Bracketology 2020: Updated preseason projected NCAA Tournament field

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: A players shadow is seen during introductions before the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal between the Auburn Tigers and Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 06: Coach Izzo of the Spartans talks. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Midwest Region

(1) Michigan State vs. (16) NC Central/LIU

(8) Auburn vs. (9) Texas

(4) Seton Hall vs. (13) Western Kentucky

(5) Houston vs. (12) East Tennessee State

(6) Purdue vs. (11) West Virginia

(3) Oregon vs. (14) Bowling Green

(7) Alabama vs. (10) Providence

(2) North Carolina vs. (15) South Alabama

Michigan State deserves a No. 1 seed even after the news that Joshua Langford will miss the opening stretch of the season due to injury. The Spartans remain the most talented team in the Big Ten and feature the best player in the country. Senior guard Cassius Winston looks poised to lead the team once again and there are a ton of strong pieces around him. Watch out for incoming freshman Rocket Watts to take on a significant role in the absence of Langford. This team is very skilled and head coach Tom Izzo knows how to put his players in positions to succeed.

Diving a bit deeper into this region, Seton Hall is on the verge of a major breakout campaign. The Pirates return the vast majority of their rotation from a year ago and that includes superstar guard Myles Powell, who is a preseason favorite for the National Player of the Year award (along with Winston). The key player to watch for head coach Kevin Willard’s team will be Florida State transfer Ike Obiagu. The 7-foot-1 big man could be the defensive anchor they need in New Jersey. He averaged 2.1 blocks in 10.7 minutes per game as a freshman in Tallahassee.

From a mid-major standpoint, keep an eye on Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers received some tremendous news this offseason with star big man Charles Bassey electing to return for his sophomore season. Bassey is a strong interior presence and should take the next step in his development this year. They could exceed this No. 13 seed while competing for the Conference USA title. Western Kentucky will also heavily lean on the likes of Taveion Hollingsworth and Josh Anderson.

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