The West region features the 1-seed Syracuse that looked like the best team in the country just 3 weeks ago. Kansas State is a strong 2, and then there are plenty of opportunities for upsets in the region. Lots of mid-major teams will showcase themselves in the West region, and everyone will be looking to find a way to break Cuse’s 2-3 zone to reach the Final Four.

TEAMS THAT CAN WIN IT - These teams have a legitimate chance to reach the Final Four

(7) BYU - An experienced mid-major team with a dynamic senior leader (Jimmer Fredette) that can get hot and put this team on his back. The Cougars are the second-highest scoring team in the nation (83 PPG) and shoot the three at a prolific rate. Fredette averages 20 per game and can fill it up in a hurry, and they have the make-up of a team that could make a run. Unfortunately, they’re a 7 seed and get a very, very tough matchup in round 2 with Kansas State.

(5) Butler - Similar make-up to BYU, except they are a more balanced team and play a more slow-tempo traditional style. But they are an experienced mid-major team that shoots the ball very well. Brad Stevens is a terrific young coach. They have a dynamic scoring/rebounding duo in Matt Howard and Gordon Hayward, and they play strong defense. They’re looking to make a magical run to the Final Four where they would be playing in their backyard in Indianapolis.

(2) Kansas State - The Wildcats are a fun team to watch that had a tremendous year. Their fiery coach (Frank Martin) gets the most out of his players. They are balanced with both explosive guard play (Jacob Pullen, Denis Clemente) and strong interior presences (Jamar Samuels, Curtis Kelly). They are incredibly solid and will be a tough out. What puts them over the top is their tremendous guard play that can fill it up in close games. I really like this Kansas State team.

(1) Syracuse - The most balanced team in the nation is 6th in the nation in scoring, 2nd in assists, and 1st in field goal percentage. They shoot the 3, rebound well, play a suffocating 2-3 zone, and have the Big East Player of the Year and first-team All American in forward Wesley Johnson. The Orange have the potential to be upset by a team that can drive the interior of their zone, play tough, and shoot it well, but they don’t get matched up with that type of team until they would meet Kansas State.

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SLEEPER TEAM - They’re not favored, but this team could bust your bracket and make a run

(6) Xavier - They have a history of solid NCAA Tournament runs and have made the Elite 8 twice in 6 years. The Musketeers are one of those teams that nobody talks about but will be very tough to match up with. They have terrific guard play, led by Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford. They score 80 points per game, top-10 in the nation, and can fill it up in a hurry. I like Xavier to take down 3-seed Pittsburgh in round 2, and they would have a shot to take down K-State (or BYU) if their guards go off.

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UPSET PICKS - These teams can win in a first round upset and possibly make a deeper Cinderella run

(13) Murray State - The Racers lost just 4 games all year, average 6 players in double figures, and are an upperclassmen-led squad. They’re also more athletic than your typical low-seeded mid-major. I think Murray State is put together to be an upset team, and they got a pretty beatable 4-seed to play in Vanderbilt.

(12) UTEP - Just because you have a chance to win it doesn’t mean you can’t get upset in round 1. That’s the case with 5-seed Butler, since they got matched up with the explosive UTEP Miners. UTEP is led by Derrick Caracter, a Louisville transfer who was once a top-10 recruit in his class, and Randy Culpepper, a prolific scorer who was a leading scorer in the country last year. I like UTEP to take down (5) Butler, and then knock off either (4) Vanderbilt or (13) Murray State.

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BEST PLAYERS - Here are the guys to watch in this region

Matt Bouldin (G/F, Gonzaga) - A do-it-all senior leader who is looking to lead his team over Florida State in the first round to get a shot at taking down Syracuse in round 2. Bouldin is the ‘Zags’ leading scorer that shoots at a high percentage and can pass it (4.5 APG) and rebound the ball well, too (4.1 RPG)

A.J. Ogilvy (C, Vanderbilt) - I showed no love for Vanderbilt in my picks, but I love their Aussie center who dominates down low. Ogilvy is an efficient post player that doesn’t command a lot of shots but can dominate the game (14 PPG). Jermaine Beal is a great player for them as well

Ashton Gibbs (G, Pittsburgh) - I’m also not picking Pitt to go far in this bracket, but you can’t ignore the solid contributions from the improved Gibbs. He averages 16 a game and can get hot in a hurry, despite his awkward-looking jump shot

Jacob Pullen (G, Kansas State) - Tremendous scoring guard that can get hot in a hurry. Pullen averages 19 per game and can put this team on his back and make the Final Four. He’s also an experienced Junior and has been here before

Jimmer Fredette (G, BYU) - Averages 20 points per game, has unlimited range, and recently put up 45 points in a game. Fredette is a true star for the BYU Cougars and could easily be considered the top player in this region, but I have to give it to the next guy

WESLEY JOHNSON (F, SYRACUSE) - Big East Player of the Year and future top-5 NBA Draft pick Wes Johnson is a superstar for the Orange. Andy Rautins is their senior leader and could have made this list, but Johnson is their best athlete and best all-around player, and the best player in this region. He’s going to showcase his potential in this year’s tournament

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MY PICKS - Here’s how I predict this region playing out

(1) Syracuse, (2) Kansas State, (6) Xavier, and (12) UTEP will reach the Sweet 16
(1) Syracuse will take down (6) Xavier to win the region and reach the Final Four