Best round of 64 matchup: Texas coach Shaka Smart must feel as if he's back at VCU playing a Bracket Buster game. The Longhorns have to take on a Northern Iowa team that defeated North Carolina and Iowa State, taking down the Cyclones in Des Moines. The Panthers also defeated Wichita State twice in three tries, including in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament semifinals. In addition, Northern Iowa is starting three senior guards – just what you don't want to see if you're a major-conference team facing a double-digit seed. Yes, Texas has quality back-court players and a lot of size, but this promises to be interesting. Equally interesting could be Oregon State's matchup against VCU. Assuming that former NBA and Oregon State star Gary Payton will be in attendance to see his son play for the Beavers, there could be as much entertainment value in watching his reactions during the game as there will be from watching his son, who has been terrific this season. A potential problem for the Beavers, however, is the status of freshman forward Tres Tinkle – the son of Beavers coach Wayne Tinkle — who missed the Pac-12 tournament because of a foot injury. Just means Oregon State will need that much more from another favorite son, guard Stephen Thompson Jr., whose, dad, Stephen, is an Oregon State assistant and former Syracuse standout.
Potential upset: Oregon is playing really well; it's going to be close to home, and Saint Joseph's and Cincinnati are going to be very far from home. But the Hawks and the Bearcats are the kinds of teams that can beat a high-flyer, albeit in different ways. Cincinnati has the defensive ability to turn almost any game into a grind. It's not interested in playing fast. It is very interested in playing defense, staying close and then seeing what happens at the end. St. Joseph's doesn't always seem so interested in playing defense, but with DeAndre Bembry and Isaiah Miles, it has two players who have the ability to take over any one game.
The sleeper: As a No. 5 seed coming out of loaded Big 12, Baylor is not exactly an under-the-radar selection. The Bears are a tough rebounding team and they play an unusual zone defense that can be tough to get ready for in a short-turnaround situation. Their path out of this region could be very difficult, but if they can get past Yale, they would get a Duke team that is not terribly deep. Then, in a game for which the uniform choices could force TV viewers to wear sunglasses, they'd potentially get Oregon – a team the Bears played in November in Eugene. After that could come Oklahoma, a Big 12 foe to which it lost twice but know well. Baylor has had a habit of falling way behind in games, but it also has made some remarkable comebacks and near-comebacks, so they're not likely to feel like they're out of any game until the end.
The winner: Oklahoma has Buddy Hield. You don't. The Sooners' first- and second-round games are set for Oklahoma City, which will host all eight of the teams in that portion of the bracket – just like in the tournament's pre-pod days. And, while the Sooners' potential second-round opponent won't be familiar, their round-of-16 foe could be Texas or Texas A&M. And seriously – other than Northern Iowa and Green Bay fans – who wouldn't mind seeing the Aggies vs. the Longhorns in Round 2? For that matter, how great would it be for VCU to trip up the Sooners, then get to meet its former coach, Shaka Smart? But here's a better bet: Hield, fellow senior guard Isaiah Cousins and senior forward Ryan Spangler make up for not quite getting their miracle finish against West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament semifinals by going to Houston for the national semifinals.
1. Oregon
Nickname: Ducks. Location: Eugene, Ore.
Record: 28-6, 14-4. Bid: Pac-12 champ
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Wisconsin in round of 32
Coach: Dana Altman (6-11 in 11 appearances)
Twitter: @OregonMBB
Overview: After a couple of questionable losses early, Oregon has proved to be one of the most surprising teams of the season, winning the Pac-12 regular-season title and then the tournament. The Ducks have many weapons, with four players averaging at least 12 points a game, and they can bring senior forward Dwayne Benjamin off the bench. Chris Boucher, who can hit outside shots on one end and block anything that comes in the paint, could be a matchup nightmare.
Projected starters: G Casey Benson, 6-3, So. (5.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.1 apg); G Tyler Dorsey, 6-4, Fr. (13.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Dillon Brooks, 6-7, So. (16.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.1 apg); F Elgin Cook, 6-6, Sr. (14.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.1 apg); F Chris Boucher, 6-10, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg).
