot and rides Parker all the way to the championship game.

Creighton
Douggie Buckets can really play some basketball. This is not a surprise to the writers at Dirtiest Picks, in fact we have him ranked as one of the ten best players in this draft class (check out the rest on next weeks article). His hot shooting could really take Creighton far in this tournament, and the road to get their is not nearly as tough as the other three teams listed.

Florida
Solid all around senior laden team. While none of their guys project to be stars at the NBA level this team can ball out and Coach Donovan has two titles already under his belt. Probably the safest bet of all the one seeds to make the final four and a definite threat to win it all.





Michigan State

Everyone knows by now that this Tom Izzo guy might be alright at coaching some bhoops. Given his reputation, the talent on this team and the fact that they are getting healthy at the right time and watch out!! You know he's gonna get you to the final four, but this State team has a legit chance of winning it all.

Darkhorses, Sleepers, and WSU

North Carolina
This NC team is weird. One night they look like a championship contender beating teams like Michigan State and Duke, the next they lose to Miami  and Wake Forest. However especially in the last few weeks they have been on quite a roll and any team unlucky enough to play them in the third or fourth round should be scared shitless.

OK State
Led by probable top ten pick Marcus Smart who has been playing out of his mind since he returned from his mid season suspension. They should be able to easily stomp out Gonzaga in the first round, followed up by a second round clash with Arizona. If they can score the upset over Arizona the road to the final four is clear and for the taking.

Kentucky
Do I legitimately believe the Catz have a chance of getting to the final four? Not unless the Harrison twins wake up Thursday morning and suddenly know how to play basketball. They are talented though, Julius Randal and James Young are easily the two best players on the team and Randal has shown at times that he's one of the best in the country. Could these two combine to upset the Wichita State Shockers in the second round? Absolutely, will it happen? Probably not.

Wichita State
The pick that no one believes in. Everyone expects the Shockers to lose either to Kentucky in the second round or soon thereafter. I however have a little faith in the Shockers. This is a team that reached the final four last year and was beating Louisville until the Cardinals put together one of the best all time runs to reach the title game. WSU is talented, experienced and deep; don't be surprised if they make a similar run to last year and reach the title game in North Texas.

Sugar's NCAA Final Four Picks

Sugar’s “Bracket Bonerz” Final Four Picks

After filling out my first bracket I looked back and realized I rarely stepped away from the chalk.  Being that this is March Madness and upsets are going to be abundant, I went back and took another look. My Final Four picks might end up being nothing more than a bunch of fucking nonsense or they might end up winning me a billion dollars; I really don’t fuckin know.

 But here they are nevertheless:

South

University of Florida Gators

Florida is the team who’s got the whole country on their dick.  They’re athletic, they play with a good tempo, they guard well, and they have a good coach; what’s not to like? The Gators face Albany in the first round; giving them a game to get any early tournament jitters out of their system before the real games start.  Next up Florida faces a real tournament team: Pittsburg.  Pitt is going to struggle to put up points against a team that guards as well as Florida.  It will be a much closer game but, inevitably Florida will be too much for Pitt to handle.  In the Sweet Sixteen the Gators will take on UCLA.  Yes, UCLA just won the PAC 12.  However, we here at Dirty Picks think the PAC 12 was garbage this year; a league who’s history and reputation weighed heavily on Selection Sunday.  In the Final Four play-in game Florida will take on the Lobos of New Mexico. It’s an Elite Eight matchup and a lot will be on the line.  New Mexico will have beaten Kansas and Syracuse on their way to this game.  “Defense wins championships” is how the saying goes; Florida’s defense will be the difference maker here and send the Gators onto Arlington as the Champion of the South.

East

Michigan State University Spartans

The Spartans struggled through the second half of their season and a lot of people jumped off their bandwagon because of it.  If you don’t already know, I am not one of those people.  I have been all about Sparty since day one.  In the first round MSU takes on the Blue Hens of Delaware.  Delaware has three players averaging 18+ ppg.  That’s a lot of scoring against a lot of shitty teams.  Michigan State will slow the game down and control the boards; ultimately leading to a first round win.  For the round of 32 Sparty will face the nerds from Harvard.  Harvard will be pumped after an upset victory against Cinci.  State’s veteran leadership will take control though and carry them on to week 2.  Look for Gary Harris to go off for 30 in this one.  Next up, Michigan State takes on the number one seed in the East: Virginia.  Virginia likes to slow things down and take their time.  They’re going to struggle to get the shots they want against Izzo’s defense and when they miss, Payne and Dawson will be there to control the boards.  Michigan State rolls in a close, low scoring game.  In the Elite Eight MSU takes on Iowa State.  By far the toughest game for the Spartans thus far.  Iowa State is athletic and plays with a very fast tempo.  They average 82.9 ppg but are lacking on defense.  Izzo’s style is tough defensive teams; this year has the potential to be his toughest.  Led by Appling, Payne, and Dawson the Spartans will put together a great defensive effort with few turnovers and deliberate offensive play; sending them down to Arlington for the Final Four as Champions of the East.

Midwest

University of Louisville Cardinals

First of all: why the fuck is Louisville a 4 seed? Are you going to tell me that Louisville, UCLA, and San Diego State (all 4 seeds) are on the same level? No! You sure as shit ain’t gunna say that.  Someone will Bertuzzi the fuck out of you.  I get why Michigan State is a 4 seed; they sucked it up the second half of the season.  But the Cardinals deserve better (12-1 in their last 13) and are going to make all the teams in their bracket pay for it.  First round Louisville faces Manhattan.  Manhattan should be playing another 4 seed worthy team such as UCLA or San Diego.  They’re not though; they’re playing Louis-fuckin-ville; the defending national champions.  Pitino’s gang is going to roll through Manhattan like Pitino rolled through hookers back when he could still get it up. In the round of 32 the real tourney starts for the Cardinals as they take on NC State.  NC State had to play in to the tourney by defeating Xavier.  They’re going to beat an overrated Saint Louis team in the first round and have their dreams crushed mercilessly by Louisville in the 2^nd round.  The Cards are 12-1 in their last 13 and average 82.2 ppg while holding opponents to 61 ppg. The little things will make the difference and in the end Louisville will be too much for NC State to handle.  Next up, the Cards take on Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen.  Kentucky will be turning heads and making people talk by the round of 16.  Nevertheless, the young guns in Kentucky will fall to the more experienced and disciplined team: Louisville.  The Elite Eight will feature two of the NCAA’s greatest programs: Louisville vs Duke.  The Blue Devils will come into this game having only been truly tested once; against Michigan.  The rest of their games they will win with little trouble.  Coach K.’s and Pitino’s squads will square off in an epic match up with a Final Four slot on the line.  In the end I think it comes down to the fact that Louisville is not a fucking 4 seed. There is a solid argument to be made for them having a ONE seed; if not a one then a two.  But instead, they’re a four; the same seed as UCLA and SDSU. After sending Duke packing, they will ride on down to Arlington as Champion of the Midwest. 

West

Oklahoma State University Cowboys

OK State is an interesting team.  They were steadily climbing the AP Top 25, reaching as high as 9^th in the nation, until February.  At which time, leading scorer Marcus Smart decided he had heard just about enough from those fat white guys down there in Texas and needed to teach a lesson.  Well his “lesson” earned him a 3 game suspension and by the end of it the Cowboys were all but out of the Top 25 completely.  It’s tourney time though, and playing “smart” is the name of the game for Smart. OKState takes on Gonzaga in the first round.  For how small of a school and where they are located you really have to give the Zags credit.  They always seem to be in the tourney and not just slipping in at the last minute, but solidly in the tourney.  There’s a thousand small universities (one of them located just off I5 in Lacey, Wa) who would kill for a chance at any of the 64 spots in the tournament.  Yet these god damn Gonzaga fans take it for granted year after year, and already have passed off this year as another early exit.  For real though, Smart and the Cowboys are going to be too much for the Zags and will roll to the 2^nd round.  In the round of 32 OKState will face Arizona.  Arizona fans are going to be devastated; I am sure they have very high hopes for this year’s team.  They kind of got cheated though; the Cowboys aren’t a 9 seed when they have future NBA star Marcus Smart on the floor.  So: sorry Zona, but it’s going to be an early exit this year.  But Hey! You still live in Arizona so what the fuck are you whining about?  Next up, the Cowboys face San Diego State University.  SDSU is one of those teams that could fuck up some brackets.  I think after taking down Gonzaga and Arizona, the Cowboys will be a team on a mission.  More importantly, I think Marcus Smart will be on a mission; perceiving that with each upset he makes happen, his draft stock will rise. Cowboys win a close one and advance.  Elite Eight time: Oklahoma vs Wisconsin.  Two, polar opposite, schools take the court with Final Four glory on the line.  Everyone says Wisconsin is full of guys that are “very coachable” and they play “disciplined”; what are you all afraid of? They’re white, just say it.  I look at this game and I see it as this: a big time game where big time players step up.  Wisconsin just does not have the big time players to make it happen. Elite Eight; national TV; Final Four on the line; that’s not a situation where I’m feeling the coachable, disciplined white boys.  That’s a situation where we look back and say “Damn Marcus Smart fuckin went off”.  Oklahoma State goes on to Arlington and everyone wants to blow Marcus Smart.

