DUKE, N. CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, GONZAGA LAND NO. 1 SEEDS; BRADLEY FACES MSU
Best first-round matchup
No. 7 Louisville vs. No. 10 Minnesota. This matchup is dripping with intrigue as Gophers coach Richard Pitino will coach against the team his dad, Rick Pitino, used to coach before Louisville fired him in 2017. The Cardinals struggled down the stretch, losing five of their last seven. Minnesota, which lacks three-point shooting, relies on junior guard Amir Coffey (16.3 ppg) and senior forward Jordan Murphy (14.8).
Potential upset
No. 14 Yale over No. 3 LSU. The Tigers are reeling with the indefinite suspension of coach Will Wade amid an FBI probe that also allegedly involves freshman guard Javonte Smart. High-scoring Yale loves its high-ball screens, constant movement and fast pace, and the Bulldogs can make three-pointers.
The sleeper
No. 4 Virginia Tech. Hokies coach Buzz Williams should have his team ready, especially with one of the best defensive teams in the nation and the best three-point shooting team in the ACC. Sophomore guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a potential lottery pick with his ability to score and knock down three-pointers, and junior forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. provides an interior presence on both ends. Virginia Tech has proved it can beat quality teams with victories against Purdue, Washington, Syracuse and Duke, albeit the Blue Devils were without freshman forward Zion Williamson.
The winner
No. 1 Duke. As long as Williamson is healthy, the Blue Devils are the favorite not only in the East but also the entire bracket. Since Williamson — the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft — returned from an injury at the start of the ACC tournament, he is averaging 27 points and 10 rebounds and shooting 76.7 percent. His two-way impact is undeniable.