To assist in your annual plight to win the NCAA Tournament office pool. Brad Evans breaks down his favorite picks section by glorious section. Bold and very disputable, here’s his breakdown of the South Region. Fade or follow? That’s up to YOU!
Region winner -- Florida Gators (To reach Final Four +155, DraftKings)
The reigning national champs have the goods to collect back-to-back trophies for the first time since the Billy Donovan days. They boast the best frontcourt in the nation and are phenomenally balanced. Over the final month of the regular season, UF ranked No. 4 overall according to BartTorvik, tucking inside the top-20 in effective field-goal percentage offense and defense. Thanks to the orange-squeezing knack of Reuben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, it's also the strongest glass team in the field. With once-thought sketchy guards Xavien Lee and Boogie Fland playing at a more trustworthy level, they really don't have glaring weaknesses. Most importantly, the Gators' draw is quite favorable.
Cinderella special (11+ seed) -- VCU Rams (+118 ML vs. North Carolina)
RAM IT! The more coaches change, the more the winning stays the same in Richmond. Surprisingly, VCU was deservedly one of two Atlantic 10 teams to make the field. Over the final month of the regular season, Phil Martelli Jr.'s group ranked an appreciable top 65 nationally in adjusted offensive and adjusted defensive efficiency. The 3-heavy Rams launch 44 percent of their shots from distance, where they splash an outstanding 36.4 percent. Terrence Hill Jr., Jadrian Tracey and Nyk Lewis each shoot at least 34 percent from beyond the arc. Also equipped with rim-attacking traits, the Rams draw frequent whistles. It explains why over 23 percent of their points come at the charity stripe, where they collectively net 74.1 percent. On the opposite end, VCU is generally sticky and unshakable. It steadfastly challenges perimeter shots and displays active hands in passing lanes. In its final eight regular-season contests, the A-10 product was top 50 in effective field goal percentage defense. Are they spectacular? No, but the Rams are more than capable of knocking off a UNC team limping into the Dance.
Sleeper shot (No. 3-No. 10 seed) -- Illinois Fighting Illini (+200 to reach Elite Eight)
The range of outcomes associated with Illinois is similar to how any random first date would go. It could end with breakfast the next morning. Then again, it could also wrap before the dinner entree arrives. Illinois' offense is elite. Averaging a godlike 1.312 points per possession, Keaton Wagler and Co. can burn the nets inside and out. Over 50 percent of their shots come from distance. Always packing a squeegee, they also routinely clean up on the glass. After all, the Illini are the longest team in the country. However, leaky defensively and lacking the clutch gene in late-game situations, they own visible scars. Still, Brad Underwood's bunch undoubtedly has the talent to string together multiple wins. The question is, can they actually finish? In the region's bottom half, they match up well with everyone -- including Houston. Keep in mind, Illinois has one of the lowest offensive rates this season.
Best opening round bet -- Saint Mary's -2.5 vs. Texas A&M (-110, BetMGM)
The Gaels have the perimeter defense and scoring chops required to tussle with TAMU. This season, they're top-20 in effective field-goal percentage D, allowing only 31.4 percent from distance. Also commanding the boards, they are a mismatch for an Aggies front No. 284 in defensive rebounding rate. Seven footers Harry Wessels and Andrew McKeever are sure to have Bucky McMillan sleep deprived leading up to tip. Arc splashes from Dillon Shaw, Joshua Dent and Mike Lewis only increases the nightmare fuel.