Selection Sunday is fast approaching and I can't wait, baby! The field of 65 -- yes, 65 teams go to the Big Dance this season -- should have a wide-open look. Between now and that fun Sunday, we will hear the word "bubble" over and over again.

	Forward Michael Wright (2) and Arizona are in the hunt for an NCAA title that will be up for grabs soon.

That term will be flashing through as we go into March Madness. Is there any better time in basketball? It is so exciting, since everyone gets involved. When the tournament selections are made, everyone will be running to fill out their bracket sheets. Everyone gets so caught up in the spirit of college hoops.

I firmly believe there are only about a dozen teams capable of winning six straight games. That's right, it is so tough to make that run and be consistent. It is difficult to get to the Final Four and then cut down the nets. You have to earn it by playing well in six games. One bad game and you are sent to the sidelines, baby!

In the past, there have been miracle teams like Jimmy Valvano's N.C. State club upsetting Houston's "Phi Slamma Jamma" crew in 1983; Villanova and Rollie Massimino stunning a super Georgetown team in '85, pitching a perfect game over the Hoyas; Danny Manning and the Jayhawks winning it all in '88; and Arizona over Kentucky in '97.

This season, there are the favorites -- like Michigan State, Duke, Stanford, North Carolina and Illinois. There are also dangerous teams capable of creating havoc and making a run to the Final Four. Anything can happen, especially this season since upsets galore have been more of the norm.

I see a team like UCLA being dangerous. The Bruins have the talent and they are building momentum. Steve Lavin has hung in despite adversity, getting the maximum out of his big three -- Earl Watson, Dan Gadzuric and Jason Kapono. Billy Knight has been a big factor with his outside shooting.

Watch out for the Wildcats of Kentucky, even after Sunday's loss to Arkansas. Winning 15 out of 18 is impressive and their defensive tenacity makes them a contender in every game. When the 'Cats get offensive firepower from their dynamic duo of Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans, they are very tough to beat.

Keep an eye on Arizona. Some consider the Wildcats a disappointment with their up-and-down play this season. Come tournament time, they will make some big-time noise. The Wildcats are too talented, too explosive and too well-coached to not push forward. Gilbert Arenas has played his best basketball in the second half of the season.

It has been a crazy year in college basketball, and this year's Big Dance has the potential for surprises galore.

I know people laugh when I mention it, but Maryland has the potential to create problems. They can be like North Carolina last year. The Tar Heels struggled through last season, but got it together in the tourney behind Joseph Forte, reaching the Final Four. The trio of Juan "Shoes" Dixon, Lonny Baxter and Terence Morris can get the job done.

Billy Donovan's Gators have to be reckoned with as well. They have survived despite numerous injuries. Around the middle of the season, it looked like Struggle City, with injuries to Teddy Dupay, Brent Wright and Justin Hamilton. This team has regrouped; just ask Mississippi and Alabama about what happened last week!

Donovan never made any excuses or alibis when his team was shorthanded. He said this is a way of life, injuries happen, and let's go play. Florida has displayed great balance inside and outside with Brett Nelson and Udonis Haslem. It has defended well, and Matt Bonner has been a big help as well.

Those are the top teams to watch.

The selection committee will have a tough job, not only picking the 34 at-large teams, but seeding the field of 65. It has been a crazy year in college basketball, and this year's Big Dance has the potential for surprises galore. There is so much balance in the sport, and no team is unbeaten in conference play. It makes for an exciting event -- one I can't wait for!