Bracketology 2019: Way-too-early look at a potential NCAA Tournament bracket

South Region

(1) Villanova vs. (16) Lipscomb

(8) Penn State vs. (9) Louisville

(4) West Virginia vs. (13) Georgia State

(5) UCLA vs. (12) Davidson

(6) Florida vs. (11) NC State

(3) Michigan vs. (14) Belmont

(7) Cincinnati vs. (10) Wisconsin

(2) Virginia vs. (15) Montana.

Is it really a surprise to see Villanova on the No. 1 line? The defending champions have one of the best returning rosters in the country even if both Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges head to the NBA. Jay Wright consistently has a roster capable of winning the national championship and 2018-19 should be no different. After two titles in three years, the Wildcats have changed their perception as an underachiever in March to one of the best programs in the nation.

On the opposite side of that spectrum, the Virginia Cavaliers did not help their reputation this past year. Despite being the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, they were bounced in the first round by UMBC. Traditionally a program looked at as an underachiever in the Big Dance, Tony Bennett’s team desperately needs to make a deep run soon. Until then, fans will continue to pick UVA to falter in the opening weekend.

There are three at-large teams in this region who did not participate in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Penn State and Louisville were two of the first teams out this past season and should be knocking on the door once again in 2018-19. The loss of Tony Carr really hurts the Nittany Lions but there is still plenty coming back. As for Louisville, they bring in new head coach Chris Mack in addition to a high-profile roster.

Lastly, I see Wisconsin getting back to the Big Dance as long as Ethan Happ returns for his senior season. The Badgers return everyone from last season and also bring D’Mitrik Trice and Kobe King back from injury. It will be hard for Greg Gard to overcome the disappointment of last season but the talent is there.