Feeling a little crazy? It’s that time again. With spring rolling around the corner, March Madness is back. With an expanded field of 68 teams and a new TV deal, the action promises to be more hectic than ever. Aaron Steger and I, the self-appointed college basketball experts, believe the tournament will be filled with fun and excitement, but both of us don’t see a Wofford versus Hampton final. Aaron thinks the tournament will be devoid of upsets while I believe there will be plenty of shockers. Student Nick Brown and Teachers Michael Santos, David Bair, Stephen Fisher, and Martin Chaker also give their picks below.   

Naturally, a school favorite is local San Diego State. After their big win over Brigham Young University, I see them going deep into the tournament; however they are not one of my Final Four teams. Out of the East Bracket, I see Ohio State University. OSU has an inside presence and a plethora of shooters. Out of the West Bracket, I like the University of Connecticut. UConn has relied on their senior class to carry them and should continue their winning ways throughout the tournament. Out of the Southwest Bracket, I have to go with Notre Dame. Notre Dame has a superstar in Ben Hansborough and I see him leading his team all the way to the Final Four. My last pick out of the Southeast Bracket is Saint John’s. Saint John’s has a strong senior class and head coach Steve Lavin creates a winning atmosphere.

Aaron’s Final Four teams are Ohio State, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Texas.  “All of these teams played well throughout the entire season. They play great fundamental defense and defense wins championships” Aaron said.

Spanish teacher David Bair picks Syracuse, University of Connecticut, Louisville and Pittsburgh.

 Math teacher Martin Chaker thinks Duke, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Purdue will make it to the Final Four.  He chose Gonzaga as an upset pick because he says they have always been a good west coast team.

Economics teacher Stephen Fisher believes all the number one seeds will advance to the Final Four: Ohio State, Duke, Pittsburgh, Kansas.  “This is the first time that I have picked all of the number one seeds for the Final Four,” said Fisher.

Science teacher Michael Santos said, “I only have two teams that I want to make it to the Final Four and then to the championship game, Ohio State and SDSU.”

 Teachers aren’t the only people with picks. Freshman Nick Brown thinks that the Big East will have a strong showing in the Final Four.  For his picks, he has University of Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Texas, and Ohio State all advancing to the Final Four.

This year has had its share of surprises including North Carolina and San Diego State both having bounce back years. The tournament is coming fast so pop the pop corn, sit in your most comfortable chair, and get ready for the ride of your life.

 You can put your Final Four picks in the comment box below.

Here is the link to keep up to date on the real NCAA bracket:

http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d1/2011