South Regional General Information:
Regional Site: Reliant Stadium in Houston Texas
Conference Tournament Champions: 7
At Large Teams: 9
Mid Majors: 8
Pods: 4 (Jacksonville, Spokane, New Orleans and Providence)
Interesting Facts:
- First #1 Seed for Duke since 2006. Prior to that Duke had been a #1 seed in 8 of 9 tournaments.
- Arkansas Pine Bluff will play in the NCAA tournament after starting out the season 0-11.
Team Capsules
#1 Seed Duke Blue Devils
Bid: ACC Tournament Champion
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Record: 29-5
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 1st
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 4th
Key Offensive Stat: Turnover % 10th
Key Defensive Stat: Opp 3pt FG% 3rd
Player to Know: Brian Zoubek
It's been a few years since the Blue Devils have made major waves in the NCAA tournament and Coach K and company have plenty to be optimistic about this year. A favorable draw in the South to go along with an experienced team that plays very efficiently. The Blue Devils have coasted somewhat under the radar but when you look at the numbers it's not that big of a surprise to see them as third rated #1. If John Scheyer and Kyle Singler can continue to lead the charge while Brian Zoubek remains a factor underneath, a trip to Indy could very well be in store for the Blue Devils.
#2 Seed Villanova Wildcats
Bid: At Large Selection(Big East)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Record: 24-7
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 8th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 62nd
Key Offensive Stat: Off Reb% 27th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponents FTA% 330th
Player to Know: Scottie Reynolds
How many times have we seen it? A team with senior leadership at the guard position often makes a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Villanova boasts two seniors in Scottie Reynolds and Reggie Redding to go along with Cory Fischer in what some consider the best backcourt in the country. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the interior where a lack of depth and experience could play a major factor in whether the Wildcats tournament hopes.
#3 Seed Baylor Bears
Bid: At Large Selection(Big 12)
Location: Waco, Texas
Record: 25-7
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 5th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 52nd
Key Offensive Stat: eFG% 13th
Key Defensive Stat: Block% 5th
Player to Know: LaceDarius Dunn
Baylor has a legit playmaker in LaceDarius Dunn and an impact man on the interior in Ekpe Udoh. The Bears can play fast but they are also capable of playing a halfcourt game with the bodies inside to do it. Baylor is a very solid #3 seed in any bracket and with the way they played in the Big 12 regular season and tournament the have a lot of confidence headed into the tourney. The one problem factor is that depth can be an issue for the Bears as they tend to only go about seven deep. If foul trouble or fatigue become a factor it can hurt Baylor.
#4 Seed Purdue Boilermakers
Bid: At Large Selection(Big10)
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Record: 27-5
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 49th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 6th
Key Offensive Stat: Turnover% 14th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent Turnover% 21st
Player to Know: E'Twaun Moore
Unfortunately Purdue will be without Robbie Hummel who has proved to me more valuable than anyone could have imagined. At one time in contention for a top seed the Boilermakers have struggled since the loss. Guard play will be critical, but most importantly the Boilermakers will need to hang their hat on defense more than ever to make waves in the tourney.
#5 Seed Texas A&M Aggies
Bid: At Large Selection(Big12)
Location: College Station, Texas
Record: 23-9
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 39th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 23rd
Key Offensive Stat: FTA% 6th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent FTA% 169th
Player to Know: Donald Sloan
Mark Turgeon has the Aggies playing top 25 basketball once again in College Station. Donald Sloan could have easily been in the discussion for Big 12 player of the year but flies largely under the radar. A front line with and experience Byron Davis and an athletic big man in David Loubeau can be tough to handle. They're battle tested and enter the tournament with a chance to do some damage. Still they'll need a healthy Dash Harris and a focus on avoiding turnovers to pull a big upset somewhere along the way.
#6 Seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Bid: At Large Selection(Big East)
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Record: 23-11
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 4th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 140th
Key Offensive Stat: Turnover% 6th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponents Turnover% 342nd
Player to Know: Tory Jackson
Notre Dame is a very efficient offensive team that takes excellent care of the basketball. By the same token they don't force many turnovers or pack a punch defensively. Buckle down on defense, spread the wealth and they can be a dangerous team. Put it all on Harangody and make life easy on the defensive end for the opposition and they're likely to fall early.
