FanNation - The Republic of Sport

1. North Carolina

Strengths:

Tyler Hansbrough is a beast down low. Stephenson and Thompson contribute to create a huge front line. Roy Williams has been able to build quality depth after the Tywon Lawson injury.

Weaknesses:

Not overly athletic outside of Lawson. Wayne Ellington is the only accomplished outside shooter. When he's not on (see Duke game), they can be had easily. Weak on perimeter defense. Teams like Tennessee and Duke could be kryptonite to them.

2. UCLA

Strengths:

Kevin Love is the most polished 19 year old big man in ages. Creates wide base with his rear and seals defenders off. Darren Collison is a tremendous floor general and Josh Shipp is the athletic wing guy that other teams covet. The most sound defensive team in America.

Weaknesses:

This team just doesn't score the rock that efficiently. They can control a game throughout and only be up single digits. Once again, a Duke or Tennessee, who can get hot in spurts beyond the arc, could send them home. If you can score 70, you can beat them.

3. Tennessee

Strengths:

Relentless style of play. Ability to play 10-11 guys without a significant dropoff. Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith are shooters with great range. Tyler Smith and J.P. Prince bring an athleticism to Bruce Pearl's team that was missing last season.

Weaknesses:

Tennessee is still not a proficient low-post scoring team. This makes team reliant on jump shots and offers fewer free throw opportunities. Falls in love with the three ball too much and that can cost them in tight situations. No low post stopper. Not a great FT shooting team.

4. Memphis

Strengths:

The most athletic team in America, bar none. Derrick Rose is a one-and-done, surefire lottery pick. Chris Douglas-Roberts is a primo scorer. Nice depth and a very good team defensively.

Weaknesses:

Not a lot of low-post scoring. Joey Dorsey is a physical presence, but he isn't a high-motor guy. Takes games off. Robert Dozier has tools, but hasn't realized his potential. Streaky outside shooting. Poor FT shooting roster.

5. Duke

Strengths:

The best perimeter team in America. Their offensive spacing is second to none. Kyle Singler's ability to handle the ball outside with skill pulls the big man out and allows for DeMarcus Nelson and Gerald Henderson to get to the bucket. Paulas, Scheyer, and Singler are all kickout knockdown shooters.

Weaknesses:

Duke is Tennessee-lite athletically. They have the same problems, but they get magnified against athletic teams that can play smart because they can't stop the ball. Greg Paulas is a gritty guy, but he struggles against dribble penetrators. No low post play at all.

6. Kansas

Strengths:

On paper, the best team in America. Darnell Jackson is a load. Darrell Authur is a highly-skilled 6'9" guy who has lottery pick ability.Sherron Collins is a dribble penetrating fool who can get to the hole at any time. A smaller version of fellow Chicago prep Derrick Rose. Brandon Rush is a next level SG prospect.

Weaknesses:

This team has a BMW 745I sleekness, but sometimes plays with a Kia motor. The team seems mismatched with roles expanding and contracting, which may stymie team cohesion. Bill Self has shown an inability to advance in the tourney. Outside of Rush, KU lacks consistent perimeter shooting.

7. UCONN

Strengths:

Hasheem Thabeet is a monster down low. He changes entire games with his ability to block and alter shots, and rebound the basketball. A.J. Price has become a very good PG, and Craig Austrie is a very good mid range shooter off the dribble. Jeff Adrian is a quality space eater at the 4. Stanley "Stix" Robinson (how he got out of B'Ham, I don't know) is one of the best athletes in America. Great, dynamic finisher.

Weaknesses:

Perimeter shooting will be an issue with this team. Price is the only guy that shoots over 35% from three point range. Thabeet covers up for a lot of their defensive ills. The dynamic changes when he is in foul trouble. How does the oft-troubled Jerome Dyson's return affect team chemistry.

8. Texas

Strengths:

D.J. Augustin, in my opinion, is the best PG, and possibly, the best player in the Unites States of America. His ability to dominate the ball, yet provide steady leadership, unmatched quickness, and a deft shooting touch, makes Texas a tough team to beat. A.J. Abrams is a shooter with a lightning quick release who can go off for 30 at any time. Damion James is a P.J. Tucker clone who gives them toughness. Connor Atchley is a very underrated guy who can go inside-outside.

Weaknesses:

Not a very deep team. Four guys average over 30 minutes/game on the court. Team relies on Augustin to set up everything. Abrams and Augustin are both undersized, so a bigger guard tandem could give them issues. Not a physically imposing team.

Teams Just missing the cut:

Indiana, Notre Dame, Louisville, Washington State, Xavier, Georgetown, Stanford