2. Oklahoma
Nickname: Sooners. Location: Norman, Okla.
Record: 25-7, 12-6. Bid: Big 12 at-large
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Michigan State in Sweet 16
Coach: Lon Kruger (16-16 in 16 appearances)
Twitter: @OU_MBBall
Overview: The Sooners have arguably the best backcourt in the country with player of the year candidate Buddy Hield, Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard, and teams that make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament tend to have great guard play. The Sooners rely a lot on the three ball, which doesn't always fall.
Projected starters: G Isaiah Cousins, 6-4, Sr. (13.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.6 apg); G Buddy Hield, 6-4, Sr. (25.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.1 apg); G Jordan Woodard, 6-0, Jr. (12.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.4 apg); F Khadeem Lattin, 6-9, So. (5.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 bpg); F Ryan Spangler, 6-8, Sr. (10.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.9 apg)
3. Texas A&M
Nickname: Aggies. Location: College Station, Texas
Record: 26-8, 13-5. Bid: SEC at-large
Last appearance: 2011, lost to Florida State in round of 64
Coach: Billy Kennedy (1-2 in two appearances)
Twitter: @AggiesMensHoops
Overview: Texas A&M has experienced three segments to its season: good, bad, and good again. The Aggies were 17-2 before losing five of six, but since their slump have won eight in a row and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Texas A&M is solid shooting from the field and on defense. Rebounding can be an issue. Senior guards Jalen Jones and Danuel House, both transfers, and have since become the faces of the program.
Projected starters: G Alex Caruso, 6-5, Sr. (7.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.1 apg); G Anthony Collins, 6-1, Sr. (4.7 ppg, 4.4 apg); G Danuel House, 6-7, Sr. (15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg); G Jalen Jones, 6-7, Sr. (15.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg); C Tyler Davis, 6-10, Fr. (11.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
4. Duke
Nickname: Blue Devils. Location: Durham, N.C.
Record: 23-10, 11-7. Bid: ACC at-large
Last appearance: 2015, national champ
Coach: Mike Krzyzewski (88-26 in 31 appearances)
Twitter: @dukebasketball
Overview: Duke's biggest problem is depth. Amile Jefferson was lost in December to a foot injury, and Duke has been forced to play most of the season with senior center Marshall Plumlee as the only big man getting significant minutes. Freshman forward Chase Jeter was able to provide good support in the Blue Devils' two ACC tournament games. Brandon Ingram and Grayson Allen will carry the scoring load.
Projected starters: G Derryck Thornton, 6-2, Fr. (7.5 ppg, 2.5 apg); G Grayson Allen, 6-5, So. (21.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 apg); G Matt Jones, 6-5, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.4 apg); G Brandon Ingram, 6-9, Fr. (16.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg); C Marshall Plumlee, 7-0, Sr. (8.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg)
5. Baylor
Nickname: Bears. Location: Waco, Texas
Record: 22-11, 10-8. Bid: Big 12 at-large
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Georgia State in round of 64
Coach: Scott Drew (8-5 in five appearances)
Twitter: @BaylorMBB
Overview: Like many teams in the Big 12, Baylor can score, averaging 77.2 points a game. The Bears have a tendency to start slowly and get behind then recover in the second half. Sometimes this works, but it's a dangerous way to operate in a single-elimination tournament.
Projected starters: G Lester Medford, 5-10, Sr. (9.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 6.5 apg); G Al Freeman, 6-3, So. (11.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg); G Ishmail Wainright, 6-5, Jr. (5.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 apg); F Taurean Prince, 6-8, Sr. (15.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.2 apg); F Rico Gathers, 6-8, Sr. (11.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg)
6. Texas
Nickname: Longhorns. Location: Austin
Record: 20-12, 11-7. Bid: Big 12 at-large
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Butler in round of 64
Coach: Shaka Smart (7-5 in five appearances)
Twitter: @TexasMBB
Overview: As with all of Shaka Smart's VCU teams, the strength of this team is defense. The Longhorns rank second in the Big 12 in blocked shots and fourth in scoring defense, but in nearly every major offensive category they are at the bottom. The bright side: 6-10 290-pound senior center Cam Ridley (11.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg) has been cleared to play after missing three months with a foot injury. He should bring much needed help on the boards as Texas is third to last in the conference in rebounding.
