How many NCAA Men’s Basketball brackets do you fill out each year? 10? 20? 30? It could seem like a lot of work to some, but for some this is the fun part of the “madness.” For those who fake a cold, bring in a tablet to work, or take a two hour lunch; March is their month. This article is not for them. This is for the parent who can’t spend every waking moment watching ESPN and all the bracketology specials. This is for the one that always loses the office pool. So with that I offer the “Art Note’s on College Basketball Brackets.” The tips will be short and sweet just like CliffsNotes we used back in high school.
The number one thing that you need to know about this year’s brackets is to pick Kentucky to win it all. Shocking right? I have been watching the Wildcats play this year and trust me, believe this hype. Teams have been trying to knock them off during the regular season. Just like in the NFL when teams bring their A game when facing the current Super Bowl champs, each college team wanted to be the one to knock off Kentucky. No one did. Kentucky found a way to win each game. Coach John Calipari has his team prepared mentally and physically. These guys are locked in.
Okay so I told you who to pick to win it all, now what? You still have to navigate your bracket to be unique, but not so out there that you lose your office pool day one. Here are some tips that will hopefully have you be the last one standing in your bracket pool.
Cheat Sheet Tips:
Don’t sleep on Michigan State and Coach Tom Izzo from the East Bracket. (Jeff Bogle knows this!)
Wisconsin will beat Arizona in the Elite Eight.
Don’t be a homer. I am a North Carolina Tar Heels fan, but I don’t have them going too far into my bracket.
12 seeds seem to beat 5 seeds. Remember that. Many people have been picking 12 seeds, so don’t think that you will be doing something unique by picking a 12 seed.
Notre Dame finds itself in the Elite Eight.
Gonzaga can beat Duke!
Iowa State is a legitimate team. You might think that this number three seed in the South is trendy pick, but they are the three seed for a reason.
Look for teams that have been together for a few years. Team chemistry is huge in the tourney.
Don’t share your picks with anyone in your office pool. They will either take your good picks or look to sway your picks.
So there you have it. These notes should help you win your league. Good luck and let the madness begin!