1) There will be an upset no one is expecting. Hmm, lets see, how many people had Harvard over New Mexico or FGCU over Georgetown? I know I certainly didn't, I had the Hoyas in the Final Four. I think those two games would count as unexpected upsets. My other prediction was that a #1 seed would be tested. Both Gonzaga and Kansas won by single digits and Gonzaga was tied with Southern in the final minutes of the second half before Kevin Pangos hit a couple of big shots including a step-back 3 from the corner. (1 for 1)
2) Someone will have their coming our party in the first round. Honestly, there were a couple of people that could fit this description. I think of Mitch McGary who was a bench player averaging only 6.4 ppg until he got called up to start for Michigan and scored 13 and 21 points in the first and second rounds, respectively. I also think Sherwood Brown became one of the most exciting players to watch over the first weekend. No one had heard of him or pretty much anyone from FGCU, but now the entire country knows their names, and everyone knows that their head coach is married to a former Victoria's Secret model (the camera flashed to her every time FGCU scored). Sherwood Brown had 24 points in the Eagles first game and followed it up with 17 in the second game. He has some amazing dreads and loves to stick his tongue out. He is awesome. I would be in Heaven if this team continued to win. Not only are they a number 15 seed and fit the bill of a Cinderella team, they are one of the most fun teams I have ever watched in the tournament. They have had some absolutely mind-blowing dunks that made me think that Lob City was located in Fort Meyers, Florida and not Los Angeles. I even asked my wife if she would mind naming our first son Sherwood. Check back with me in a few years to see if she was ok with that. I must also give a bit of a homer shout out to Mark Lyons who led Arizona with 23 and 27 points in the first two games. He was without question the best player on the court for either team in those games. He finally started to look like a PG and was able to distribute without causing too many turnovers. But I must also finally mention the player of the tournament so far, Khalif Wyatt, who had 31 points against both NC State and Indiana. Temple almost pulled off the upset of the Hoosiers and the star of the show was Wyatt (until Oladipo stole the crown in the end). I don't know if McGary, Brown, Lyons, or Wyatt will carry this stellar play into the NBA, but at least for now, people who maybe didn't know too much about them before the start of the week, now know their names. (2 for 2)
3) At least 3 double digit seeds will make it to the Sweet 16. Sunday afternoon I was starting to worry that this pick would not materialize and the tournament would be left with only 2 double digit seeds, but thanks to the Eagles of Florida Gulf coast, a third double digit seed advanced to the round of 16. Remaining after the weekend of chaos is #12 Oregon, #13 La Salle, and #15 Florida Gulf Coast. I don't know if any of these teams can make it to the Elite 8, but for now, all have their tickets books for at least one more game. (3 for 3)
Overall, it was a great first weekend. Let's hope the next few days can keep the excitement rolling. In case anyone else wants to jump on the band wagon, get your gear before Friday's game.
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