Last October, this avid gambler descended on America’s playground, Las Vegas, not to partake in blackjack sessions, mindless slot machines or roulette spins, but rather to attend a groundbreaking rock show featuring a Hall of Fame band playing an iconic album in its entirety.
U2. The Sphere. “Achtung Baby.”
From start to finish, the mind bent as eye-popping images populated the futuristic building’s interior, heightening jolts to every Edge guitar riff. No gummies were needed. What was witnessed created a chemical rush never previously experienced. It was stunning. It was unique. And it friggin’ rocked.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans’ NCAA Tournament projections ]
One of my personal favorites on “Achtung Baby” is “Even Better Than The Real Thing,” a tune that unmistakably applies to another event that is bound to captivate viewers and gamblers — the NCAA Tournament.
Under the surface, there are teams even better than they superficially appear — squads which, no matter the draw, are poised to leave brackets bloodied. Which ones?
Here are four teams likely to take bracketeers higher. Oh yes, take them higher. Hit that falsetto, Bono.
St. Mary’s Gaels
Final Four odds: +1600 (DraftKings)
Into the depths of hell and back. That best summarizes the perilous journey the Gaels have taken this season. At one point below .500 in early December, they rebounded heroically, stringing together 15 straight Ws, the longest active win streak in the nation. According to BartTorvik, Randy Bennett’s boys are No. 8 overall this month, ranking in the upper echelons in eFG offense and eFG defense alongside powerhouses Kansas, Duke and Arizona. With noteworthy topplings of New Mexico, Colorado State and Gonzaga on the resume, they have taken down tournament-quality teams. Given their rebounding ability, scoring acuity and guarding gumption, they won’t be easily eliminated. Aidan Mahaney, Alex Ducas and rising big Mitchell Saxen are one ferocious trio. The program’s third-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance is very doable.
Florida Gators
Final Four odds: +1600 (DraftKings)
Year 2 under Todd Golden has greatly exceeded expectations in Gainesville. The strike-it-rich hire has brought a high-powered offense and impressive achievements, the 94-91 overtime conquest of Kentucky at Rupp Arena being the biggest. Another advanced numbers darling, Florida ranks No. 15 overall over the past four weeks, according to BartTorvik. During that stretch, it is top-35 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency. Blessed with a second-chance knack (No. 3 in OR%) and clamping perimeter D (32.5% allowed), the Gators are a potentially terrorizing reptile. As witnessed several times this season, Tyrese Samuel, Will Richard and, especially, Walter Clayton Jr. can all single-handedly take over games. Hey, their brethren are trying to tell people. Listen up, golfers and gamers!
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Final Four odds: +4500 (DraftKings)
The usual Big Ten punchline is laughing last. Sure, the conference is rather top heavy, but Fred Hoiberg’s infectiously entertaining group shouldn’t be immediately discounted. Who cares if Nebraska is on pace to make the NCAA Tournament for only the second time since the Beastie Boys’ “Hello Nasty” skipped repeatedly on your Discman. This is a team capable of reaching the second weekend. “Body Movin’” is a cut that fits the soundtrack. The ‘Huskers have transformed defensively. One spot ahead of Big Ten leader Purdue, they’re No. 10 in BartTorvik’s overall ranks this month, slotting No. 1 in D-1 in adjusted defensive efficiency (0.872 pts/poss allowed). Shocking, isn’t it? Also a crisp passing team (No. 39 in A/FGM nationally) that’s impactful from the arc (36.1 3PT%), they own curvy characteristics. Yes, the Cornhuskers are only 3-7 in road-neutral affairs, but if Keisei Tominaga bombards the cylinder, they’ll inflict serious damage.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Final Four odds: +3000 (DraftKings)
Head coach Steve Forbes, who has consistently dissed and shunned the NET, is done with naysayers. In his mind, and presumably many members of the Selection Committee, the Demon Deacons are an unmistakable Big Dance-worthy participant. Close losses have crushed their soul — all nine of their Ls are by eight points or fewer — but those tight downfalls have benefited the metrics profile. What’s most alluring? Since Feb. 1, BartTorvik ranks Wake Forest as the No. 9 overall team in the country. Under the microscope, it is No. 21 in offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency over that span. Also the nation’s second most accurate free-throw shooting team (80.2%), the Demon Deacons can fill up the cup. Packed with size, scoring balance and willing defenders, they have the look of a bracket disrupter. Don’t sleep too hard on them.
Who’s your deep NCAA Tournament sleeper? Drop your comment below and get Brad’s two cents.