Tourney Time: Some First-Round Previews

Derek DeNote

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Literally it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I could not be happier. Here are some first round previews…

(5) Oklahoma State v. (12) Oregon: First off, how in God’s name did Oregon get a 12 seed? Coming into the tourney, I was so high on OK State (No, it wasn’t because I was on an IV or just injected with 3 different medications.) since they have 3 quality NBA players. Marcus Smart is pretty fun to watch and is accompanied by LeBryan Nash (the one and done that most will most likely be a 3 and done) and Markel Brown, who is slightly underrated on this team. The sad thing about OK State is that they run into the most proven 12 seed ever. Oregon is good, but their uniforms don’t compare to their court or their football team’s uniforms. This will be the hottest 12-5 upset this year and a must see.

Echenique is a big dude.

(7) Creighton v. (10) Cincinnati: A great game that boils down to offense (Creighton) versus defense (Cincinnati). If you haven’t seen Creighton play this year, you’re missing out. They’re your typical mid-major that run quality sets for quality shots and their offense just seems fluid. They’re scrappy on the defensive end and Echenique provides some nice size on the interior with some bright pink shoes that compliment his big bully look. If you haven’t seen Cincinnati play this, year you’re one of the luckiest people alive. Their offense, at times, is literally pass it to their right let him try to break his man down one on one and if he can’t pass it to his right and so far and so forth until it’s in the corner. Then they pass to the left and try it again. Cincy is really missing Yancy “Joe Frazier” Gates’s presence on the low block. Expect a dandy.

(6) Arizona v. (11) Belmont: Don’t get confused, people… Belmont is good. At one point they were ranked in the top 25. Don’t get confused, people… Arizona is overrated. I credit this to the lack of playing time that Jackson Callahan is seeing; they need a defensive stopper like him out there on the court. Arizona is dreadful at defending the 3 and Belmont is great at spreading their opponents out and kicking it out for an open trey ball. The one thing Arizona has going for them is that after Sean Miller’s speech in the Pac-12 tournament I’d certainly go to war the man…he loves him team and you have to admire that.

(2) Ohio State v. (15) Iona: This one isn’t one you’re gonna hear the experts talk about, but this Iona team is flat out explosive. Ohio State is really, really good, but they’re predicated on their defensive pressure from their guards, Craft and Smith, and scoring for Deahaun Thomas. I expect Thomas to go off for 55 since he’s on my fantasy team, but I expect tOSU to have trouble guarding Momo Jones. Craft is great at defending on the ball, but you literally have to pick up Momo from half court because his range is unbelievable. Also, tOSU has not seen a team this explosive this year. It might be a shock for them, but I’m sure Thad will be able to come up with something. This will certainly be an entertaining game nonetheless.

(4) Michigan v. (13) South Dakota State: Don’t make the mistake, America (and by America I mean the 13 people that reread our articles 6 times and we’re very appreciative of each one of you) but, Nate the Great is good and Michigan’s lack of defensive intensity could make them go home early in March. Michigan is another one of those teams that I loved coming into March, but I’m certainly not in love with their matchups. I can’t see them entering the Sweet 16 unless they can win two games (I am so goddamn insightful). But na, I can’t see them beating VCU if VCU can escape an Akron team that’s missing their weed transporting point guard.

(6) Butler v. (11) Bucknell: I’ll de-myth this right now. Brad Stevens, don’t let me down, but I cannot see Bucknell pulling this upset. Bucknell’s strength is no doubt, Mike Muscala, who can score and rebound the ball, but Butler has Andrew Smith, who will be able to neutralize him. I don’t have the confidence that Bucknell will be able stop Rotnei Clarke and company; so I tell you to carry on, pick Butler to go far. Bucknell does have the brother of the great Ryan Ayers, who filled it up once or twice at his time at Notre Dame, but I don’t think Cam (Cameron Ayers, but we’re good enough friends for me to call him Cam) is as good as his brother, and I think he’ll have one less win than Ryan…meaning zero. Also, Brad Stevens is still at Butler, so they will most definitely be fine. Go bulldogs! And Seth Greenberg is extremely adamant that Bucknell will…so yeah! Definitely go with Butler.

Buzz Williams should probably stop
going to Helen Keller for fashion advice.

(3) Marquette v. (14) Davidson: Marquette is coached by a guy that certainly could read Bobbie Thomas’ new book The Power of Style: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Dressed Tomorrow and learn a few things. But, he’s also quoted in an ESPN special saying, “we don’t really run plays and that’s why we’re successful later on.” So, yeah! This Marquette team certainly isn’t filled with NBA talent, but Buzz does coach the game of basketball well. They’re running into a freight train called Davidson that won 14 straight games. 

And very quickly, for those of you who haven't yet, don't forget to sign up for the Out of Our League Bracket Challenge over on ESPN. The winner may or may not get anything, but it's free to enter to what the hell, right? And also, if you want credit if you win, make sure we can tell who you are by your ESPN name or else let one of us know.