Let’s call this the star-power region. No. 1 Houston has to deal with No. 2 Marquette, No. 3 Kentucky and No. 4 Duke, all opponents that can be the last team standing and travel incredibly well.
Seventh-seeded Florida is capable of making a big run, and so is No. 9 Texas A&M, coming off a tremendous SEC Tournament.
There are dynamic guards all over the place, most notably Houston’s Jamal Shead, Marquette’s Tyler Kolek, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham. Duke’s Jeremy Roach, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. and A&M’s Wade Taylor IV.
Bracket Buster
No. 7 Florida: The deep and offensively balanced Gators have beaten Kentucky, Auburn, Texas A&M and Alabama twice, showing their potential to knock off just about anyone.
First-Round Upset Watch
No. 14 Oakland over No. 3 Kentucky: Let’s be honest, does anyone know what to expect out of enigmatic Kentucky? It had its doors blown off in the opener of the SEC Tournament by Texas A&M, a bad sign for Big Blue Nation. And in Oakland, it’s dealing with a team that has faced stiff competition this year, playing at Dayton, Michigan State and Illinois, and winning at Xavier.
The Post has you covered with a printable NCAA bracket featuring the full 68-team March Madness 2024 field.
Best First-Round Matchup
No. 8 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Texas A&M: This will be easy on the eyes, two gifted offensive teams that are headed into the tournament playing very well at that end of the floor. Few guards have been better of late than Aggies junior Wade Taylor IV.
Unsung Player
DJ Burns Jr., N.C. State: He’s big, wide and surprisingly agile. The 6-foot-9, 275-pound senior is a load in the paint, and is an underrated passer. He had his way with North Carolina in the ACC Tournament title game, producing 20 points and seven assists.
Player to Watch
Tyler Kolek, Marquette: The country’s leader in assists at 7.6 per game, Kolek missed the entire Big East Tournament due to an oblique injury. Marquette can get through the region if he’s healthy. Otherwise, an early exit is likely.
The Post’s Pick
Houston
The Cougars don’t have it easy. Texas A&M is an early test. Duke pushes them in the Sweet 16, and Marquette, with a healthy Kolek who helps the Golden Eagles take down Kentucky on the other side of the region, goes down to the wire with a trip to the Final Four at stake. Ultimately, Houston finds a way with its No. 2 defense and offensive-rebounding mastery. Shead is the Most Outstanding Player in the South after keeping Kolek under control.
