For the record, this installment of the Sweet 16 was created before this week's polls were released. Hey, we didn't need any coach or SID telling us which teams should be where. We had a feeling around 11:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and knew for sure by Saturday night.
So, without reservation, we say congratulations to the Tar Heels, who've gone from being off the Sweet 16 to the top of the heap in six short weeks. As for our decision and where the rest of the 15 fall ...
As always, your opinions are welcomed. Click here to voice your approval or disdain for this week's Sweet 16.
(Records as of Sunday, Feb. 4)
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No. 1 Seeds
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TEAM
 North Carolina
Record: 19-2
 Stanford
Record: 20-1
 Duke
Record: 20-2
 Kansas
Record: 18-2
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COMMENT
When your team wins 15 in a row -- including eight straight in the ACC -- come back and tell us.
Up Next: No time to gloat: at Wake; Maryland.
Sure, Borchardt was hurt and Mendez was ill. Cardinal still couldn't shake last year's bad case of Bruin-itis.
Up Next: Task of proving this year is different.
Nice to see Boozer again on Sunday. Don't worry, Bulls won't ask him to play center next season.
Up Next: Couple of 40-plus-points blowouts.
If perennial loss at Mizzou were this week, Jayhawks could make stronger case for No. 1.
Up Next: Week at home vs. Iowa State, OSU.
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No. 2 Seeds
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TEAM
 Michigan State
Record: 18-2
 Illinois
Record: 17-5
 Florida
Record: 15-4
 Virginia
Record: 16-4
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COMMENT
Sure, they beat the Heels. But that was in NOVEMBER! Loss at Ohio State still keeps them here, for now.
Up Next: Make-or-break Big Ten title clash.
Parity begins here ... Throw next 11 teams in a hat, see who comes out where. We didn't, but you get the point.
Up Next: See team above.
Teddy Dupay, seems Florida doctors had the ability to build college hoops' first Bionic back.
Up Next: Hamilton playing in the NCAAs?
Now you see 'em ... now you don't. Cavs (and fans) have endured strangest Sweet 16 ride this season.
Up Next: Longer stay on list. We promise.
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No. 3 Seeds
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TEAM
 Syracuse
Record: 18-3
 Iowa State
Record: 19-3
 Maryland
Record: 15-6
 Tennessee
Record: 17-3
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COMMENT
They beat an ACC team. On the road! OK, so it was .500 N.C. State and the 'Cuse needed a furious comeback.
Up Next: Chance to bring BC back to earth.
If Monday's game doesn't go OT, we'd be shocked. Last four Big 12 losses have come in extra sessions.
Up Next: In Lawrence; hosting Mizzou.
Does beating Clemson prove Duke hangover is over? We don't think so, either. A team's psyche is a fragile thing.
Up Next: Trips to Ga.Tech and North Carolina.
Vols have lost last three SEC road games ... and Harris hurts wrist in Vandy win. Talk about bad timing.
Up Next: At Arkansas & Ole Miss. Ugh!
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No. 4 Seeds
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TEAM
 Arizona
Record: 15-6
 Boston College
Record: 16-2
 Fresno State
Record: 17-2
 Georgetown
Record: 17-2
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COMMENT
Loss at Oregon aside, Woods makes us wonder if individual egos will ultimately get in way of overall talent.
Up Next: Two wins over Washington's best.
Eagles' 7-1 Big East mark is best of bunch. They'll take it into Wednesday's clash with Orangemen.
Up Next: A meaningful basketball game in Boston.
We're willing to write off loss in Hawaii to, well, being in Hawaii. Bulldogs better behave the rest of the way.
Up Next: San Jose State and Hawaii (at home).
Go ahead, Iowa City, let us have it. Recker's injury keeps Hoyas around another week to prove they belong.
Up Next: Trips to Pitt and Providence.
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ALSO SEE
Feb. 29: Sweet 16
Jan. 21 Sweet 16
Jan. 7: Sweet 16
Jan. 2: Sweet 16
Dec. 25: Sweet 16
Dec. 17: Sweet 16
Dec. 12: Sweet 16
AthletesDirect: Mike Krzyzewski's official Web site
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