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The NCAA Tournament is almost here. Besides the #1 seeds like Baylor, Illinois, and Michigan, who would the Bulldogs not want to face in the NCAA Tournament? I got some thoughts on that.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: This is a team that has been talked about a lot lately thanks to the spectacular play of Cade Cunningham but forget about him just for one second. It’s not just a one-man show in Stillwater. The supporting cast that Mike Boynton has put together has really stepped up lately, especially Avery Anderson III. He has proven himself that he can be the go-to guy for this team when Cade is unavailable. The future is so bright with this guy leading the way.
The combo of Cade Cunningham and Isaac Likekele is an extremely talented backcourt. This team looks motivated and is playing at such a high level right now. The Cowboys are Final Four good.
Oregon Ducks: Dana Altman has always got his squad playing their best ball in March. Chris Duarte is one of the best scorers in the entire country and will be a problem for opposing teams as a defender. The supporting cast has really picked it up for Oregon in Eugene Omoruyi and especially LJ Figueroa.
But the key to Oregon’s success in the 2nd half of the season is Will Richardson. He was out for the beginning of the season with a thumb injury. Since his return, this team has looked completely different and has hit a hot streak heading into the NCAA Tournament. Will is the x-factor.
Florida State Seminoles: This team always seems to be in Gonzaga’s section of the bracket. Leonard Hamilton has the best team in the ACC (by far) playing well. The Seminoles are ranked the highest of the three teams listed on here at a +23.50 adjusted efficiency margin which ranks as the 15th best on KenPom.
Florida State has an extremely efficient offense at 79.6 PPG which ranks as the 33rd best in the nation. This is in part to the balanced attack of MJ Walker, RaiQuan Gray, and Scottie Barnes. Hamilton doesn’t have a star on this team but he always has his unit playing together.
This. Is. March.
*Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area... Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho