NCAAT- Who to root for?

[bobbygt]

This is the first time I didn't watch the selection show since 2012-13 and the second time since 2009-2010 (there is a pattern here).

Moreover, I really haven't taken the time to look at the bracket much at all and probably don't plan to.

Although I put myself in the camp of mainly just watching Uconn games, the Tournament is still pretty exciting.

So, the question now is who do I root for?

There are some teams who I absolutely will root against (UK, UNC, Duke and others), but since I told myself I need to be more positive this year, I think I will try to root for some teams.

Obviously a cinderella would be optimal, but I'm choosing teams that I think have a decent chance to win it all. Here is my list of five teams, in order:

1. Virginia - I have nothing remotely negative to say about their team or program
2. Gonzaga - Similar to UVA, I wouldn't mind seeing Gonzaga get over the hump
3. Wisconsin- I've sorta gotten used to the thought that Diamond Stone might not come to Uconn anyway.
4. ISU- I like their coach
5. Wow- I honestly cannot find a fifth team.

 

[sammydabiz]

SMU or bust for me

 

[The Funster]

I'll be rooting hard for SMU and Wisconsin.

 

[breezy]

I had this question myself. Virginia and ISU are good choices. Also SMU, right?

 

[Brochacho]

I don't want Louisville or Kentucky to join the 4 title club. Don't have to worry about that this year, so that's good. I called a Wisconsin, Duke, Kentucky, Arizona Final Four before the season with Duke over UK in the title game. I'm sticking with Duke over UK. I don't hate Duke, but I hate how Kentucky operates.

Wichita State, Wisconsin, Eastern Washington, Albany, and whoever is playing Kentucky are my teams this year.

But honestly, this is going to be such a chalk year save for the upsets of overseeded teams.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Northern Iowa came from nowhere out of the MVC this year. They could play Louisville and Villanova consecutively in the tourney if they survive Wyoming. I could root for them a bit. Yale is out so...

I don't like Few as a tourney coach at all. The players and style of ball though are fun to watch at times. Whoever can knock off Duke in the South I will root for.

 

[BleedHuskyBlu]

Cant be easier than rooting for SMU or anyone facing kentucky

 

[Ewekon]

I never hated on Jay Wright so I am going old BE here and Villanova. They never had football to stab us in the back during re alignment. I suppose SMU for conference validation reasons. I like Madison so my distant 3rd is Wisconsin phooey.

 

[UConnKev]

New Mexico State

 

[Offhegoes]

For--Wisc, Virginia, Nova, Zags, Zona (pretty much anyone who can potentially take down the Against group)
Against- UK, Duke, UNC

 

[UConn4ever]

Everybody except UK

 

[3rdbass]

SMU, Villanova(I liked them during 1984 when UCONN bball was bad) and Cincy(I still don't understand the hate towards them besides playing some ugly bball). I hope they beat Kentucky! I feel they match up with them physically but will they score enough.

 

[prankster]

SMOD! (The Sweet Meteor of Death)

 

[Eskapeesto]

I can tolerate an SMU run (especially a blowout of UCLA) but I can't stomach seeing Nic Moore lift a NC trophy. Once the 12-16 seeds are eliminated, I think Michigan State might have a shot if they upset UVA. I could also pull for ISU if they get past Gonzaga & Duke. Of the top seeds, I guess Wisconsin is the least odious.

Above all though, Anyone But Kentucky. Duke is a close second but I'd prefer them over a 40-0 season.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Nobody that will join our surpass the 4 title club.

I'll root for Cincinnati and SMU.

 

[imno1]

Northern Iowa came from nowhere out of the MVC this year. They could play Louisville and Villanova consecutively in the tourney if they survive Wyoming. I could root for them a bit. Yale is out so...

I don't like Few as a tourney coach at all. The players and style of ball though are fun to watch at times. Whoever can knock off Duke in the South I will root for.

N.I. got the AAC treatment. They had a great regular season record and are ranked top 10 yet got a 5 seed. Meanwhile Louisville gets a 4 seed. I think Maryland could do a little damage but they are in Kentucky's bracket. I like their guards. SMU has to beat UCLA or our conference will be further embarrassed. Iowa State is a trendy pick but I'll go with Wisconsin to pay back UK for last years loss.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

Not Kentucky or Duke. Anything other than that is acceptable

 

[Husky25]

Wisconsin is the only single "favorite" who I'll be rooting for. Otherwise I will be rooting for my bracket (provided I do one) and upsets/lower seeds.

 

[UConn990411]

Iowa State - while most of college bball has become nearly unwatchable, they're one of the only teams in the country that actually plays a fun brand of basketball.

I'll root for SMU and Cincy, too, but won't really care when they lose. And obviously the underdogs, because duckk the P5.

 

[superjohn]

Wisconsin, SMU, Providence, Nova, Zags, Iowa State.

 

[Stainmaster]

Villanova, Gonzaga, UVA.

Rooting hard for Valparaiso and Stephen F. Austin to go on cinderella runs as well.

 

[tzznandrew]

Wisconsin, SMU, Providence, Nova, Zags, Iowa State.

Only rooting for PC so far. Other than that, this is mostly my list.

No Kentucky.
No UNC--unless they are playing Kentucky.
No Duke, unless they are playing UK or UNC.
No Louisville, unless they are playing UK, UNC, or Duke.
No Kansas, unless they are playing UK, UNC, Duke, or Louisville.

Otherwise, go SMU, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Arizona, Iowa State, Wichita State, or Villanova, in roughly that order. I'll pick up other teams as they get farther.

 

[weaver99]

SMU Cincinnati, and all nonpower conference teams, and anyone playing a nbe team.

 

[pepband99]

Anybody but Kentucky. Maybe even dook, but i threw up a little bit thinking that.

 

[BleedHuskyBlu]

Forgot about iowa state. I like those guys so ill be rooting for them too. Maybe ill root for Cinci too but it wont be as easy as rooting for SMU