Projected starters: G Javan Felix, 5-11, Sr. (10.6 ppg, 2.2 apg); G Isaiah Taylor, 6-3, Jr. (14.8 ppga, 4.9 apg); G Kendal Yancy, 6-3, Jr. (3.1 ppg); F Connor Lammert, 6-10, Sr. (7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg); C Prince Ibeh, 6-11, Sr. (4.2 ppg, 5.1 ppg)
7. Oregon State
Nickname: Beavers. Location: Corvallis, Ore.
Record: 19-12, 9-9. Bid: Pac-12 at-large
Last appearance: 1990, lost to Ball State in round of 64
Coach: Wayne Tinkle (0-3 in three appearances)
Twitter: @OregonStateMBB
Overview: Oregon State often struggled offensively this year, but because of Gary Payton II the Beavers find themselves in the NCAA tournament for the first time in more than two decades. Payton led the Beavers in scoring, rebounding and assists and earned a first team All-Pac 12 selection. The Beavers don't have many other playmakers, and their lack of size makes them one of the worst rebounding teams in the country (259th)
Projected starters: G Gary Payton II, 6-3, Sr. (15.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 5.1 apg); G Malcolm Duvivier, 6-2, Jr. (6.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.2 apg); F Tres Tinkle, 6-8, Fr. (13.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg); F Olaf Schaftenaar, 6-10, Sr. (6.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg), F Drew Eubanks, 6-10, Fr. (7.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
8. Saint Joseph’s
Nickname: Hawks. Location: Philadelphia
Record: 27-7, 13-5. Bid: Atlantic 10 champ
Last appearance: 2014, lost to Connecticut in round of 64
Coach: Phil Martelli (6-6 in six appearances)
Twitter: @SJUHawks_MBB
Overview: Saint Joseph's has only one bad loss (Duquesne) but also no marquee victories. So it's difficult to gauge how good this team could be in the NCAA tournament. The star power on the roster, however, is not difficult to gauge. Isaiah Miles and DeAndre Bembry are two of the best offensive players in the A-10 — as well as the country — and will make the Hawks a tough out.
Projected starters: G Shavar Newkirk, 6-0, So. (8.5 ppg, 2.8 apg); G Aaron Brown, 6-5, Sr. (9.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Pierfrancesco Olivia, 6-8, Fr. (4.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg), F DeAndre Bembry, 6-6, Jr. (17.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.5 apg), F Isaiah Miles, 6-7, Sr. (18.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg).
9. Cincinnati
Nickname: Bearcats. Location: Cincinnati
Record: 22-10, 12-6. Bid: American Athletic at-large.
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Kentucky in round of 32
Coach: Mick Cronin, 4-7 in 7 appearances
Twitter: @GoBearcatsMBB
Overview: Cincinnati was again one of the best defensive teams in the country, employing a bruising matchup zone that has become Cronin's trademark. Sophomore forward Gary Clark has grown into one of the country's most dynamic defenders (1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals a game). Point guard Troy Caupain hit a buzzer-beating game-winner against Purdue in the first round last year. The Bearcats offense is methodical and no go-to scorer has emerged, so they'll need to continue to spread the ball.
Projected starters: G Troy Caupain, 6-4 Jr. (12.4 ppg, 4.8 apg); G Farad Cobb, 6-1, Sr. (10.6 ppg, 1.4 spg); G Jacob Evans, 6-6, Fr. (8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg); F Gary Clark, 6-8, So. (10.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg); F Octavius Ellis, 6-10, Sr. (9.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg).
10. Virginia Commonwealth
Nickname: Rams. Location: Richmond, Va.
