My NCAA Picks for this Weekend

Come Monday there will be only four teams still practicing. The Final Four. As we head into the slate of games this weekend, all four regions are wide open. Here are my picks:

East Region: Wisconsin Badgers

I am picking the Badgers to come out of the East. They certainly have the pedigree as they have made the Final Four in two of the past three years. Led by Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin will put on a show in MSG and advance to Tucson for the Final Four.

Midwest Region: Kansas Jayhawks

This region is wide open. Purdue and Caleb Swanigan pose a major threat to the Jayhawks as Bill Self's squad lacks an imposing low-post presence. Michigan seems like a team of destiny. After a very frightening plane crash, the Wolverines have gone on to win the Big Ten Tournament and then came out on top of their first two Tournament games. Then there's Oregon who had been written off after losing Chris Boucher, but look just as dangerous after his ACL injury. With all os this said, Kansas has too much talent. Without he steady play of Devonte Graham and Frank Mason Jr. in the backcourt paired with stellar wing play by Josh Jackson, the Jayhawks will come out of the Midwest region.

South Region: North Carolina Tar Heels

This is unquestionably the region of attrition. Kentucky and UCLA play each other. I can see that game between the blue bloods going either way. UNC will beat Butler so I know they will be playing for a spot in the Final Four. With the other game basically a toss-up, I will take the Tar Heels to be the last team standing in Memphis come Sunday night and secure spot in the Final Four.

West Region : Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats haven't been to a Final Four since 2001. That is an eternity for a program of Arizona's stature. This is the year the monkey finally gets off of Sean Miller's back. Arizona will reach the Final Four, which is taking place right in their backyard.