Bracketology 2020: Ranking the 16 teams from early bracket reveal

10. Villanova Wildcats (17-6, 7-4 in Big East)

When you consider that five-star freshman guard Bryan Antoine has had no impact on the team after coming back from offseason shoulder surgery and they effectively are playing a 6-7 man rotation, Jay Wright and Villanova has done as well as they can, even before the recent three-game losing streak. They have five players currently averaging in double figures, with two (Saddiq Bey and Collin Gillespie) putting up over 15 ppg.

The problem for the Wildcats is that unless Antoine can be part of the rotation (unlikely), it seems as if we’ve seen the ceiling for this team, which is around the Sweet 16. This is a good offensive team overall but foul trouble or an off-game from one of the top scorers leaves Villanova without a backup plan, while a team like Florida State has multiple options if one of their top guys is off. But again, I haven’t lost all hope that Antoine won’t be part of this squad for more than five minutes a game.

9. Dayton Flyers (21-2, 10-0 in Atlantic 10)

This Dayton team has been absolutely fantastic on offense, led by one of the best players in the country in Obi Toppin (19.6 ppg and 7.8 rpg). With a top-10 scoring offense and ranked No. 1 in overall field goal percentage (52%), the Flyers won’t be intimidated by any opposing defense. Everyone on the court for this team is capable of scoring and thanks to transfers have several high-caliber power conference athletes.

I’m not a believer that playing in a mid-major conference puts a team at a disadvantage when the NCAA Tournament arrives but the Flyers one weakness has been post-defense. The A-10 doesn’t have many great bigs but the ones that are they have done some damage against Dayton. The Flyers can score 80 against anyone but the right opposing frontcourt could score against them as well. The Flyers are very matchup-dependent but is capable of making a Final Four run.