Record: 22-10, 14-4. Bid: Atlantic 10 at-large
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Ohio State in round of 64
Coach: Will Wade (first appearance)
Twitter: @VCU_Hoops
Overview: Shaka Smart might be gone, but the "havoc" is still there for the Rams. VCU's pressure defense is outstanding, ranking seventh nationally with 9.1 steals per game and a 4.2 turnover margin. VCU played a tough non-conference schedule; it just didn't win any marquee games — narrowly falling to Duke, Wisconsin and Cincinnati. And losses to A-10 basement teams George Mason and UMass show how vulnerable this team can be if it shoots poorly. Wade does use a deep rotation.
Projected starters: G Jonathan Williams, 6-1, So. (3.9 ppg, 1.9 apg); G JeQuan Lewis, 6-1, Jr. (10.5 ppg, 4.9 apg); G Korey Billbury, 6-4, Sr. (11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg); G Melvin Johnson, 6-4, Sr. (18.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg); F Mo Alie-Cox, 6-7, Jr. (10.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
11. Northern Iowa
Nickname: Panthers. Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Record: 22-12, 11-7. Bid: Missouri Valley champ
Last appearance: 2015, lost to Louisville in round of 32
Coach: Ben Jacobson (3-3 in three appearances)
Twitter: @UNImbb
Overview: Northern Iowa's Wes Washpun had the first buzzer-beater of March with his bouncy game-winner to sink Evansville in the Missouri Valley tournament final. The Panthers, who start three senior guards, wouldn't be in the field had they not upset top-seeded Wichita State in the semifinals and taken the Valley's automatic bid, but this team is fully capable of staging a first-round upset. UNI beat North Carolina and Iowa State in non-conference action but fell out of the at-large conversation because of a 2-6 start in MVC play. The Panthers have won 12 of their last 13.
Projected starters: G Wes Washpun, 6-1, Sr. (14.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.2 apg), G Matt Bohannon, 6-4, Sr. (11.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), G Paul Jesperson, 6-6, Sr. (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), G Jeremy Morgan, 6-5, Jr. (10.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Bennett Koch, 6-9, So. (7.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
12. Yale
Nickname: Bulldogs. Location: New Haven, Conn.
Record: 22-6, 13-1. Bid: Ivy League champ.
Last appearance: 1962, lost in first round to Wake Forest.
Coach: James Jones (first appearance)
Twitter: @Yale_Basketball
Overview: The veteran Bulldogs ended a 54-year tournament drought and enter the NCAAs having won 17 of their last 18. Despite a lack of size, the Bulldogs rank second nationally with an 11.1 rebounding margin. In non-conference action, Yale lost by two points at SMU in November, but the performance showed the team's potential as a giant killer in March. Jones preaches defense, and the Bulldogs limit opponents to 63.1 points a game. Justin Sears scored 27 points or more three times this season.
Projected starters: G Makai Mason, 6-1, So. (15.8 ppg, 3.7 apg), G Anthony Dallier, 6-6, Jr. (4.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg), G Nick Victor, 6-5, Sr. (7.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), F Justin Sears, 6-8, Sr. (15.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg), F Brandon Sherrod, 6-6, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg).
13. UNC-Wilmington
Nickname: Seahawks. Location: Wilmington, N.C.
Record: 25-7, 14-4. Bid: Colonial Athletic champ
Last appearance: 2006, lost to George Washington in round of 64
Coach: Kevin Keatts, first appearance
Twitter: @uncwmenshoops
Overview: The Seahawks are one of the hottest teams in the country, entering the tournament with 17 wins in last their 19 games. In their run to the CAA title, they started four guards yet managed to outrebound all three opponents. UNCW succeeds with efficiency on offense. It averages almost 80 points per game and is among the nation's leaders in turnover margin. Their lack of size could be an issue if C C.J. Gettys gets in foul trouble.
Projected starters: G Chris Flemmings, 6-5, Jr. (16.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 80.9 FT%); G Denzel Ingram, 6-0, Jr. (12.5 ppg, 3.4 apg, 81.6 FT%); G Craig Ponder, 6-1, Sr. (11.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg); G C.J. Bryce, 6-5, Fr. (9.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 52.9 FG%); C C.J. Gettys, 7-0, Jr. (5.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg).
