The south has a big storyline ahead of the sweet sixteen as both Michigan and Michigan State are still alive and have a great chance to face each other to represent the south region in the final four.

My south region winner: Michigan State

I like Michigan State to win this region because the Spartans have a new identity from longtime head coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans look very much close to their 2000 team in playstyle which they won a national championship. MSU is the second best team in the nation at defending the three point line behind only Tennessee. I believe with a combination of starting lineups and bench pairings, Michigan can be dynamic to counter heavy punches from SEC teams and even a possible matchup with bitter rival, Michigan.

Heading to the east region, the big storyline is Duke, as the projected number one overall draft pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg returned  from an ankle injury. This is huge for the top seed in the region so they are ready to face one of two highest scoring offenses in the country, Arizona and looming a win, to face Alabama. Flagg’s presence is needed for both matchups as he has the ability to impact a game on both sides of the ball.

My east region winner: Duke

I believe Duke is just too much at the end of the day for teams in this region. With depth, strong upper and lower classmen it is very difficult to see different results especially with freshman phenom, Cooper Flagg’s return. I truly think it would take Arizona and Alabama outstanding performances on the offensive side of the ball to knock off the Blue Devils.

Heading to the west region, the big storyline is Arkansas, as they have an ‘underdog’ style and mentality in the NCAA tournament. John Calipari continues his run to the sweet sixteen.

My west region winner: Florida

I think Florida is one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. Led by senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. and sophomore forward Alex Condon, the gators have a top 3 scoring offense in the country and are rolling into the tournament after dominating the SEC tournament in Nashville. Florida has the potential to go all the way to the national championship in my opinion. A high powered offense and good defensive scheme really boosts this team’s potential. Florida always finds a way to score whether it’s at the free throw line, the three point arc or in the painted area.

Finally heading to the midwest region, the big storyline is the competition. Houston, Tennessee, Kentucky, Purdue are left in the Midwest region. It truly is a barn burner in every game to advance.

My midwest region winner: Houston 

I think balance is going to win this region, the Houston Cougars are just that, balanced. Guard play is the reason for such success as the Cougars fifth year senior L.J. Cryer is having another unreal shooting season. Cryer is shooting just under 42 percent from the field, just under 43 percent from the three point line and has a career high percentage from the free throw line at 91 percent. Alongside him are two strong junior guards, Emmanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan. Both average a steal a game and great defenders at the three point line. On the opposite side of the ball Sharp and Uzan are both also dangerous from three, shooting over 40 percent as well. Rebounding is a solid part of the Cougars success as well with senior forward J’Wan Robert’s and sophomore Joseph Tugler getting the ball on both ends of the floor and maximizing movement and momentum in head coach Kelvin Sampson’s system. Houston is able to get more offensive possessions and as well limit possessions and other chances at points for opponents. It is going to be crucial in winning games against such a stacked region but I think they will do it.