[King Kong]

Teams I'm For:

Above all, Kentucky.

After that, any of the in-state teams and SEC teams, but not particularly a fan of Tennessee or Ole Miss. As far as a realistic contender, if it can't be Kentucky, I wouldn't mind seeing Auburn pull it off; but if they won, the novelty would be gone and I wouldn't be for them the next year. Alabama is a "it could be worse", but Oats is much younger than Pearl and as a state school, they're probably in a better place with NIL, meaning Kentucky would have to deal with them for a longer time.

Big fan of Houston. St. John's and New Mexico because of the Pitino factor. Would probably be for all of those in a head-to-head against other SEC teams depending on the scenario.

Iowa State and Michigan State are teams I like-- tough, physical, and defend well. Would be very surprised to see them win it but like watching them and usually pick them to go decently deep in my brackets because they're safe picks.

Kansas and North Carolina because I have friends who are fans and it's a healthy, respectful rivalry. At the same time, it's tough seeing them gain ground on Kentucky as far as any all-time records or stats go.



Teams I have a hard time rooting for:

1. Duke
1A. UConn
2. Ohio State (if they even get there)
2A. Indiana (see above)

Not a fan of most of the rest of the Big Ten either, especially Purdue and Wisconsin. Illinois is kinda there with them, but slightly more tolerable. Might be easier to say that I don't mind Michigan State, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Don't want to see UCLA gain on Kentucky but can't say I hate Mick Cronin either.

Texas Tech is good but gives me the icks. If you know, you know.

Not the biggest fan of BYU, SMU, Clemson, and Cincinnati.



It Really Depends on the Circumstances:

I've always respected Shaka Smart but it's tough to be for Marquette because of the history.

Gonzaga and St. Mary's are teams that are all over the board. I'd be for them in plenty of match-ups, against them in plenty of others, or even completely indifferent.



Underdogs I'll Probably Be For:

Drake

McNeese State

San Diego State (for the same reasons as Iowa St./Michigan St.)

Princeton (doubt they make it, but love the plucky underdog with a quirky offense)

High Point (for Tubby)

When it comes to Michigan St I guess I'm still kinda bitter, for them knocking the Cats outta going to a final 4 once or twice lol

I agree about picking them in a bracket contest.  I often pick them to go far in my brackets.  Idk what it is about them come March,  they're a dangerous team to face. I don't pull for Michigan St.  But in a bracket contest,  with money or a prize on the line,  I don't hesitate one bit picking them to make a deep run lol