14. Green Bay
Nickname: Phoenix. Location: Green Bay, Wis.
Record: 23-12, 11-7. Bid: Horizon champ
Last appearance: 1996, lost to Virginia Tech in round of 64
Coach: Linc Darner (first appearance)
Twitter: @GBPhoenix
Overview: Linc Darner's up-tempo style that made him a Division II champion with Florida Southern in 2015 worked wonders for this team. The offense ranks sixth nationally at 84.2 points a game. The Phoenix also pestered their opponents masterfully, ranking second in the country with 9.8 steals a game and fourth with a 4.8 turnover margin.
Projected starters: G Charles Cooper, 6-4, Jr. (13.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg), G Carrington Love, 6-1, Sr. (17.7 ppg, 3.5 apg), G Jordan Fouse, 6-7, Sr. (12.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 3.3 apg), G Khalil Small, 6-2, So. (9.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg), F Kenneth Lowe, 6-8, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
15. Cal-State Bakersfield
Nickname: Roadrunners. Location: Bakersfield, Calif.
Record: 24-8, 11-3. Bid: Western Athletic champ
Last appearance: First appearance
Coach: Rod Barnes (3-3 in three appearances)
Twitter: @CSUB_MBB
Overview: The Roadrunners used their tight defense to beat New Mexico State in the WAC final and earn their first trip to the Big Dance. CSU Bakersfield only allows 63.2 points a game and is good at forcing turnovers. Their issues will come if they get into a shootout. Outside of Damiyne Durham, they haven't made a lot of three-pointers (313th in the nation).
Projected starters: G Dedrick Basile, 5-10, Jr. (12 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.6 apg); G Damiyne Durham, 6-4, Fr. (11.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Jaylin Airington, 6-4, Jr. (10.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg); F Kevin Mays, 6-4, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 8 rpg), C Aly Ahmed, 6-9, Sr. (12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
16. Holy Cross
Nickname: Crusaders. Location: Worcester, Mass.
Record: 14-19, 5-13. Bid: Patriot champ
Last appearance: 2007, lost to Southern Illinois in round of 64
Coach: Bill Carmody (1-2 in two appearances)
Twitter: @HCrossMBB
Overview: Holy Cross lost its last five games of the regular season before winning four in a row to claim the Patriot title and a surprise NCAA bid. The Crusaders don't have a lot of size, nor do they score much (65.3 ppg), and they were outscored, outrebounded and out-percentaged by opponents all season. But stuff happens, like junior forward Malachi Alexander, who averaged 20.8 ppg in the conference tournament, a major improvement on his 10.8 ppg during the conference season.
Projected starters: G Anthony Thompson, 5-10, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 2.6 apg); G Cullen Hamilton, 6-2, Sr. (8.7 ppg, 1.8 apg); F Karl Charles, 6-6, Fr. (10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg); F Eric Green, 6-4, Sr. (4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg); F Malachi Alexander, 6-7, Jr. (12.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg)
16. Southern
Nickname: Jaguars. Location: Baton Rouge
Record: 22-12, 11-7. Bid: Southwestern Athletic champ
Last appearance: 2013, lost to Gonzaga in round of 64
Coach: Roman Banks (0-1 in one appearance)
Twitter: @JaguarHoops
Overview: Southern led the SWAC in scoring in large part because of their three-point shooting (35%). The Jaguars have three of the top 10 three-point shooters in the conference. They don't have much size, and they don't crash the offensive glass to get themselves second chance points. They did lead the league in turnover margin.
Projected starters: G Christopher Hyder, 5-11, Sr. (9.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5 apg); G Trelun Banks, 6-1, Jr. (12.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.2 apg); G Adrian Rodgers, 6-4, Sr. (16.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Jared Sam, 6-9, So. (9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg); F Shawn Prudhomme, 6-4, Jr. (9.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
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