1. Kansas (29-5) — Explosive freshman Ben McLemore is a certain lottery pick, 7-foot center Jeff Withey (above) is the best shot blocker in Big 12 history and Kansas is among the nation’s best in rebounds per game, assists and FG defense.
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16. Western Ky. (20-15) — Western Kentucky turned a mediocre season into an NCAA berth like it did last March. The Hilltoppers had four three-game skids, but they won four in a row at the Sun Belt tournament last weekend.
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8. N. Carolina (24-10) — The Tar Heels lost an enormous amount of talent from last year, but the young group turned it on in the past month to vault from a bubble team to a potential sleeper. North Carolina is small, but extremely athletic. Above: PJ Hairston
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9. Villanova (20-13) — It was a bizarre season, with the Wildcats losing to Columbia and Seton Hall, but showed their mettle with a trio of wins over teams ranked in the top-five at the time. Fifteen turnovers per game will hurt them. Abova: Jayvaughn Pinkston
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5. VCU (26-8) — It didn’t take the Rams long to adjust to the Atlantic 10; rather, the conference had to adjust to their frenetic “Havoc” defense. Its full-court press gets the headlines, but VCU is 11th in the nation in scoring. Above: Briante Weber
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12. Akron (26-6) — Akron is well-balanced and can play at any pace. The Zips hold an impressive win over Middle Tennessee, and took Oklahoma State to OT, but will be shorthanded, due to the suspension of starting point guard Alex Abreu.
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4. Michigan (26-7) — Michigan may have the best backcourt in the nation, with Trey Burke (l.) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (not pictured). But the Wolverines better be shooting well because they struggle rebounding.
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13. S. Dakota St. (25-9) — The Jackrabbits are back in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year with a high-powered offense and a surprising win at New Mexico on their resume. Make sure to watch Nate Wolters (above).
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2. Georgetown (25-6) — Post-ing up: G’town could put you to sleep with its deliberate pace, and the defense has been dominant all season. And if Big East Player of the Year Otto Porter Jr. gets some help on the offensive end, the Hoyas could contend.
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15. Fla. Gulf Coast (24-10) — The Eagles caught on to this March Madness stuff quick, reaching the tournament in just the second year they were eligible. Gulf Coast isn’t easily intimidated, having shocked ACC regular-season champion Miami. Above: Dajuan Graf
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7. San Diego St. (22-10) — In the Tournament for the fourth straight season, the Aztecs could be a sleeper. The have proven formidable with victories over New Mexico, Colorado State and UCLA, and have an elite talent in Jamaal Franklin (above).
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10. Oklahoma (20-11) — Back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years, this is a typical Oklahoma team: Strong inside behind Romero Osby (above) and Amath M’Baye and stout defensively, but the Sooners are weak on the perimeter.
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3. Florida (26-7) — The veteran Gators, deep and talented with four players who average in double figures, are potent inside and out. Despite recent struggles, they are capable of making a long march. Above: Kenny Boynton
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14. N’western St. (23-8) — The nation’s highest scoring team, Northwestern State relies on balance. DeQuan Hicks, James Hulbin (r.), Jalan West (l.) and Shamir Davis all average in double figures for the Demons.
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6. UCLA (25-9) — The freshmen-reliant Bruins came on strong to capture the Pac-12 regular-season crown, but they’ll miss second-leading scorer Jordan Adams, who broke his foot in the Pac-12 tournament. Above: Travis Wear (l. to r.), David Wear and Kyle Anderson
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11. Minnesota (20-12) — Minnesota opened the season at 15-1 despite a challenging early schedule, but hasn’t looked the same in months. The potential is there, but the consistency is not. Above: Trevor Mbakwe
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