The Pure Hoops Quick Hitters

Bradley is back in the tournament for the first time since 2006. Their record isn’t great and they play at a slow pace, but they heated up late in the season and are ready for the tournament. They beat SMU and Penn State in non-conference games and they are relentless competitors.

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Seton Hall is well coached, locks down on defense, and has a star in Myles Powell, a 6-2 junior guard who averages 23 points and three made 3’s per game. Their balanced attack also features Myles Cale, Quincy mcKnight, and Sandro Mamukelashvili from the country of Georgia. With a non conference win over Kentucky on their resume, the Pirates can match up with anyone.

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Utah State comes out of the Mountain West Conference led by 6-5 Sam Merrill, who averages 21 points and 4 assists per game. The Aggies also feature 6-11 Neemias Queta, a future NBA talent who averages a double double and is a major presence on defense. They pass the ball well and have been one of the hottest teams in the country late in the season.

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Florida State plays as hard as any team in the country, but their athleticism and talent only takes them so far. Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s nephew Mfiondu Kabengele is a 6-10 force and Terance Mann is a 6-7 guard who can light it up. If Trent Forrest heats up, the Seminoles can go far.

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Syracuse is always a threat with their legendary 2-3 zone defense that is a nightmare for opposing coaches to prepare for. Guard Tyus Battle missed the ACC Tournament games against Pittsburgh and Duke and his return to good health is paramount for Coach Jim Boeheim. The 6-6 junior guard averages more than 17 points a game. Oshae Brissett and Elijah Hughes also need to step up for the Orange to do well, but Battle is the key.

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Virginia has become one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation. They were already elite defensively. They have experience, talent, and are battle tested. They play at a slow pace, but still have one of the top point differentials in the nation.

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North Carolina is a scoring machine and plays at a fast pace. With freshman Coby White at the point and fellow freshman Nassir Little coming off the bench, the Tar Heels have the firepower to run up big numbers in the tournament.

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Wisconsin is back in the dance after missing out last year. Their best player is 6’ 10” Ethan Happ, who puts up numbers but needs to make his free throws. He’s a future NBA player. They lock in on defense and rarely turn the ball over so they don’t beat themselves.

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Tennessee under coach Rick Barnes has been one of the most athletic teams in the country. They have several NBA prospects as well as leadership and shooting. They pass the ball, play tough defense, and have quality wins under their belt.

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Purdue stumbled in its non conference schedule but is ready for a deep tournament run. They are talented and tough. Carsen Edwards is a future NBA talent and they are well balanced at both ends of the floor.

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