OKC Thunder fan guide to the NCAA tournament South region

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Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) dunks during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 93-83. Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The NCAA Tournament’s South region is officially set after Kansas State defeated Wake Forest last night.

There’s nothing like the NCAA Tournament; March Madness’ South region is the epitome of that sentiment. With teams like North Carolina, UCLA, Kentucky and Cincinnati the region has the chance of churning out any number of Final Four teams. Which teams have the best chance to win the region? Who is going to be upset in the first or second round? Let’s take a quick look at all 16 teams to find out.

#1 University of North Carolina

North Carolina comes into the tournament with arguably the most complete team in the country. Led by juniors Joel Berry and Justin Jackson the Tar Heels have size and athleticism at all five positions; there’s a reason the 2016 National Runner-Ups are favorites entering the Big Dance.

#2 University of Kentucky

Behold, a John Calipari-coached team that plays seniors in meaningful minutes! UK is led by freshman standouts Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox, but how far they go may be determined by the bench play of Dominique Hawkins, Mychal Mulder and Derek Willis.

#3 University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA comes in as the most dangerous 3-seed in the tournament. Led by Lonzo Ball, the Bruins offense is nearly unstoppable. The defense is so bad, however, that an early-round exit is just as likely as a run to the Final Four.

#4 Butler University

Butler comes into the tournament with wins against Arizona and Villanova and losses to St. John’s and Indiana State. Leading scorer Kelan Martin comes off the Bulldog bench; only two starters average over 10 points a game. Needless to say, it’s impossible to predict how this team will play come tournament time.

#5 University of Minnesota

Minnesota enters the tournament as the biggest surprise for many college basketball analysts. Their 24-9 record deserved a spot in the Big Dance, but a #5 seed seems high. There’s a reason Middle Tennessee State is one of the most popular upset picks.

#6 University of Cincinnati

Ahhhhh the love of my life. I may write about the Thunder part-time, but UC basketball is the crown jewel of my sports fandom. For the first time in my lifetime I truly believe this Bearcat team can make the Final Four. Here’s why.

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#7 University of Dayton

Yet again, the Dayton Flyers enter March Madness with an under-the-radar season. Led by brilliant coach Archie Miller the Flyers enter the tournament with only seven losses, two coming in their last two games.

#8 University of Arkansas

Arkansas comes into the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country. They won 9 of their last 11 games, with the only losses coming @ Florida and to Kentucky in the SEC championship game.

#9 Seton Hall University

Seton Hall comes into the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country…no wonder the Pirates and Razorbacks are slotted to play each other in the first round. The Pirates are led by junior guard Khadeen Carrington who averages 17-3-3 a game.

#10 Wichita State University

What’s up with the mid-major hate? Wichita State enters the Big Dance as a perennial college basketball power, having won nine NCAA tournament games in the last four years. At 30-4, this team probably deserved to be closer to a #1 seed than the #10, but that’s how the bracket turned out.

#11 Kansas State University

Kansas State secured their place in the Round of 64 with a close win against Wake Forest last night. Coached by former Illinois coach Bruce Weber, the Wildcats play hard-nosed defense looking to force turnovers.

#12 Middle Tennessee State University

Now we get to everybody’s favorite sleeper. After upsetting Michigan State last year, MTSU comes into the tournament with the main pieces from last season as well as the taste of a tournament victory. Don’t be surprised if the Blue Raiders become the talk of opening weekend.

OKC Thunder fan guide to the NCAA tournament South bracket

By Tony Heim | Mar 15, 2017

The NCAA Tournament’s South region is officially set after Kansas State defeated Wake Forest last night.