Bracketology with Danny B(rackets)

I wonder how many books on sport sociology and statistics line the Saint Joseph's University office of Joe Lunardi.

He gets the chance to provide analysis for basketball broadcasts at one of the most interesting venues in the nation at Hawk Hill. Then, as his "day job," Lunardi posts an updated NCAA Tournament bracket and makes television appearances creating and bursting bubbles around the nation.

That must be a pretty cool gig.

With 2010's version of March Madness quickly approaching and Top 10 upsets becoming the norm-- No. 3 Syracuse and No. 8 Georgetown fell to Louisville and Rutgers (*cue RU cheers*)-- it's time to take a quick look at contenders and pretenders. We will look deeper into the bracket during the conference tournaments.

Contenders

1. Kentucky-- Yes, I dislike John Calipari. And yes, I think that John Wall's tendency to turn the ball over and DeMarcus Cousins' attitude could come back to haunt the Wildcats in a late-game situation. But, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the most athletic team in the nation. Patrick Patterson is a legitimate post player turned 3-point shooter and if the complementary scoring shows up after the SEC Tournament, UK has to be the title favorite.

2. Kansas State-- This isn't a trendy pick because the (other) Wildcats don't defend as well as other elite teams (they give up nearly 70 points per game). Your two guards (Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente) average a combined 36 points per contest and Frank Martin is the scariest coach in the nation. That's a solid equation for success.

Pretenders

1. Temple-- Joe Lunardi is definitely a Philadelphia homer. How is Temple a No. 5 seed? I hate to continue my crusade against the Atlantic 10 (just kidding, I enjoy it very much) but I can't believe that analysts are discussing more bubble teams from this conference than anywhere else. Juan Fernandez and Lavoy Allen are complete players but other than that, I'm not impressed by the Owls.

2. Michigan State-- Tom Izzo is an amazing coach-- probably the best in the country. Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan are NBA prospects, but without a bulldog rebounder like Goran Suton, they won't make it past the Sweet 16. They win games in the ugly, Big 10 fashion-- unlike the 2008-2009 Spartans team that sprinted to the national title game.

More to come on the full brackets during early March...