Coach Greenberg’s Sleeper March Madness Pick Revealed!

Coach Greenberg’s Sleeper March Madness Pick Revealed!

March Madness is here, and college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg dropped a bombshell on The Pat McAfee Show, revealing his dark horse pick for the tournament. While the tournament kicks off tonight, Greenberg isn’t just looking at the usual suspects. He’s got his eye on a team that could surprise everyone.

First Four Focus: SMU and Miami Ohio

The conversation started with the ‘First Four’ games, those crucial matchups that decide the final spots in the main bracket. Greenberg believes SMU has a real shot, pointing to their scoring ability and the return of key player BJ Edwards. “SMU can really score,” he stated. “They get an up and down. Uh it’s absolutely ridiculous.” He also praised Miami Ohio as a solid team, though he felt their defense might not be enough against SMU’s offensive firepower. The pace of that game is expected to be exciting.

The Long Shot: NC State vs. Texas Winner

But Greenberg’s true sleeper pick comes from the potential winner of the NC State versus Texas game. “If you want to take a flyer, NC State Texas winner beats BYU,” he declared. He broke down why the winner of that matchup could pose a serious threat to BYU. For Texas, he highlighted players like the big man who gets to the line often, 6’8″ wing Dylan Swain, and shooters like Pope and Mack. On the NC State side, he mentioned Darius Williams and the dynamic 6’7″ point guard Q Copelid, noting that despite some defensive struggles, the team is loaded with talent.

“NC State is underperformed, but talented. And Texas, Shawn Mill is a really good coach. So that game is really interesting to me.”

The Evolving Landscape of College Hoops

The discussion then shifted to the broader state of college basketball. Greenberg agreed with the sentiment that the gap between the top programs and the rest is widening, similar to issues in college football. He noted that only about four or five teams truly stand out at the top, mentioning Arizona as the most consistent team. Michigan’s frontcourt is formidable, but Duke might be vulnerable without key starters, and Houston’s defense isn’t what it used to be.

He also touched on the rise of mid-major teams. “The mid-majors are getting pillaged,” he explained, referring to the transfer portal and NIL deals. Good players from these programs are being sought after by bigger schools. This trend means that while there are many good mid-major teams, they often lack the top-end talent to make deep tournament runs. He identified Akron, VCU, and Saint Louis as potential mid-major threats due to their shooting, athleticism, or overall play.

Miami Ohio’s Tournament Case

The conversation also addressed the controversy surrounding Miami Ohio’s inclusion in the tournament. Greenberg strongly defended their inclusion, especially after their undefeated streak. “I think they earned their way into the big once they were undefeated 31 games in a row,” he argued. He emphasized that winning in the MAC conference, known for its level playing field, is a significant accomplishment. He felt the committee’s decision to place them in the play-in game was questionable given their regular-season success.

What Makes a Tournament Winner?

When asked about the biggest advantages for teams in the tournament, Greenberg dismissed the idea of a traditional veteran backcourt. He pointed out that many top teams, like Arizona and Arkansas, are starting multiple freshmen. Instead, he emphasized the importance of scoring in transition, shot-making, toughness, and having a solid eight-man rotation. “In the end, you got to have guards, man. You got you got to have guards,” he stressed, explaining that effective guard play is crucial for both scoring and advancing the ball.

The Rise of Elite Freshmen

Greenberg also raved about the current crop of freshmen entering the NBA draft, calling it the best freshman class he can remember. He highlighted players like A.C. Cuf Jr. and Peterson, noting their maturity and focus on winning over stats. He used an example of A.C. Cuf Jr. making a smart pass instead of forcing a shot, even with 30 points. “This kid here, he’s got a little Damon Lillard in his game, the best layup shooter, but he he makes the right decision,” Greenberg said. He believes this mature approach, possibly influenced by USA Basketball, is what makes these young players so impressive and ready to compete at the highest level.

Source: Seth Greenberg's SLEEPER March Madness pick is… | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)