by Jim Becker

Created on: March 01, 2007   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

It has been quite a season of college hoops this year. It seems as though no one really wants the number one spot as of late. This will make filling out those office pools a bit treacherous this year. Here are where I see several of the teams shaking out in the next few weeks.

Ohio State: They are currently the number one team in the nation. That has to account for something. They will be strong in the tournament and should get a strong seed with a fairly easy schedule. That can cause them to be lulled into a sense of false security, though.

UCLA: A strong school with a strong heritage. Sitting number two will also help them get a good schedule through the tournament. Their ability to make it to the Final Four, though, will hinge on who they must face in both the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. If they happen to catch a strong team at a time when they are playing well, it will be difficult for UCLA to continue.

Kansas: They have been strong most of the season, with a few exceptions. Their ability to make it to the Final Four will depend highly on how they fare in the Big 12 tournament. That can be a difficult tournament to win. If they can make it past rivals Missouri and fellow Top 10 school Texas A&M, they will be situated to make it to the final.

Florida: They have been strong all year and they are the reigning champs. The cannot be discounted. I don't think they will suffer in the SEC tournament, which should leave them strong for a run to the Final Four. Teams will be gunning for them, though, so use a pencil, not a pen.

Wisconsin: They may be the great unknown. How strong was their schedule? Now is when we will find out. They have played well and should make it to the Final Four without many scares.

North Carolina: Tradition says they should make another strong run. Unfortunately, tradition also says that Roy Williams can't make it past the Elite 8. Which tradition is stronger? We shall soon see.

Duke: Unlike Roy Williams, Coach K has a strong tradition of taking teams that don't seem to be capable of winning championships and surprising people. I look for this team to surprise a lot of people.

I know that's more than four, but that should give you a look at who has the chance of making it to Atlanta.

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