Make no mistake – the NCAA Tournament is as much about individual matchups as it is about bracket draws. Is there a tougher matchup than Pittsburgh center DeJuan Blair? To borrow an old line from comedian Don Rickles: What’s this guy eat? Furniture?
A sophomore, Blair is listed at 265 pounds. That may be a conservative estimate, depending upon what Blair devoured for breakfast. This much is certain: Blair eats up space and opponents.
The fact that Blair stands just 6-feet-7 has never held him back. When his arms are extended to each side, his “wingspan” stretches 7 feet, 2 inches.
Pitt coach Jamie Dixon must have put on his best poker face while trying to keep his recruiting of Blair quiet.
“The size thing will always be his question mark,” Dixon has said.
Yeah, right.
Favorite: Pittsburgh
The Panthers lost early in the Big East Tournament, which meant one fewer trophy for the display case, but still earned a No. 1 seed and got extra time to rest and prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Other than that, the Panthers are on a six-week roll. They have won 10 of 12 games. No team in the tournament is more physical. That’s always a plus in March. And the Panthers ought to be hungry, expected to be Final Four contenders several times in recent years only to fall short.
Sleeper: Texas
The Longhorns were still ranked in the top 10 in the polls after New Year’s Day. They stumbled in Big 12 play, going 9-7. But it’s still the same talented roster, featuring senior guard A.J. Abrams, the Big 12’s all-time leading 3-point shooter, and junior forward Damion James, who was ranked a preseason second-team All-American by one college basketball publication. Coach Rick Barnes says the Longhorns aren’t the same team that lost three straight games, because Turkish import Dogus Balbay, a point guard, has become a passing wizard since joining the starting lineup.
Upset alert: VCU over UCLA
Back in the NCAA Tournament after settling for the NIT a year ago, Virginia Commonwealth has a wonderful point guard in Eric Maynor (22.4 points, 6.2 assists) and enough strength up front to bump with the big boys. If UCLA suffers from any jet lag in its trip from L.A. to Philadelphia, look out.
Bracket breakdown
Even if UCLA survives VCU, the Bruins likely will draw Villanova — in Philly. Apparently tradition doesn’t carry any weight with the selection committee, although Villanova’s history isn’t chopped liver. Tennessee vs. Oklahoma State might resemble a video game: First team to 90 points wins. The Vols average nearly 79 points per game, while the Cowboys are at 81.1 per outing. Pitt would have big advantage in strength and athleticism if No. 2 seed Duke meets the Panthers in the regional final.
The Post’s pick: Pittsburgh. Combination of strength and athleticism is lethal.
