Donning the Slipper

My early season pick for this year's sleeper was West Virginia. After climbing the rankings towards the top ten I threw that pick away figuring they were far too successful to be considered an underdog. However, since losing a couple games recently and dropping to third in the Big East, their Cinderella title could be resurrected. If they grab a 4 or 5 seed that's too high in my book, but (even though they will most likely get a lower seed than they expected and complain about being underrated and succumb to one of Seth's theories) I think they are a legitimate Elite 8 team. You heard it here first.

Other picks I endorse to make some noise this March:
-Witchita State: these guys are playing in one of the toughest conferences and will be thirsty to show the nation the MVC is one to be reckoned with.
-Bucknell: unless they drop a big one right before the dance. They're on a huge roll and confidence could be high. Besides, we've seen them pull a big first-round upset before, right?
-Wisconsin: one of my fav picks coming out of the Big 10. I think they'll get a middle spot and suprise a couple teams en route to the Sweet 16.
-Southern Illinois: again, gotta love the MVC, especially one that has actually had recent experience in the dance.
-Arizona: because I just can't count out my Wildcats. Here's to hoping they're fortunate enough to sit at a 9 or 10 and get lucky in the draw. This is a team that is seriously underachieving with a coach who knows exactly what it takes to win. Their performance in the conference tourney will give better indication on this pick.
-Any 12 Seed: if you know my habits, you know I'm a sucker for the twelve. Every year I pick them and every year at least two of them pay off. I'll get back to you after Selection Sunday.