Thursday, March 13, 1997
NO. 1 SEED * Kansas (32-1)Looking at size, depth, experience,
and nearly any other category, the Jayhawks are easily tops in the
nation. All starters average double figures in points, KU is second
in the nation in scoring (85 ppg). Despite earlier injuries to key
players, Jacque Vaughn and Scot Pollard, Kansas has never
wavered.
DARKHORSE * Illinois (21-9)Illinois is a very dangerous
sixth-seed. The Fighting Illini defeated UCLA and Minnesota
soundly, and have won seven of its last 10. Senior Kiwane Garris
(19.3 ppg, 5.5 apg) leads a talented group of guards. Garris, Matt
Heldman, and Kevin Turner have combined for 177 treys. Chris Gandy
(6′-9") can hold his own in the paint.
PAC-10 HOPES * Arizona (19-9) and USC (17-10)Arizona has not
played well down the stretch, having lost four of the final eight
games. They are young and inexperienced and won’t advance beyond
the Sweet 16. The odds are against any USC advancement, but the
odds have been against the Trojans all year, yet they’re in the Big
Dance.
THE DAILY BRUIN SAYS…Kansas is not only our pick to win the
region, but to win the national title as well…Not only will the
College of Charleston get its first tourney victory ever, but the
Cougars will beat Arizona to reach the regionals. Watch for God to
bring down his wrath against Abraham in Charlotte (that is –
Providence’s God Shammgod and Faisal Abraham of Marquette).
1. Kansas * 2. Duke * 3. Georgia * 4. Arizona * 5. Maryland * 6.
Illinois * 7. Marquette * 8. Purdue * 9. Rhode Island * 10.
Providence * 11. USC * 12. College of Charleston * 13. South
Alabama *
14. Tennessee-Chatanooga * 15. Murray State * 16. Jackson
State