Missouri Tigers: 8 Teams to Root For In March

Feb 28, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard

(2) and forward

(12) react as they head into a timeout in their game against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Blood: Duke Blue Devils (1st seed in South)

So you don’t like Kentucky. I don’t blame you. But you still want that team that has a shot for the title. Duke is that team.

Although Duke didn’t win the regular season ACC title or the postseason title, that doesn’t mean Duke does not have what it takes to win it all. Although Duke was upset last year in the 1st round by Mercer, I doubt Duke becomes the first #1 seed in history to lose their opening game.

Like Kentucky, Duke has plenty of star power. However, Duke has arguably the best player in college basketball on their side in freshmen Jahlil Okafor. Okafor, a Naismith Award finalist, averages almost 18 points per game while pulling in nine rebounds per game.

Another aspect Duke has going for them is their location in the bracket. Duke would avoid playing Kentucky until a possible championship matchup, so they have an opportunity to go the distance.

With a road to the Final Four that includes that likes of North Florida, San Diego State, and Utah, Duke is a relatively safe bet, and one that has a good chance to go even further.

Runner-Up: North Carolina Tar Heels

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