Sweet 16: The final one

So the two-time defending national champions aren't going to make the NCAA Tournament?

Is it really that big of a surprise, especially when you strip the "two-time defending national champions" part away from Florida? Did anyone expect Florida, without the players that it graduated, to make a serious dent this year in anything? I mean, can you even name the player in this photo? I can't, and I'm the one that pulled it off the web and read the caption.

In the next few days, as Selection Sunday approaches, you'll hear a lot about "bubble teams," including Ohio State, Villanova, Oregon and several others. But fuck those teams. None of them are in my Sweet 16.

As always, this is based on ESPN.com's Bracketology. Well, I suppose next week's will be based on an actual bracket, and not Joe Lunardi's wet dream.

EAST

1. North Carolina: Tyler Hansbrough is having his jersey retired, which is funny, considering he's only a junior. I mean, shouldn't he win an NCAA title, or, you know, make it to the Final Four. Apparently, being awesome in the regular season and getting your nose bloodied is enough now in Carolina. I mean, fuck team achievements, right?

12. Arizona State: OK, so maybe I did include a so-called bubble team, but not one of the ones I mentioned. But I'm more picking Pac-10 over SEC and Big Ten here than anything.

6. Washington State: See, Pac-10.

2. Georgetown: The Hoyas hit 17 3s (!) against Villanova in the Big East quarters. That's good, and if that happens in the tournament, Georgetown and its complimentary inside game is going to be really tough to beat.

SOUTH

1. Memphis: Watch out for Kansas State here, because Michael Beasley can take over a few games and lead the Wildcats to a run. But Memphis could also beat them by 30.

5. Marquette: I'm partial to the Golden Eagles backcourt. Although, Stanford's Lopez brothers will probably have a field day.

3. Louisville: OK, so this is the first time I haven't had Michigan State here, but that's because I like this Louisville team a lot (despite the loss to Pitt last night).

2. Kansas: Jesus Lunardi, this would be one of the tougher regions I've ever seen. Memphis/Kansas on the top, three of the best freshmen in the country (Rose at Memphis, Beasley, Mayo at USC). MSU the six. Damn.

MIDWEST

1. Tennessee: I've said all I have to say about the Vols.

4. Notre Dame: Since I'm going to the regional final at Ford Field, I hope to god that Notre Dame is here. I'm still not sure what this team can do, however.

3. Wisconsin: The Badgers are No. 6 in the country? Can't say I saw that coming.

2. Duke: This is a boring region, next.

WEST

1. UCLA: So they cheated to beat Cal last week, whatever. In the West regional, they're likely to get the same kinds of calls. Don't bet against the Bruins.

5. Drake: ...

3. UCONN: Game against Clemson could be interesting, and entertaining.

2. Texas: Still not big on Rick Barnes. Still huge on D.J. Augustin.