March Madness 2023 bracket predictions: Picks for Final Four, National Champion

March Madness bracket predictions: Elite Eight picks

South Region Final: 1 Alabama vs. 2 Arizona

For as good as Arizona is, this matchup doesn’t seem to have the versatility that Alabama does. Not only can the Crimson Tide adequately match up against the likes of Oumar Ballo and Azuolas Tubelis, but they have better guard and perimeter play as well. Brandon Miller is again a key aspect to watch for this game as his combination of length, athleticism and IQ are going to be difficult for the Wildcats to handle, thus propelling Nate Oats’ team to the Final Four.

Pick: Alabama advances

East Region Final: 8 Memphis vs. 6 Kentucky

Time is a flat circle, so let’s get John Calipari against the Memphis program that pushed him into the Kentucky job in the Elite Eight. And let’s throw in Penny Hardaway for good measure, coaching the Tigers. This is another matchup, though, where the rebounding advantage for the Wildcats will be key. Memphis doesn’t have anyone to match up with Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin and so on consistency for an entire game, which will be the difference between a Final Four trip and going home.

Pick: Kentucky advances

Midwest Region Final: 4 Indiana vs. 3 Xavier

Once again, Indiana finds itself in a good spot where their opponent, Xavier in this instance, doesn’t have the requisite size necessary to take advantage of the Hoosiers’ biggest weakness. Neither of these teams are elite defensively but the Musketeers are notably the worst of the two on that end of the floor. With two great, deep offensive attacks, I have to give the slight edge to the team with the better defense, which is Indiana in this matchup.

Pick: Indiana advances

West Region Final: 1 Kansas vs. 3 Gonzaga

Gonzaga has been lesser this season in comparison to the past couple of years in large part due to their inability to consistently defend on the perimeter. With players like Gradey Dick, Jalen Wilson and Dajuan Harris Jr. coming at them, that’s a major issue. Kansas and their host of stars boasts a real matchup problem for the Zags and, even with Drew Timme likely getting a ton of good looks inside, it won’t be enough to take down the Jayhawks.

Pick: Kansas advances

First Four | South First Round | East First Round | Midwest First Round | West First Round | South and East Second Round | Midwest and West Second Round | Sweet 16