So that’s it. Florida, Michigan State, Louisville, and Oklahoma State.

BJ'S FINAL 4 PICKS

BJ's 2014 NCAA Tournament Final 4 Picks

Florida

Yeah, I'm not proud of this pick. It's an easy out and it probably won't happen because way too many squares will win money. But hey, I'm not picking Gator Nation to win the whole thing. I fully expect the best team in the nation to not face any real competition until the Elite 8. In fact, Florida should cruise straight through to the third round with solid veteran leadership and Billy Donovan at the helm. What I like about Florida is that they run 8 deep and play a grind it out, tough brand of basketball. Casey Prather and Scottie Wilbekin (both seniors) lead the Gators balanced Gators offense, which, honestly, is average at best. The Florida defense is where the magic happens. Donovan's squad only allows about 57.9 ppg, third best in the nation. Defense will carry in the tournament, so expect Florida to win big the first two rounds. If things get a little hairy in the later rounds, the Gators are experienced and well coached enough to pull out a win, as we saw in the SEC title game. Gator Nation is a lock for the Final Four!

Michigan St.

It's hard to count out the Spartans, especially when they're in a region with a bunch of overachievers (Virginia, Iowa St., Villanova) or tournament mainstays that aren't exactly living up to their reps (North Carolina, UCONN, Cincy Memphis). When you get down to it, Michigan St. and Virginia shouldn't have a problem dispatching these less talented teams to get to the Sweet 16. I believe that if these two do meet in the Sweet 16, Michigan St. will come away with a W. The Spartans have beat the best in the nation and played a schedule filled with tournament teams. When it comes to the Madness in March, big names count. Whether you're the Buckeyes with a Sullinger, Oden or Conley; Michigan with Tim Hardaway Jr and Glen Robinson; Kemba Walker and Kemba Walker's huge balls or just Jimmer, big names matter in the tournament. The Spartans have legit NBA talent on their team, led by sophomore guard, Gary Harris. State's leading scorer brings defensive chaos and solid free throw shooting (a must in the tournament, ask Derek Rose) to the table for Sparty and should stand out in key spots. Adreian Payne is a grinder down low who will bring hustle plays and energy to the Spartans. If you have any doubt about State, just look at Tom Izzo and slap yourself in the face. Izzo has his squad near the top of every statistical category and that is against an extremely competitive schedule. Take the Spartans and worry about the rest of your bracket. 

Creighton

That's fuckin right! Creighton is going to the Final Four! The Bluejays are going to use their filthy, disgusting, sticky, moist offense to bring the fire to this tournament. Creighton is ranked 23rd in ppg, 2nd in assists per game and 4th in field goal percentage. Most of this offense comes from Doug McDermott. Now believe you me, if you come with some weak ass defense against McDouble, he is going to fuck your shit up to the tune of 40 points. This tournament needs it's prototypical white guy that will never have this much basketball success again, and McDizzle will provide that. Creighton does not give a fuck on defense, so that will be an issue, but like I said, they don't have to play anyone good, so expect McDiscoballs to drop at least 35ppg before they reach the Final Four. Star player = Final Four and McDoubledick is THE star player this March.

Louisville

Apparently the defending champs are not a big deal or a sexy story because I have heard little to no coverage on the Flappy Birds this month. For a team that is 8th in ppg, 41st in rebonds per game, 19th in assists and 33rd in field goal pct. the Cardinals are not being taken seriously enough. We already know they have a dirty defense that only allows 61 ppg (15th best in the nation), but what else does the Pitino Platoon bring to the table? Well lets start with Russ Smith, the senior PG. Smith averages 18 ppg and shoots over 40% from three. He also has a penchant for hitting big shots, so expect huge things from Russdiculous this year in the tourney. Let's not forget about Louisville's beast of a big man, Montrezl Harrell. Not only does this future NBA bust have a sick rapper name, he can ball too! Harrell will provide the energy and toughness needed when the going gets tough later in the tournament. Don't sleep on Louisville this year. They've been here before, they have the players and their coach is still trying to separate himself from an embarrassing sex scandal. The Cardinals are a lock for the Final Four.

+Bobby Sugar