Cinci is going to be a major force in the NCAA. They have a powerful team that could run the table clean.

  After losing four players to the NBA, the Blue Devils have to rebuild quickly, but they have the atheletic freshmen that will make an impact on the NCAA.

  Temple is going to make some noise this year. Sanchez is going to be an All-American this year and this squad can go all the way to the championship game if they play like a team and with more heart this year.

  UNC is pretty good this year. They have a talented backcourt but need an all around game from everyone. Expect Capel to do some major damage this year.

  Uconn has to defend their title. Even though they lost their star player, Richard Hamilton, to the NBA draft, they still have a great nucleus with Khalid El-Amein.

UCLA has some returning players that will contribute to the teams success. Even though they are not a team like Wooden's, they are entertaining and they will keep the old UCLA tradition alive.

Illinois surprised a lot of people in the Big Ten Tournament last year. This year, with returning players that have experience in the big games, they will be at the top of the rankings and will challenge for the NCAA Tournament Championship.

Their first final four appearence since Magic was there. This team led by veteran Mateen Cleaves is a power to be reckoned with.

Auburn is a great team. They have a lot of returning players and great team chemistry. Look for them to go far.

Ohio State has the best backcourt duo in the country. They will take the team far but the front line will have to do a lot of work.

           

PaulM., 11/16/99, 5th period, Electronic Publishing