Busting Brackets
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2017 NIT: Syracuse favored to win championship?

By Daniel Benjamin

Jan 4, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Andrew White III (3) reverses his dribble as Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11), center Ebuka Izundu (15) and guard Davon Reed (5) defend during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Andrew White III (3) reverses his dribble as Miami Hurricanes guard Bruce Brown (11), center Ebuka Izundu (15) and guard Davon Reed (5) defend during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (14) attempts to keep the ball away from Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (left) at the Kohl Center. Iowa defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (14) attempts to keep the ball away from Wisconsin Badgers guard Zak Showalter (left) at the Kohl Center. Iowa defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

 Iowa Region

  1. Iowa Hawkeyes (18-14): The Hawkeyes were inconsistent all season long. Iowa closed the season by winning four of five, which includes victories over Maryland and Wisconsin, but they got blown out by Indiana (95-73) in first round of Big Ten Tournament. Senior forward Peter Jok is a must see. Iowa is making its eighth NIT appearance.
  2. Clemson Tigers (17-15): The Tigers won just six ACC regular season games though they did win two ACC Tournament games. Senior forward Jarron Blossomgame is consistent and has the ability to carry the Tigers in this tournament.
  3. Alabama Crimson Tide (19-14): The Crimson Tide also were plagued by inconsistency. The Tide are excellent on the boards and on the defensive end.  However, the question remains, who are they going to get points from? This is Alabama’s 15th NIT appearance.
  4. TCU Horned Frogs (19-15): The Horned Frogs concluded the season in horrible form, going 2-8 in the last 10 games, though, one of the wins was a biggie (over Kansas in the Big 12 Tourney). Coach Jaime Dixon, known as a defensive coach, saw his team give up at least 80 points 10 times and surrender over 70 for the season. TCU is making its seventh NIT appearance.
  5. Fresno State Bulldogs (20-12): Fresno State closed the season on a high-note winning six of seven. The Bulldogs are in the NIT for the seventh time.
  6. Richmond Spiders (20-12): The Spiders were the surprise team of the A-10 finishing fourth with a 13-5 record — five of their losses came against George Mason (twice) and VCU (three times), which includes once in the A-10 Tournament. Senior forward T.J. Cline is someone the Spiders’ opponents will have to contend with. Richmond is making its ninth NIT appearance.
  7. Oakland Grizzlies (24-8): Defense has been a problem for the Grizzlies all year, and that is what cost them in their Horizon League quarterfinal loss to Youngstown State. Junior guard Martez Walker is supremely talented. The Griz also have junior forward Jalen Hayes who is averaging 16.2 points along with 8.0 rebounds a game. Oakland is making its first NIT appearance.
  8. South Dakota Coyotes (22-11):  The Coyotes closed the regular season with six straight wins to claim its first ever Summit League title, outright. Air Force transfer Matt Mooney leads the way with over 18 points a game as he is shooting over 46 percent from the floor. Senior forward T.J. Flack is having his best year of his collegiate career, producing over 15 points and six rebounds. South Dakota is making its NIT debut.

Most intriguing first round matchup: Fresno State at TCU.

First round picks: South Dakota over Iowa; Oakland over Clemson, Alabama over Richmond. TCU over Fresno State.

Second round selections: TCU over South Dakota; Alabama over Oakland

Third round selections: Alabama over Oakland.

Next: Ranking the entire field of 68

At Madison Square Garden, I expect the Syracuse Orange to cut down the nets. Jim Boeheim’s team will prove that they are the best team in the field.

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