RADIO
Brian Dunleavy's sleepers for the NCAA Tournament 2018.
We all know the favorites.
The likes of Villanova, Michigan State, Kansas and Virginia aren't going to sneak up on anybody.
But who will surprise us during March Madness? RotoBaller picks five teams to watch during the tournament.
NCAA East Regional
West Virginia, (24-10; Seed: 5th)
Seems absurd to call WVU, a solid Top 25 team, a “sleeper,” but the Mountaineers stumbled a bit in the Big 12 and come into the Big Dance a bit under the radar. Bob Huggins’ team plays stifling D and features Jevon Carter (17.0 PPG/4.7 RPG/6.6 APG/2.9 SPG), one of the best all-around guards in the country. That combo could be enough to carry them deep.
NCAA Midwest Regional
Seton Hall, (21-11; Seed: 8th)
The Pirates have three great guards—Desi Rodriguez (17.8 PPG/4.9 RPG/2.1 APG), Myles Powell (15.4 PPG/2.5 RPG/2.9 APG) and Khadeen Carrington (14.9 PPG/3.2 RPG/4.5 APG)—and a beast in the paint in Angel Delgado (13.3 PPG/11.6 RPG). They also have senior leadership. All of that may be enough to overcome distractions caused by the program’s alleged involvement in the FBI corruption scandal.
NCAA West Regional
Missouri, (20-12; Seed: 8th)
Mizzou struggled at times this season in a (relatively) soft SEC, but they got five-star recruit Michael Porter, Jr. back just in time for the Big Dance. Due to injury, Porter played in just two games this season, averaging 7.0 PPG, but he’s legit and has had a chance to practice and shake off the rust during the SEC tourney.
Providence, (21-13; Seed: 10th)
Villanova and Xavier generated most of the headlines in the Big East, but the Friars made it all the way to the championship game before losing to the Wildcats. They are well-coached and in Kyron Cartwright (11.8 PPG/5.7 APG) they have the solid senior floor general that is vital at this time of year.
NCAA South Regional
Miami, (22-9; Seed: 7th)
The 'Canes lost to UNC in the ACC tournament, so a lot of so-called "experts" are overlooking them. Bruce Brown, Jr. (11.4 PPG) missing due to injury helps their case. But: The 'Canes face a relatively easy potential slate in the first two rounds... and they still have sophomore forward Dewan Huell (11.4 PPG/6.6 RPG).
