Verb's Sweet Sixteen - 1/29

God, I love College Basketball!

The Superbowl is Sunday, (in case you didn't hear) so after this week, the college hardwood takes center stage.

I don't know if I told you yet but I don't really think the AP or Coaches' Poll matter much in College Basketball. As long as you are one of the 65 teams to make the tournament you're golden.

That's why I don't do a top 10 or a power ranking or anything like that. In college basketball, it just doesn't matter.

What really matters is where you are seeded, where you play your games and who you play them against. That's why I do the top 4 seed things. Soon enough I will come out with a list of teams that aren't routinely making my top 16 and which of them I think could really make a run come March. That's for a later date and more research.

Because I sort of do my own version, I like to look at Joe Lunardi's, Bracketology. That is the link. Check it out and think what you want. I have two beefs this week and that's it.

My first one as you will see in a minute is that Oklahoma is not a number 1 seed. I think they have a great team and Blake Griffin is playing great and they deserve to be rewarded. I know the argument is that the Big 12 is a bit week and what not but that team crushed Texas and they can only play who they play. They are handling every team and deserved to be rewarded.

The other is having Gonzaga as a 5 seed and St. Mary's a 10 seed. WHAT? I know Gonzaga has played a tougher schedule and all and should be rewarded for doing so but really, a five seed difference? St. Mary's has only lost 1 game all season! At least put them right around the same. I guess I have to wait and see when they play each other who is better, but I think Mr. Bracketology will be surprised by how good the Gaels really are.

Onto the seeds!

East (Boston)

1. Connecticut - They were here last week and all they did this week was end the nation's longest home winning streak by beating Notre Dame in South Bend.

2. North Carolina - They haven't played since the last version of this but that doesn't hurt at all. This team is poised to grab a one seed if one of the other teams loses.

3. Butler - That's right. Butler. I believe this team can play with anyone on any night. This is their debut in my sweet sixteen but I don't think they are going anywhere. It's just unfortunate they come in, in the East with Carolina and UConn.

4. Xavier - Same story, different week. I know I brought Butler in ahead of Xavier who has been here the whole time but I expect I'm splitting hair's and really, who would you rather play in the tournament, Carolina or UConn?

South (Memphis)

1. Duke - I am writing this before the game tonight against Wake so if they lose tonight this would totally change but right now Duke in my mind is the best team in the land. I know I am fan but I truly believe that right now with they way they play defense.

2. Louisville - I believe Duke is the best team right now but I believe Louisville is right on their heels. They team is playing great right now and they just keep beating good teams. Pitino has a good bunch of guys down there so look out.

3. Michigan St. - The Spartans lost to Northwestern. They are still a solid team but it's going to take a big win against a good team for Izzo's bunch to move back into the top 8.

4. Texas - Michigan State beat Texas earlier this season. That's the difference here plus Texas has recently lost to Arkansas and Oklahoma. It's close but Texas will be a 4 seed this week.

Midwest (Indianapolis)

1. Pittsburgh - The Big East is so tough that Pitt deserves this spot until they lose. DaJuan Blair is an animal on the inside and Fields is still running the show. This team is really good!

2. Wake Forest - The loss to Virginia Tech at home hurts bad. They spent 2 minutes at number 1 but have a chance to redeem themselves tonight against the Dukies.

3. Memphis - The one game that could propel Memphis to a number 3 seed just happened. It was the game against Tennessee and Memphis won the game. They get their 3 seed but this is the highest I see them going.

4. Illinois - The other newcomer to the sweet sixteen this week. Everyone thought Purdue would be the second best team in the Big Ten this year but the Illini are having their say. Let's see what happens with this team over the next couple of weeks.

West (Arizona but not necessarily Phoenix)

1. Oklahoma - I made my argument above for this team and why they deserve to be here.

2. Marquette - This team is the winning the Big East right now. They haven't lost a game in conference but when they do it won't hurt them a bit. This team is solid and will be hard to deal with in March.

3. Arizona State - The best team in the Pac-10 after beating UCLA and Arizona on the road. I don't know much about this team but they are playing well and winning games against solid opponents.

4. Clemson - A couple of wins will get this team back on track but I don't think they are as good as they were hyped up to be when they lost two games. Still a very solid group though.

That's it for this week. Tonight's game is going to be awesome!

Let's Go Duke!