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March Madness 2017: Ranking and previewing all Sweet 16 teams

By Keith Rivas

Dec 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) dives for the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) dives for the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Dwight Coleby (22) reacts with forward Landen Lucas (33) during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Dwight Coleby (22) reacts with forward Landen Lucas (33) during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas Jayhawks

Hands down, I still see the Jayhawks as the team to beat in this year’s tournament.

They have a real shot at cruising past Purdue and then beating either Michigan or Oregon in the Elite Eight.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see them in the Final Four, let alone the national championship.

One surprising statistic from their run so far has been their ability to not play in close games. For their first round match up against UC Davis, the Jayhawks dominated en route to a 100-62 win.

Then, in the second round, Kansas had their way with Tom Izzo’s Spartans, winning 90-70.

This is a team to believe in at this time of year, and they’re starting to click on all cylinders when it matters most.

The only thing I would say could be a stumbling block is pride getting in the way — but not in the Sweet 16, rather in the Elite Eight.

Kansas would be going into that round feeling like they’re on top of the world should they beat the Boilermakers. All they have to do is know that they’re not the last team standing yet.

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