Predictions For The 2011 March Madness No.1 Seeds

The 2011 NCAA Basketball Tournament predictions are out and they support the notion that Big 12 basketball is underrated (as the article above says).

Yes, the ACC and Big East are projected to have #1 seeds, but so is the Big 12 -- with Kansas. Once again, this year is no exception as there is really no team that is head and shoulders above the rest. Here's what the folks at BetUS are predicting:

Duke – The defending champions should earn the top overall seed as they should roll through the rest of the ACC regular season and the tournament. The only thing in their way is their bitter rivals from North Carolina, and while the Blue Devils may lose in Chapel Hill in the season finale on March 6th, they should win the tournament on a neutral court in Greensboro.

Kansas – The Jayhawks should win out in the Big 12 over Texas, who they won’t meet again in the regular season, but they would love to meet them in the conference tournament so they can avenge a 74-63 loss on January 22nd to the Longhorns, ending their home winning streak at 69 games. Don’t worry about the suspension of guard Tyshawn Taylor as the Jayhawks have the depth to win without him, but he will likely be back by then anyway. By the way, Kansas also has the Best All-Time College Basketball Arena.

Pittsburgh – The Panthers are the favorites to win the Big East, but to be honest; the winner of that conference should earn a No.1 seed as anyone can win the tournament. We’re taking the Panthers because they’ve showed the most toughness, which is what you need to get through the Big East as they continued to play well in the absence of leading scorer Ashton Gibbs, who is now back. That allowed them to establish a post game, and that will serve the Panthers well in March.

BYU – The Cougars have been getting attention because of star Jimmer Fredette, and their only obstacle is San Diego State, where BYU will visit this weekend and the two will likely meet again in the Mountain West tournament. The Cougars can afford a loss on Saturday, but they’ll need to win the conference tournament to boost their chances of a No.1 seed.

As for me, I say Go Kansas!!