The bracket has officially arrived. No more Quad 1s. No more Wins Above Bubble. No more NET. The Madness is here. It’s time to put HUEVOS on the line, let it ride and pray our bracket isn’t bloodied by the end of Night 1. Here’s Brad’s national title pick. Fade or follow? That’s up to you!
The pick: Florida to win the national title (+750, theScoreBet)
Earlier this century, Billy Donovan, Joakim Noah and the Gators snapped jaws on the competition, pulled them into the dark swampy waters and rolled them en route to back-to-back titles.
At the time, Sean Paul’s “Temperature” appropriately ran hot blaring in the background.
Ya, that was nearly 20 years ago. Accept your age.
Similar to those title-crowned tournament teams, this season’s Florida exhibits all of the necessary qualities to become the ninth team ever to win consecutive national championships.
Here’s why Todd Golden’s group could be the reason backers reel in the office pool winnings:
Paint punishers. Size matters. And Florida’s production at the pivot is practically pornographic.
Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh comprise the finest frontcourt in the game. They squeeze second chances, convert efficiently around the rim and consistently limit the competition to one and dones. Few, if any, match up against them. It’s an enormous advantage.
Supreme balance. Among the power conference class, there simply isn’t a team more across-the-board bunch than Florida. Ranked No. 4 in overall value since February 1, it slots top 50 in effective field-goal percentage offense and defense. It rarely slumps on either end. Rock steady.
Emerging guards. If there was a question about Florida’s longevity, it was its backcourt play — emphasis on ‘was.’ Boogie Fland and Xavian Lee have stepped up their games, developing into a fairly reliable pair. Lee scored in double figures in nine of his last 11 games entering the NCAAs. Fland, meanwhile, reached 10+ points in six of his last seven contests. If the duo can average a combined 15-20 points per game, distribute cleanly and limit turnovers, Golden and staff will pump fists.
Peak play. Yes, the Gators were turned into a pair of luxury boots by Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament semifinals. Despite the humbling experience, they enter the Big Dance No. 4 overall in their last eight games. The face-slap applied by the Commodores could be a timely recalibration. Regardless, as their 7-1 mark indicates, they've generally excelled the past month. Over the span, they're a desirable No. 18 in adjusted offense and No. 18 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Again, Florida's well-roundedness is downright irresistible.
Football fans may yearn for the Tim Tebow days, but on the hardwood, the Gators own the goods to raise another banner. Their intimidating and effective size, elevated guard play and unrivaled balance make them a clear-cut favorite.
Yes, they lost tight early season battles against fellow No. 1 seeds Duke (67-66) and Arizona (93-87), but if second encounters occur, revenge is likely to be exacted. Really only No. 2 seed Houston and No. 3 seed Illinois present the stiffest competition in the South region.
Get after it, Gainesville. The local reps are primed to cut through the Madness.