March 23, 2006

The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament gave us many great moments, but now it is time to look ahead to Friday's Sweet 16 matchups:

Can favorite Connecticut move on to the Elite Eight? Which Cinderella, George Mason or Wichita State, will advance?

CONNECTICUT vs. WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON REGION
The Huskies have not played anywhere near the level they are capable of. Jim Calhoun's squad needs to play a full 40 minutes of basketball. They have played in spurts; the second-half run against Albany got them the W. They showed signs against Kentucky, but not for the entire game. Connecticut didn't defend well against Patrick Sparks, and that was surprising.

I couldn't believe Calhoun's club, the nation's leader in blocked shots, had just one against Kentucky. That tells me they have to be more aggressive on the defensive end. Now Connecticut faces Brandon Roy, one of my All-Rolls-Royce first team performers -- and he has been a PTPer in the tournament. Lorenzo Romar's team is talented, but I have to give the edge to Connecticut. It is time for UConn to have its best game in the tournament; the Huskies have too much talent with Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown, Marcus Williams, Rudy Gay, Hilton Armstrong and Josh Boone.

I think you will see a lot more from Boone, who was shut out against Kentucky.

GEORGE MASON vs. WICHITA STATE
WASHINGTON REGION
Who would have ever believed that these two teams would battle for a spot in the Elite Eight? I have said that parity has reigned all season in college basketball, and this is a prime example. This is a rematch of a BracketBusters game, which George Mason won at Wichita State, a victory that helped get Jim Larranaga's squad into the field of 65.

This is a revenge game, so that will be a plus for the Shockers. I love what has happened for Mark Turgeon's team in the first two games of the tournament, as different players have stepped up. Paul Miller was the Missouri Valley Conference MVP, and his size will give George Mason trouble. P.J. Couisnard was impressive in Wichita State's second-round upset of Tennessee, while forward Kyle Wilson hit some big shots in the first half against the Vols.

George Mason has been impressive in the paint, outscoring Michigan State and North Carolina 66-38 inside in their two tourney wins.

It is a tough call, but I feel the Shockers will move on to face the Huskies next.

FLORIDA vs. GEORGETOWN
MINNEAPOLIS BRACKET
John Thompson III and Billy Donovan both have done terrific jobs at their respective schools. I love the Gators, who have been so impressive from early in the season. They really matured when they won the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in New York City with four sophomores playing prominent roles; they have really jelled as a unit.

Joakim Noah has had a tremendous tournament so far, showing his versatility. Taurean Green shows great leadership skills. It is amazing to see how well Florida has done after losing the likes of Anthony Roberson, Matt Walsh and David Lee.

Georgetown has one of the most improved players in the tournament, big man Roy Hibbert. He has developed into a key player in the paint for the Hoyas, coming off a double-double against Ohio State.

This is a great matchup, but I give the slight edge to Florida. The Rowdy Reptiles will be rocking and rolling in Gainesville as Donovan and Co. march on to the Elite Eight.

VILLANOVA vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
MINNEAPOLIS BRACKET
This looks like a Big East battle, but Boston College left for the ACC. This could be the most intense Friday matchup, as there will be lots of players familiar with each other on the court. Can Villanova's guard-dominant lineup stop the inside duo of Craig Smith and Jared Dudley? Smith has been my star of stars so far in the tournament, averaging a double-double in wins over Monmouth and Arizona.

Will the Eagles be able to slow down Randy Foye and Allan Ray in the backcourt? They are one of the best backcourts around. This will be quite a game, a real monster of a matchup.

I was so impressed with Boston College when I saw them in the ACC tournament. I like the inside power of the Eagles, and Louis Hinnant will be a factor for Al Skinner's Eagles. I feel that Villanova will be the first No. 1 seed to go down. Smith and Dudley give BC a physical presence, and Will Sheridan and the Wildcats will have difficulty countering them.

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.