Thursday, March 20, 2008

By Rich Barton
NJS.com Staff Writer

TOURNAMENT CENTRAL – As you sit there in your office, at your school, or in the privacy of your own home, you are probably wondering…what is Rich Barton’s favorite four-day stretch of the entire year? The answer is this Thursday through Sunday in which the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament are played. From amazing shots, to spectacular individual and team performances, to shocking upsets, the NCAA Tournament has a little bit of everything for the common basketball fan.

In a television world that is virtually dominated by ‘reality’ programs, the NCAA Tournament provides the most real version possible of reality television. No matter what the seeds, when two teams meet during the tournament, the winner moves on and the loser goes home.

When looking at an NCAA bracket, there are those who know what they are talking about, and those who barely recognize many of the schools in the tournament. Then are people like yours truly, Richie Ballgame, who think they know what they are talking about, only to get proven wrong year after year.

As I am generally up late writing award-winning stories, I’m simultaneously watching a bevy of college basketball games. So for those who are curious to know my take on the NCAA Tournament…here it is, Richie Ballgame’s Bracket Buster (for entertainment purposes only, of course).

EAST REGION

Player to watch:
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina

This guy has an awkward style of play and zero finesse, but he knows where his strengths are and makes everyone else on the court adjust to him. The 6’9” junior puts the power in power forward. He has tremendous upper-body strength, he is as tenacious as any player in the country both offensively and defensively, and he knows how to finish. But more impressive than anything else is he gets to the foul line nearly 11 times a game and shoots 81.7 percent, a high percentage for a big man. Averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds a game; this is a player who can take over a game at any time.

Biggest First-Round Upset:
No. 11 St. Joseph’s over No. 6 Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a handful of wins over ranked teams this year and had a strong season in the Big 12. But I watched the game they had against Texas in the Big 12 semifinals and they looked absolutely listless. Not a good sign heading into the Big Dance. Meanwhile, the Hawks of St. Joe’s are flapping their wings at the right time. Led by Ahmad Nivins, who played his high school ball at St. Anthony in Jersey City, they are riding high and brimming with confidence. The bottom line is this, one team is on its way up, the other on its way down and out for the count.

Sleeper Pick:
Butler

The Bulldogs have been in the Top 25 rankings all year and have steadily gotten better throughout the season. They have been around the Top 10 in recent weeks, only to get snubbed a bit andsaddled with not only the No. 7 seed, but also a tough first-round game against South Alabama in the Jaguars' home state. Regardless, this is a team ready to prove itself against the best. This is a team that can lose in the first round, but also has the talent to reach the Final Four. Always watch out for a dog with a mean bite.

First-Round Winners:
UNC, Indiana, Notre Dame, Washington State, St. Joseph’s, Louisville, Butler, Tennessee

Second-Round Winners:
UNC, Washington State, Louisville, Butler

Region Finalists:
UNC, Louisville

Region Champion:
Louisville

The Cardinals have flown under the radar as of late and are boosted by a favorable draw through the first two rounds. They have no players that average over 12 points per game and only two that average over five rebounds. But that is exactly what I like, a team that does not need a superstar to get by. They have balance, and head coach Rick Pitino knows how to manage a team in the NCAA Tournament.