The Battle 4 Atlantis released the brackets for the 2013 tournament and Wake Forest gets to take on the Kansas Jayhawks in the second game of the first-round.
It’s doubtful anyone will have the Demon Deacons beating a Jayhawks team projected to begin the year among the top-five in the nation, but I am curious if Wake can give them a run for their money.
If talent was all that counted, then Kansas would dominate. They have the #2 recruiting class coming in, which features Andrew Wiggins of course. However, this game is early in the season and the fact is, Bill Self’s talented squad is a young squad; 11 of the top 13 players are underclassmen. Their projected starting lineup will probably feature no seniors, one junior, three sophomores (assuming Andrew White can hold of freshman Seldon Green at SG) and of course freshmen Wiggins. Prior to this meeting with Wake Forest, the biggest game the young Jayhawks will play is against Duke in Chicago on November 12.
For Wake coach Jeff Bzdelik, this is a make or break year. He’s got some experience with seniors Travis McKie and incoming transfer Coron Williams, but he’s going to need a handful of sophomores to show that they’ve grown, including projected starters Codi Miller-McIntyre at point, Devin Thomas in the middle and Arnaud Williams Adala Moto on the wing.
I’m really curious to watch Moto face Wiggins. There is no doubt Wiggins is as good as advertised, but Moto is strong and athletic and is known for his defensive skills.
In round two, Wake will either face Villanova or USC. On the other side of the bracket, Tennessee will face UTEP and Xavier will take on Iowa.
Note: The Duke Blue Devils won the Battle 4 Atlantis last year.
