This feels like a challenge being issued to the defending national champions.
Want to be the first team to repeat since Florida in 2006-07? You’re going to have to earn it.
Connecticut has to deal with Iowa State as the second seed, a team that had an argument to be a No. 1, and Auburn as the No. 4.
Both of those schools are ranked in the top five by the analytics site KenPom.com. Even No. 3 Illinois, the Big Ten Tournament champion with the country’s third-ranked offense, is a team that could make a legitimate run to the Final Four.
No region has a better top four, and even No. 6 BYU feels underseeded.
Bracket Buster
No. 4 Auburn: Usually, a four-seed is high for a bracket buster, but not when the region includes the heavy favorite to win it all. The Tigers, the lone team in the country with a top-10 offense and defense in terms of efficiency, have the potential to stun Connecticut in Boston.
First-Round Upset Watch
No. 10 Drake over No. 7 Washington State: Look out for Drake. It won 28 games, crushed tournament teams Akron and Nevada, and has a legitimate star in Tucker DeVries. We’re looking at you, Washington State.
Best First-Round Matchup
No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 12 UAB: San Diego State forward Jaedon LeDee is one of the most improved players in the country, the 6-foot-9 bull of a senior going from averaging 7.9 points last year to 21.1 this year. UAB may have an answer for him in junior college transfer Yaxel Lendeborg, the AAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Unsung Player
Riley Minix, Morehead State: The Eagles’ standout wing, the 6-foot-7 Minix scored at least 20 points 19 times this year, displaying a well-rounded offensive skill set inside and out.
Player to Watch
Terrence Shannon Jr., No. 3 Illinois: The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 34 points and shot 47.3 percent from the field in the Big Ten Tournament, a dominant showing that should scare the rest of this region.
The Post’s Pick
Connecticut
The region is not easy. Auburn can be tricky in the Sweet 16 for Connecticut and Iowa State will be tough in the Elite Eight. Yes, it’s going chalk. Remember, the Cyclones beat Houston twice. It won’t matter. The Huskies are the best team in the country by a considerable margin, having lost just once at full strength. As they showed in the Big East Tournament, they can outscore you and they can lock you down on the defensive end. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the second weekend will be in Boston, either. Dan Hurley and Co. will be cutting down more nets.
