In this special edition of the Monday Mailbag, I’ll ask questions about Selection Sunday and answer them myself.  Amazingly, even though they’re my own questions, I still don’t have answers for most of these...

What is the best first round match-up? 

I’m looking forward to seeing Arizona play Utah State.  I’d have the Aggies beating any other #3 seed out there, but Arizona should be too athletic for the Big West squad. 

Which first round match-ups have upset written all over them?

It could be craziness in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Watch out for Old Dominion over Michigan State and Vermont over Syracuse.  It’s a grouping with some great big men with Alex Loughton (ODU) and Taylor Coppenrath (Vermont).  Paul Davis will have his hands full.  Vermont could have a road to the Sweet Sixteen with this draw, but they could have an early exit as well if Syracuse continues playing like they have been lately.

Which team should have made it in but didn’t?

DePaul, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Notre Dame.  The list goes on but all of these teams had their chance and didn’t get it done.  When it comes down to it, it is there own fault, not the committee’s. 

Which team made it in but shouldn’t have?

Northern Iowa and UAB were probably the last two in.  They probably don’t deserve it any more than DePaul or Notre Dame or Miami (OH), but for whatever reason those two were chosen.  I can’t fault the committee for making a tough decision, although the MAC can feel a little slighted, but they shouldn’t be surprised.

Who got a good draw?

Alabama.  Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a tough, tough team at a 12 seed, but looking ahead, Bama should be able to make it to the Sweet Sixteen over Boston College. 

Wisconsin.  Kansas is the Badgers potential second round match-up and they have been nothing but inconsistent lately.  The Badgers are always a steady, smart team.  Waiting beyond that for Bo Ryan’s squad is Connecticut, but I’m not too certain the Huskies will make it that far with a second round game against the winner of Charlotte and NC State. 

Who got a bad draw?

Arizona.  This team is a potential Final Four squad, but it won’t be easy from day one.  Oklahoma State is a bad match-up for Arizona down the road and Illinois may wait for the Wildcats after that.