The brackets are set! Let’s check in on each ACC team’s bracket, and how far I expect them to go.
Virginia – SOUTH #1 Seed
Virginia should have no problem getting to the Sweet 16, but then Kentucky or Arizona awaits. I’m not too concerned about Kentucky. They are young and inexperienced and will wilt under Virginia’s defensive pressure. Arizona is a different animal with all the talent they have. Cincinnati at the bottom bracket is almost as good as Virginia is defensively. The Hoos will have to earn a final 4 appearance, but they are good enough to get there.
Projected Finish – National Title Game
Miami – SOUTH #6 Seed
Miami can to reach the Sweet 16, but could go out in round 1 in a 15 point loss. Athletic Tennessee is good, but beatable. I just don’t trust Miami’s consistency.
Projected Finish – Round of 32
Florida State – WEST #9 Seed
Florida State looks so physically imposing when they walk on the court. They just don’t always play like it. Like Miami they could lose in round 1 by 15 or in this case reach the Elite 8 due to a favorable draw. Xavier is solid, but the weakest 1 seed. How FSU plays is anyone’s guess.
Projected Finish – Round of 32
North Carolina – WEST #2 Seed
North Carolina got a wonderful draw. The region is filled with teams like Michigan, Ohio State, FSU they have already beat plus they open the tournament in Charlotte. Xavier is the most beatable 1 seed. UNC has a great chance to get to the Elite 8 or Final 4.
Projected Finish – Final 4
Virginia Tech – EAST #8 Seed
Virginia Tech is capable of beating Alabama to open the NCAAs, but Villanova is the most difficult 1 seed matchup for Virginia Tech. The Wildcats have great guards and can shoot 3. They are a better version of Virginia Tech.
Projected Finish – Round of 32
NC State – MIDWEST # 9 Seed
Kansas needs to be concerned about any team that beat Duke, UNC, and Arizona, but I don’t have the guts to call NC State in the upset.
Projected Finish – Round of 32
Clemson – MIDWEST #5 Seed
Clemson got a super draw. New Mexico State will be a tricky opening game, but Auburn is the weakest 4 seed in the tournament. The Tigers won’t have a better chance to reach the Sweet 16. Kansas isn’t unbeatable either, but the Tigers lack of size will catch up with them.
Projected Finish – Sweet 16
Duke – MIDWEST #2 Seed
It’s simple with Duke. They are the most the talented team in the country, but they don’t have a natural PG. They could win the national title or lose to Michigan State in the Sweet 16. I’ll split difference and send them to the Elite 8.
Projected Finish – Elite 8
Syracuse – MIDWEST #11 Seed
The Orange were the last team in the field, but when they were in the play in game in 2016 they went to the Final 4. Syracuse has too much trouble scoring, to do that again…. I think.
Projected Finish – Round of 64
