New Reasons
1. Never underestimate spite. I said the Wildcats have a history of breaking my bracket, and I picked them losing to Oregon in the second round.
2. Coach Tommy Lloyd has yet to prove he can get past the Sweet 16, and if Arizona beats Duke they can beat anyone
3. After averaging only 31% for the season, the 'cats are heating up from 3-point range, hitting nearly 50% of their attempts in the tournament.
Original Reasons
1. Balance: The Wildcats averaged 82.2 points per game, as well as 39.8 rebounds and 16.7 assists - while also averaging about 8 steals and 4 blocks per game
2. Marquee talent like shooting guard Caleb Love is often a difference-maker, but timely contributions from up-and-coming players like KJ Lewis and Henri Veesaar are nice, too!
3. My bracket PTSD reminds me that Arizona underachieves when favored and overachieves when underestimated. A late-season slide does not bode well for those picking an early exit for the Kitties.
4. To spite all the Arizona State fans, who are still waiting for Bobby Hurley to get them to the tournament.
Matt Carty
Comments