North Carolina – the number 1 ranked team in both major polls is unbeaten at 8-0 and is a good as advertised. Tyler Hansbrough is a monster, and the depth and athleticism of the Tar Heels make them a solid pick to win it all.

Georgetown – the Hoyas are 7-0 and appear ready to dominate the Big East. With Roy Hibbert and DaJuan Summers leading the way, the Hoyas will be a tough team to match up with in the tournament.

Kansas - the #3 ranked Jayhawks are 9-0 and have managed to keep their focus despite the legal issues of star guard Brandon Rush. The Jayhawks have five players averaging double figures in scoring which will serve them well when March rolls around.

Louisville – the Cardinals are 5-2 so far and were tripped up by Dayton at home last week. Louisville suspended their second leading scorer, Derrick Caracter, for violating team rules. Losing Caracter’s 13 points and 7 rebounds per contents will definitely hurt the Cardinals chances at reaching the Elite 8.

Memphis – the Tigers are 7-0 and ranked #2 in the country. Led by Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis is perhaps the most athletic team in the country. They have proven they can play in up-tempo games as well as half-court contests.

Oregon - the Ducks are a very quiet 7-1 this year and are ranked #16 in both polls. Not many people are talking about Oregon outside of the Pacific Northwest, but don’t be fooled – 5 Ducks are double digit scorers, led by guard Malik Hairston, and they can play with anybody in the country.

Tennessee – the fans on Rocky Top are thrilled with the Vols this year, as they have started out the season with an 8-1 record. Guards JaJuan Smith and Chris Lofton form one of the best backcourts in the country. If they can get through the brutal SEC East relatively unscathed, Tennessee could easily make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

UCLA - freshman sensation Kevin Love has led the Bruins to an 8-1 record and a #8 ranking. The only hiccup in the Bruins’ season so far was a 2 point loss to #4/5 Texas at home. If Love can continue his stellar play, you can pencil in UCLA for a trip to the Elite 8.

Post from: EveryJoe

Early report card on projected Elite 8 teams

This isn’t the first time Caracter has been in trouble for violating Cardinals team rules. Head coach Rick Pitino actually sent Caracter home last season after a couple of disagreements with the player.

To continue playing with the team, Caracter agreed to sign a contract with some prescribed rules he must follow, including a curfew. Pitino indicated that Caracter broke curfew that same night.

What is sad is that Caracter has betrayed the trust of his teammates, who came to bat for him and persuaded Pitino to let him play against Dayton. Now, that trust is gone, and I believe Caracter should be gone from Louisville as well. It is clear he doesn’t respect Pitino nor his team rules, and now he has betrayed his teammates.

Losing Caracter’s 13.4 points and 7.4 rebounds a game will definitely hurt the Cardinals, but keeping him on the team would hurt them even more.

Post from: EveryJoe

Louisville suspends F Caracter indefinitely