Blue chips:
Duke
The Blue Devils secured their number one seed after routing North Carolina (UNC) in the ACC finals on Sunday by a 79-53 margin. After consecutive wins over Maryland and UNC, Duke seems poised for another Final Four appearance. Always a strong NCAA Tournament team, the Blue Devils will have to overcome injuries to team leaders such Jason Williams (sprained ankle) and center Carlos Boozer (broken foot). This leaves Duke in danger in the depth department, which could make the team slightly vulnerable to strong opponents as it travels deeper into the tournament.Boston College
After winning the Big East tournament by running away from Pitt, the Eagles have proven they're worthy of the third seed given to them by the selection committee. While the team features dynamic shooters in Troy Bell and Ryan Sidney, its lack of size will pose problems when matched up against bigger, tougher opponents.Kentucky
While Kentucky is probably the weakest two seed in the tournament, the Wildcats are always strong in the postseason. After winning the SEC eight out of the last ten years, the Wildcats reigned as champions again on Sunday, crushing Ole Miss. 77-55. But with six freshman on their team roster, Kentucky lacks postseason experience, a factor that will may a large effect on the potential Final Four run.Cinderella Teams:
Iowa
The recently red-hot Hawkeyes got an automatic bid into the tournament after winning the Big Ten conference. After losing guard Luke Recker at midseason, Iowa seemed to fall into a slump. But the team turned it around in the conference tournament and, with Recker's return from a broken kneecap, could present Kentucky with a tough second round match-up.Hofstra
Winning the American East conference, the Hofstra Pride take the nation's longest winning steak (eighteen games) into the tournament. Despite losing speed (literally, in the person of Philadelphia 76ers guard Speedy Claxton) when last year's seniors graduated, this year's team is deeper and more balanced in its scoring attack. This could give the Pride an opportunity to upset UCLA in their first round match-up.Players to watch:
Shane Battier, Duke
With the loss of Williams and Boozer, the Blue Devils will have to rely heavily upon this senior forward. After the season Battier has had, this should be no problem. Battier ended the regular season with the credentials to be player of the year, averaging 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. Both a defensive and offensive threat, he will be the Blue Devils' go-to player in March.Earl Watson, UCLA
Watson is, without a doubt, the Bruins' best player. A leader on and off the court, the senior comes off his best regular season at UCLA. Watson scored 20 points in a road win at rival Stanford while scoring 19 against the Cardinals in a home loss. Making big plays and distributing the ball well, his performance in March will have a tremendous impact on UCLA's run in the tournament.Troy Bell, Boston College
After winning last year's Big East Rookie of the Year award, Bell contributed more consistently to the Eagles' offense this season. Scoring in the double digits against every Div. I team he faced, the sophomore earned the conference co-Player of the Year award, sharing it with Notre Dame's Troy Murphy.Summary:
Duke's major weakness this year has been defending against quick point guards, and because of this, UCLA's Earl Warren could present the Blue Devils with a challenge. But despite this weakness and the loss of several key players, the Eastern bracket contains the least depth of any in the tournament and should be an easy win for the Blue Devils.
