The Midwest region is going to prove itself to be a nightmare. With so many high caliber teams, it would seem impossible for a team to string together win after win against such quality opponents. It has to be done, however. One team will make it through to represent the Midwest in the final four. Who will it be?
Wichita State is the number one seed in the region. They come into the tournament as the only undefeated team. Their biggest win came against the Bilikens of St. Louis, who were not ranked at the time. The Shockers, however, have yet to play a team that has been ranked in the top 25. They will have to prove they can beat the best to advance far into the Midwest region.
The number two seed in the region is Michigan. The Wolverines are 25-8 and were the outright champions of the Big Ten. After a title run fell short a year ago when they lost in the championship game, Michigan lost their star big man, Mitch McGary, early this season and title hopes vanished. The Wolverines put together an impressive campaign and roll into the tournament with confidence and experience from both the tournament last year and the rugged schedule in the Big Ten.
The three seed in the region are the Duke Blue Devils. The Blue Devils are 26-8 and led by their sensational freshman Jabari Parker. Duke’s tough losses against championship caliber teams in Kansas, Arizona, and Virginia get them prepped with experience to make a long run in the NCAA tournament. Never go against Coach K in March. Watch out for the Blue Devils.
Louisville is the four seed in the Midwest region. The defending National Champions return leading scorer Russ Smith and the reigning tournament MVP in Luke Hancock. The Cardinals and Coach Rick Pitino are trying to duplicate the tournament they had the year before.
The St. Louis Bilikens are the five seed in the region. The Bilikens are the only team in the tournament to start five seniors. This gives the team valuable leadership and experience. The Bilikens have made it to the round of 32 two years in a row and are looking for that Sweet Sixteen birth this season. They are led by Atlantic 10 player of the year Jordair Jett and 2013 Atlantic 10 Player of the year Dwayne Evans. The Bilikens had been ranked in the top ten until a late string of three losses knocked them out.
Another team to keep an eye on is the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky and Coach John Calipari were the preseason number one team in the nation. The youth of the team caused an up and down season. Kentucky’s top six players are all freshmen and sophomores. Julius Randle and the Harrison twins, Andrew and Aaron, along with James Young and Dakari Johnson are said to be the best recruiting class ever in college basketball. Add these players with Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress, and they have a very dangerous team.
With all of the proven teams in the Midwest region, a serious challenge faces all teams trying to escape the bracket and advance into the Final Four.