Former Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez breaks down NCAA tourney
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Former Manhattan and Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez knows a thing or two about playing in the postseason. Twice named MAAC Coach of the Year, Gonzalez took his teams to two NCAA tournaments and three NIT appearances during an 11-year coaching career.
Currently, Gonzalez is a media figure doing interviews and providing analysis while coaching at the prestigious Five-Star Basketball Camps. He spoke to Metro about his thoughts on this year’s tournament.
Unlike last year when Kentucky was head and shoulders above the rest, there is no clear-cut favorite this year. Is this tournament wide open or will the top seeds still make a push?
I still believe there will be some upsets as always in the first few rounds but the deeper into the tourney we go the favorites and high seeds will prevail. If you look at the numbers, 30 of the last 34 national champs were a No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
Has the Big 10 eclipsed the Big East and the ACC as the best conference?
Well, right now I do feel the Big 10 is the best conference, but the Big East did get eight bids which was the most [of any conference]. But with the conference realignment going on, I feel the ACC will be the best going forward.
Do you have an upset pick right now? Any team that will surprise and go deep?
My upset pick is Davidson over Marquette in the No. 3 versus No. 14 matchup. Also, I think UCLA will get knocked out early to Minnesota.
This year’s Cinderella will be St. Louis. I believe Syracuse will go on another run and at least get to the Sweet 16, maybe even the Elite 8.
Follow Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
