Blue Chips:
Stanford In perhaps the weakest division in the tourney, Stanford seems set up for a nice run to the Final Four. With only two blemishes on their entire season's schedule, the Cardinal (who are currently ranked second in the coaches poll) will have a lot to prove this March after their early departure from the Tournament last year at the hands of UNC. While they have been near perfect throughout the year, with an incredible victory over Duke back in December highlighting their resume, the Cardinal cannot enter the Tournament overconfident.Maryland
The Terps are possibly the best number-three seed in the Tournament. Before the ACC Tournament loss to Duke, Maryland closed out the season with six straight victories, including poundings of Virginia, Wake Forest, and even the Blue Devils. A roller-coaster year left the Terps at 21-10, but the momentum they have picked up, along with their experienced players, could carry them far in the bracket.Iowa State
A number-two seeding may be a bit generous considering the upset loss to eighth-seeded Baylor in the Big 12 Conference Quarterfinals. Nevertheless, the Cyclones have a 25-4 overall record and did advance to the Elite Eight last year, losing to eventual champion Michigan State. Point guard Jamaal Tinsley is one of the best ball handlers in the county, and the team has numerous threats from downtown.Cinderellas:
Georgetown Although they haven't been to the Big Dance in four years, the Hoyas are on a hot streak with big wins over Syracuse and Notre Dame in the final few weeks of the season. Ranked 18th in the nation, according to the AP poll, and with a 23-6 overall record, Georgetown is a young but very large team. The Hoyas are fueled by the size of Ruben Boumtje, Lee Scruggs, and Wesley Wilson, who all stand between 6'11" and 7 feet.Georgia Tech
If any team is going to surprise Stanford, it may well be the Yellow Jackets. They have defeated Virginia three times this year and have also beaten Maryland, UCLA, and Kentucky. Without much talent, first-year coach Paul Hewitt has put together a decent team which could give Stanford d?©j? vu.Players to watch:
Tony Akins, Georgia Tech. The 5'11" senior point guard has led the Yellow Jackets to a solid season, and leads the team in points (14.5), assists (4.2), and three-point percentage (42.3)Juan Dixon, Maryland. The future NBA star, Dixon has led his team with 18.4 points and 2.6 steals per game. Dixon has been clutch down the stretch, and is vital if his team is going to advance past the Sweet Sixteen.
Summary:
While Stanford is the clear favorite in this weak bracket, it have yet to prove itself in March. Indiana, under the leadership of Bob Knight, lost in the first round in four of the past six years. Replacement Mike Davis hopes to change that streak of choking that Knight had instilled in the program. Maryland has a loaded lineup but has been schizophrenic at times this season. If the Maryland team that thumped Duke shows up then the rest of the South could be in trouble.
