March 14, 2006
There are always exciting matchups when the Big Dance tips off for the first round. Here are some that caught my attention:
No. 8 George Washington vs. No. 9 UNC Wilmington, Atlanta Region
Coach Karl Hobbs and George Washington lost just two games all season, but the Colonials were given a No. 8 seed with a potential second-round game against Duke. First things first: The Colonials have to worry about the Seahawks.
Brad Brownell has done a nice job coaching UNC Wilmington. This squad has dangerous guards; T.J. Carter was brilliant against Hofstra in the Colonial Athletic Association title game. John Goldsberry has experience and could cause trouble.
It is unclear whether George Washington will have Pops Mensah-Bonsu back in the lineup.
No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Bucknell, Oakland Region
This is an intriguing matchup of different styles. The Razorbacks are led by Ron Brewer and are in the tournament for the first time since 1991.
Bucknell made major news last year by stunning Kansas in the first round. The Bison also knocked off Syracuse at the Carrier Dome this season. Coach Pat Flannery's club is senior-dominated and intimidation won't be a factor. Bucknell will be ready to play, and this should be a Maalox Masher.
No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 Alabama, Oakland Region
This should be a great showdown as the Big East and SEC square off. Tom Crean's kids are always prepared and always fight hard.
Marquette forward Steve Novak is an outstanding long-range shooter. His teammate, Dominic James, has been one of the premier diaper dandy guards in America and he can slash to the basket and distribute the rock.
Coach Mark Gottfried's Crimson Tide team has an outstanding point guard in Ronald Steele. Richard Hendrix has been a solid diaper dandy, and Jermareo Davidson has to be glad he pulled out of the NBA draft and returned to school.
This one could go down to the wire.
No. 8 Arizona vs. No. 9 Wisconsin, Minneapolis Region
Wow, what a matchup on the sidelines. On one bench is Hall of Famer Lute Olson. On the other one is Wisconsin's Bo Ryan, whose teams play tenacious defense. Just ask eventual champion North Carolina how hard it was to beat the Badgers last season.
Alando Tucker and Co. will give the Wildcats fits. Arizona welcomes back Hassan Adams from a suspension, and his return will help.
No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Minneapolis Region
Coach Kelvin Sampson's Sooners will be challenged by a program that made the Sweet 16 last year.
Can Oklahoma's Taj Gray and Kevin Bookout dominate inside? Meanwhile, Michael Neal is a clutch performer and Terrell Everett has enjoyed a super season.
Watch out for Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Joah Tucker and Adrian Tigert -- they will give the Sooners a tough test.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
