2012 March Madness Bracketology Predictions: Potential No. 1 Seeds in NCAA Tournament

2012 March Madness Bracketology Picks and Predictions – Predicting the #1 Seeds for the 2012 NCAA Tournament and March Madness Preview: With only the conference tournaments remaining, the battle for the four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament is drawing to a close. While a couple of teams have all but assured themselves of a top seed, there are still a handful of teams fighting for the remaining top spots. Not to mention that the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed is up for grabs. Less than a week remains before Selection Sunday sets the field of 68, and it is now or never for the nation’s elite teams.

The Locks – 2012 March Madness Bracketology Picks and Predictions: #1 Seeds

The Locks

Another easy victory over the Florida Gators capped a perfect SEC season for the top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (30-1). The Wildcats rank second in the RPI, and they already have a No. 1 seed in the bag. They also have the inside track for the No. 1 overall seed if they back up their regular season title with an SEC tournament crown. Superstar freshman center Anthony Davis and forward Terrence Jones lead one of the top frontcourts in the country, and Kentucky has superb athletes all over the court. Davis’ shot blocking ability gives the Wildcats’ defense an element that no team can match, and with more than enough offensive firepower in the paint and on the perimeter, Kentucky is the total package.

Posting a 30-1 record is impressive, and posting one while playing in the Big East like the second-ranked Syracuse Orange did will earn them a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Syracuse sits first in the RPI, and if they win the Big East tournament, the Orange can make a strong case for the No. 1 overall seed. With seven legitimate scoring options and an athletic defense, Syracuse has worn down opponents all season long. The Orange really doesn’t have a star player or dominate at either end of the court, but this year’s team doesn’t really have a weakness either. The Orange’s 5-0 record against teams ranked in the top 25 says it all.

Near Lock – 2012 March Madness Bracketology Picks and Predictions: #1 Seeds

Momentum is certainly on the side of the third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks (24-6). Eight straight wins powered Kansas to its eighth-straight Big 12 regular season title, and the Jayhawks bring an above average offense and stout defense to the table. Kansas ranks sixth in the RPI and has the eighth-toughest schedule, while boasting five wins against teams ranked in the top 25. Perhaps most importantly, the Jayhawks have a Wooden Award candidate in double-double machine Thomas Robinson and another star player in point guard Tyshawn Taylor. The Jayhawks are peaking at the right time, and as long as they don’t get upset early in the Big 12 tournament, they will grab a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday.

Other Contenders – 2012 March Madness Bracketology Picks and Predictions: #1 Seeds

After opening the season as the No. 1 team in the country, the fourth-ranked North Carolina Tarheels (27-4) are finally living up to expectations. A dominating victory over rival Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium to win the ACC regular season title has officially thrust North Carolina back into contention for a No. 1 seed. After all, the Tarheels do rank third in the RPI and have the fourth-toughest schedule. North Carolina also has the second-best scoring offense in the country and is the top rebounding team. John Henson, Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes give the Tarheels a frontcourt that is second to none. All the pieces are in place, and if North Carolina wins the ACC tournament, a No. 1 seed should be the reward.

A loss the Ohio State in the regular season finale cost the eighth-ranked Michigan State Spartans (24-7) an easy path to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Now, the Spartans have to win the Big Ten tournament and probably have North Carolina lose in the ACC tournament. Still, Michigan State does rank fifth in the RPI and has the toughest schedule in the country. The Spartans also have six wins against teams ranked in the top 25 this season. On paper, Michigan State can make a serious argument for a No. 1 seed. However, blowing a 15-point lead to the Buckeyes at home has left the Spartans with an uphill battle.

NSAwins.com is your 2012 March Madness Betting guide and be sure to check back daily all month long for expert NCAA Tournament 2012 predictions and March Madness 2012 expert picks as well as Office Pool March Madness 2012 Bracket Picks(filled-out by our experts) to help you win your Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket.