In the only thing more ridiculous than coming up with rankings already for the next college basketball season, ESPN has released its first NCAA Tournament bracket for the 2013 tournament.
That’s right, Joe Lunardi, author of Bracketology, has his first pairings out some 11 months before the tournament will begin. So take how you will, but odds are it will look a lot different come next March.
The most interesting aspect for local fans is easily the fact that Lunardi has both Michigan State and Michigan opening play at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State is the No. 2 seed in the South and plays No. 15 South Dakota State while Michigan is the No. 3 seed in the West and plays No. 14 Butler.
The No. 1 seeds include defending champion Kentucky (West), Louisville (East), Kansas (South) and Indiana (Midwest).
Some potential interesting matchups for the Spartans include a second-round game against No. 7 Kansas State and former Illinois coach Bruce Weber. Michigan State could also see No. 3 Duke in the second weekend and Wisconsin is the No. 4 seed in the South.
For Michigan, a trip to the regional finals could produce a matchup with No. 4 San Diego State, which of course, is coached by Steve Fisher. And who says the selection committee doesn’t have a sense of humor.
Of course, this is all way too early, but it least it’s fun to think about.
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