Bison Dele Region + Len Bias Region Breakdowns

Personally, I prefer the stories of Bison Dele and Len Bias. Just about this time last year, Katz and I were spending a typical weeknight with Fred Hickman. Fred, as some of you know, guides 3 a.m. ESPN viewers through an accelerated cut of one of the previous night's NBA game. Basically, at that hour we are in the perfect state of mind to enjoy an abbreviated version highlighted by Fred's presence every 20 minutes. Anyway, during a break in the action the camera pans over the audience, then fixes over a small section. Katz freezes for a split-second, then looks at me and asks, "Is this a Bison Dele sighting?" For those of you who don't know the story and were too lazy to click the Wikipedia link, Bison was at sea with his brother in the South Pacific, but only his brother returned from the trip (Bison's body was never found). We'll never know whether or not it was just a look-a-like, but I like to believe it was really Dele. As for Lenny, well, let's just say I'm not convinced one player has ever deflated the spirits and swapped hope for the resentment of an entire fan base quite like the '86 #2 overall pick (my sympathies, Bill Simmons). It is of note that both players attended Maryland, and also that Dele is an alumnus of his region's top seed, Arizona (which, to be completely honest with you, i just realized 2 seconds ago.) But I digress, so let's jump in...


BISON DELE REGION BREAKDOWN:

(players introduced in the order of: guard/ballhandler, forward/swingman, center/big man)

(1) Arizona v. (8) Minnesota

Arizona: Gilbert Arenas, Andrew Iguodala, RIchard Jefferson
Minnesota: Bobby Jackson, Kris Humphries, Joel Przybilla

Preview: While undersized, this 'Zona team boasts 2 of the most electric scorers in the NBA, let alone the tournament. Iguodala complements them perfectly, as he pretty much does everything in terms of filling up the stat book. Minnesota's got a heads-and-shoulders size advantage with a 7-footer. Both Przybilla and Humphries match up favorably on the low blocks.

Prediction: Arizona

(4) Ohio State v. (5) Florida

Ohio State: Mike Conley, Michael Redd, Greg Oden
Florida: Jason Williams, David Lee, Al Horford

Preview: There's no better way to kick off our tournament than a rematch of last year's national title game, which is fresh in the minds of half the players on the court. Ohio State features a lethal pick-and-roll+kickout combo, although we don't know how Oden will fare against NBA-caliber talent. It was a tough call to pick only two out of Lee/Horford/Joakim Noah/Mike Miller, but Lee plays with a fire on a Knicks team that inspires little to no passion. He's also a monster on the board (great for the street game), and I had to go with Horford over Noah since he's blossomed earlier and brings more offense.

Prediction: Florida

(3) Georgetown v. (6) Kentucky

Georgetown: Allen Iverson, Jeff Green, Dikembe Mutumbo
Kentucky: Rajon Rondo, Tayshaun Prince, Nazr Mohammad

Preview: A.I. still has the nastiest crossover in the game, can score at will, and shows more ink than skin, which translates into a beautiful street game. With Mutumbo hanging around the rim blocking shots all day, The Answer will as many shots as he needs. Rondo has to find a way to score, but he's a great distributor. Tayshaun is a lockdown defender, and a hot streak (like the one in the video) in a street game can mean a quick victory.

Prediction: Georgetown

(2) Texas v. (7) Cincinatti

Texas: T.J. Ford, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge
Cincinatti: Kenyon Martin, Ruben Patterson, Jason Maxiell

Preview: This makeup of former Longhorns looks to be the most exciting team to watch. Built around speed and athleticism, this team is very well-rounded. Cincinatti will be equally fun to watch, but more in the trainwreck-that-you-can't-look-away-from way, if only because Martin is running the point. Jason Maxiell plays bigger than his size, and attacks the glass with everything he's got and more.

Prediction: Texas

LEN BIAS REGION BREAKDOWN:

(1) Connecticut v. (8) Oregon

UCONN: Caron Butler, Ray Allen, Rudy Gay
Oregon: Luke Ridnour, Fred Jones, Luke Jackson

Preview: Butler has really elevated his game this season, as has Gay. Allen still has the sweetest stroke from the perimeter which balances this team out nicely. Oregon, on the other hand, just can't match the talent level. The Lukes never really panned out to anything, but at least Fred Jones should put on a one-man dunk contest once the Huskies build up a big enough lead to rest on defense.

Prediction: UCONN

(4) Washington v. (5) Illinois

Washington: Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Spencer Hawes
Illinois: Deron Williams, Luther Head, James Augustine

Preview: A Heads-or-Tails matchup, including the only team that features a lineup that played together as well as a team mascot (Katz and I have come to the conclusion that this is Robinson's role on the Knicks). Roy will be interesting to watch, but from what I've seen from Deron in the 4th quarter of close games, he can clearly carry a team.

Prediction: Illinois

(3) Michigan State v. (6) Maryland

Michigan State: Eric Snow, Jason Richardson, Zach Randolph
Maryland: Steve Francis, Steve Blake, Chris Wilcox

Preview: Snow runs the point well, taking smart shots and keeping the offense flowing. J-Rich and Z-Bo bring the blacktop flav. Franchise counters with his high-rising, play-making abilities. Chris Wilcox is jsut as athletic if not more than Randolph. Blake does what white guys do best, catch-and-release from beyond the arc.

Prediction: Michigan State

(2) Georgia Tech v. (7) Louisiana State University

Georgia Tech: Jarrett Jack, Stephon Marbury, Chris Bosh
LSU: Shaquille O'Neal, Tyrus Thomas, Glen Davis

Preview: Georgia Tech features a nice duo of guards to complement Bosh, who should be their primary option. Starbury is arguably the most "street" out of any player in the tournament. LSU is physically the biggest team in the tournament, and the ballhandling duties have been assigned to Shaq by default (and you thought Kenyon Martin was the biggest surprise at guard!!). This game comes down to pure efficiency: turnovers + high-percentage shots.

Prediction: Georgia Tech