#7 Seed Richmond Spiders
Bid: At Large Selection(A-10)
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Record: 26-8
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 67th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 36th
Key Offensive Stat: Turnover% 18th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent Offensive Rebounding% 253rd
Player to Know: David Gonzalvez
An extremely dangerous and experienced backcourt is all you need to know about Richmond. The run a fast paced version of the "Princeton offense" and could be a good pick to make a surprise run at a Sweet 16 or even Elite 8 in a region considered soft at the 2 and 3.
#8 Seed California Golden Bears
Bid: At Large Selection(Pac10)
Location: Berkley, California
Record: 23-10
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 3rd
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 8th
Key Offensive Stat: eFG% 28th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent TO% 252nd
Player to Know: Jerome Randle
Cal won a weak weak weak Pac 10 conference but challenge themselves in the non conference with games against Kansas, Ohio State, Syracuse and New Mexico. They've been in games with big time opponents and if they shoot well from the perimeter they have a chance to make a little noise.
#9 Seed Louisville Cardinals
Bid: At Large Selection(Big East)
Location: Louisville Kentucky
Record: 20-12
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 20th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 77th
Key Offensive Stat: Off Reb% 17th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent Turnover% 22nd
Player to Know: Samardo Samuels
Up and down we go. Louisville lacks consistency in a big way and that starts with players and ends with the win loss column. This is a team good enough to sweep Syracuse but also lose to Charlotte. They have the talent on paper but how far they go will depend on whether or not Rick Pitino can find the magic formula to create a team overnight.
#10 Seed Saint Mary's Gaels
Bid: West Coast Conference Tournament Champion
Location: Morega, California
Record: 26-8
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 19th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 82nd
Key Offensive Stat: eFG% 7th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent Turnover% 332nd
Player to Know: Omar Samhan
St. Mary's is young with 4 freshman in their 8 man rotation. Still the Gaels put together a balanced and efficient offensive attack that leads to good looks and a high percentage from the field. Omar Samhan is a WCC player of the year type guy and at 6'11" he provides and inside punch to counter the better than expected guard play on the perimeter.
#11 Seed Old Dominion Monarchs
Bid: Colonial Tournament Champion
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Record: 26-8
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 72nd
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 16th
Key Offensive Stat: Off Reb% 1st
Key Defensive Stat: Def 3pt% 18th
Player to Know: Gerald Lee
It's all about defense for Old Dominion. They are stingy, physical and frustrating to contend with. While they aren't a great team offensively they do make up for it with a relentless attack on the offensive boards and size on the interior to score underneath.
#12 Seed Utah State Aggies
Bid: At Large Selection(WAC)
Location: Logan, Utah
Record: 27-7
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 14th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 54th
Key Offensive Stat: eFG% 8th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent OReb% 8th
Player to Know: Jared Quayle
Utah State is an upset waiting to happen. They are a great shooting team from the perimeter and they get to the free throw line and convert. Where they struggle however is against athletic teams. If they can't keep up with the athleticism on the other bench they struggle to defend and they struggle to rebound. From there, things can get tricky for the Aggies.
#13 Seed Siena Saints
Bid: Metro Atlantic Athletic Tournament Champion
Location: Loudonville, New York
Record: 27-6
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 66th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 59th
Key Offensive Stat: TO% 29th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponents FTA% 1st
Player to Know: Alex Franklin
Veteran team, solid coaching and a Cinderella in the past. Siena will hurt you on the interior and have an effective point guard in Ronald Moore to distribute the ball. They are scrappy defensively and the get to the line extremely well, while rarely sending their opponent to the charity stripe. This is a sweet 16 special waiting to happen.
#14 Seed Sam Houston State Bearkats
Bid: Southland Tournament Champion
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Record: 25-7
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 56th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 178th
Key Offensive Stat: eFG% 18th
Key Defensive Stat: Opp eFG% 237th
Player to Know: Gilberto Clavell
Sam Houston is a solid shooting team that doesn't turn the ball over. At the same time they aren't remotely close to good on the defensive end primarily because they lack any size on the interior. Without a post presence the Bearkats just don't look to have what it takes to pull of a big upset.
