WEST REGION AT A GLANCE

The seeds:

1. Duke

2. San Diego State

3. Connecticut

4. Texas

5. Arizona

6. Cincinnati

7. Temple

8. Michigan

9. Tennessee

10. Penn State

11. Missouri

12. Memphis

13. Oakland

14. Bucknell

15. Northern Colorado

16. Hampton

My pick to win it: San Diego State.

Dark horse: Michigan. John Beilein's young team has played really well down the stretch, going from nowhere to an 8 seed in several weeks. The young guard line of Darius Morris and Tim Hardaway is terrific. The problem is that, even if the Wolverines beat Tennessee, they are going to have to beat Duke in Charlotte.

Obvious rout: Northern Colorado has had a terrific season, but is jumping way up in class against San Diego State. The Aztecs have very few weaknesses. What stands out with them is the effort.

Upset special: Missouri has a great tournament style. Its frantic style should work really well against large, somewhat lumbering Cincinnati. The Tigers have NCAA experience. Cincinnati does not.

Looking forward to: Seeing if Kemba Walker's legs still work after the five consecutive games of the Big East Tournament. What a show the UConn guard put on in New York. Seeing if Duke can get back to the Final Four and defend its title.

Questionable seeding: I am not quite sure how Cincinnati ended up as a No. 6. The Bearcats had a nice season, but they looked more like a No. 9. Their style may work a lot better in the Big East than outside it.

Players you'll love to watch: Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, Duke. Derrick Williams, Arizona. Kemba Walker, Connecticut. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State. Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson, Texas. Scotty Hopson, Tennessee. Ramone Moore and Lavoy Allen, Temple. Talor Battle and Jeff Brooks, Penn State. Devon Beitzel, Northern Colorado.

- Dick Jerardi