#15 Seed Robert Morris Colonials
Bid: Northeast Conference Tournament Champion
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Record: 23-11
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: 200th
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: 154th
Key Offensive Stat: TO% 257th
Key Defensive Stat: Opponent FTA% 310
Player to Know: Karon Abraham
Three seniors and two freshman for the Colonials and a nice season with a Northeast Conference Championship. Still it's pretty clear they don't have the horses on the offensive or defensive end to win at this level. Robert Morris turns it over, doesn't shoot well and has a knack for fouling. The recipe just isn't there for a major shakeup in the 15-2 matchup.
#16 Seed Ark-PB or Winthrop
Bid: TBD
Location: TBD
Record: TBD
KenPom Adj. Offensive Efficiency: TBD
KenPom Adj. Defensive Efficiency: TBD
Key Offensive Stat: TBD
Key Defensive Stat: TBD
Player to Know: TBD
The Matchups
#1 Duke vs. #16 Ark-PB/Winthrop
What To Watch: How do Jon Scheyer and company respond to getting a little bit of respect around the country.
Duke Will Win If: They show up, put their shoes on the correct feet and play basketball.
Ark-PB/Winthrop Will Win If: Quin Snyder suits up for Duke.
Player to Watch: Brian Zoubek - he'll be key if Duke is going to make a run at the title.
#8 Cal vs. #9 Louisville
What To Watch: How does Cal shoot from the perimeter and which Louisville team shows up. Both of these teams could give Duke a run in round two but they'll have to play well consistently, something neither has done to date.
Cal Will Win If: They shoot well from the perimeter plain and simple.
Lousiville Will Win If: Samardo Samuels plays well on the interior and the Louisville guards lockdown Cal on the perimeter.
Player to Watch: Samardo Samuels - Has a chance to be a difference maker on the court every game.
#5 Texas A&M vs. #12 Utah State
What To Watch: It's the battle of the AGGIES!!! Does Dash Harris return at full strength and how does Utah State handle the athleticism of the Aggies and specifically Donald Sloan.
A&M Will Win If: The force Utah State into difficult shots defensively and Donald Sloan get's into the lane.
Utah State Will Win If: They shoot well, when these guys are on...it's big time.
Player to Watch: Jared Quayle - 44% three point shooter, he'll be big if Utah State is to win.
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Siena
What To Watch: Siena has been here before and pulled the upset. Does Purdue get going offensively early or do they struggle with the Saints stingy defense.
Purdue Will Win If: They play great defense and deliberate offense. Without Hummel they don't have the firepower they used to but if they can become efficient and make every possession count they can win.
Siena Will Win If: Pesky defense and attack the basket. Siena could be in pretty good shape with this one.
Player to Watch: Alex Franklin
#6 Notre Dame vs. #11 Old Dominion
What To Watch: Can Old Dominion knock off another Big East team? They beat Georgetown early in the season.
Notre Dame Will Win If: Defense and a balanced attack. Losing Harangody for a stretch might have really helped this team if they continue to play the way they did in his absence.
Old Dominion Will Win If: Defense Defense Defense, and taking care of the basketball. That's ODU's game.
Player to Watch: Tory Jackson
#3 Baylor vs. #14 Sam Houston State
What To Watch: Can SHSU contend with Baylor's size on the interior.
Baylor Will Win If: Ekpe Udoh and Josh Lomers control the inside game.
SHSU Will Win If: They minimize mistakes and their guards handle the Baylor athleticism.
Player to Watch: LaceDarius Dunn
#7 Richmond vs. #10 Saint Mary's
What To Watch: Does Saint Mary's get good shots and are they converting.
Richmond Will Win If: Saint Mary's can't match the Richmond guard play.
St. Mary's Will Win If: They figure out a tricky Richmond offense early and stay focused on that for 40 minutes.
Player to Watch: David Gonzalvez
#2 Villanova vs. #15 Robert Morris
What To Watch: How do the Villanova bigs handle a much more experienced group.
Villanova Will Win If: Their guards lead the charge. Plain and simple Nova relies on guard play and will go as far as those three starters can take them.
Robert Morris Will Win If: Create problems for Nova defensively and somehow find a way to get the interior offense going.
Player to Watch: Scottie Reynolds
RCT Predictions
Most Likely to Pull an Upset: Siena
Most Likely to Pull a Surprise Run: Richmond
Final Four Favorite: Duke
Underseeded: A&M - not a huge deal but they're better than Purdue now
Overseeded: Villanova - Georgetown a #3 and Nova a #2??
Best Team No One Knows About: Old Dominion
Worst Team Everyone Knows About: Purdue