Men's tournament regional breakdown

SOUTHWEST

Favorite: Kansas

The Jayhawks finished the season as a stone-cold lock for a No. 1 seed behind the inside presence of the Morris brothers, Marcus and Markieff, who helped Kansas dominate Texas en route to the Big 12 Tournament championship Saturday. The Jayhawks are deep, with a roster headlined by freshman sensation Josh Selby and Big 12 Player of the Year Marcus Morris. They've also lost only two games this season, and both came against tournament teams.

Dark horse: Louisville

Connecticut's Kemba Walker dominated the headlines at this weekend's Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden, but the Cardinals had almost just as good a showing. Their lack of size leaves them vulnerable inside, but they have enough talent on the perimeter and ability on defense to score some surprises in the tournament field.

Player to watch: Kenneth Faried (Morehead State)

Terp forward Jordan Williams might have set a program record with 25 double-doubles this season, but he wasn't the nation's leader. That distinction goes to Faried, who achieved the mark in 27 of his 33 games. The senior has flown under the radar playing for a mid-major, but he passed Wake Forest great Tim Duncan this season for the all-time Division I rebounding record.

Most intriguing matchup: Kansas-Illinois (second round)

If the Fighting Illini can squeeze past UNLV in the first round, they'll face the program's one-time coach, Bill Self. After guiding Illinois to two Big Ten titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances, Self bolted for Kansas, where he eventually won a national championship. This would be Self's first meeting against his former school, and it would be a treat.

EAST

Favorite: Ohio State

It's the safe choice, but the favorite in the region is the Big 10 Champion and No. 1 overall seed for a reason. With arguably the nation's best big man in Jared Sullinger, guard Jon Diebler shooting 50 percent from 3-point range and talented scorers in William Buford and David Lighty, the Buckeyes have few weaknesses. From an objective standpoint, coach Thad Matta's crew is probably the most sensible early pick for national champion.

Dark horse: Washington

The seventh-seeded Huskies are a team that could make an unexpected run deep into March Madness. Fueled by a buzzer-beating Pac-10 Championship win over Arizona and led by do-it-all guard Isaiah Thomas, Washington has the talent needed to upset the likes of North Carolina and Syracuse and potentially reach the Elite Eight. One-time Terp recruit Terrence Ross' playmaking will be crucial if the Huskies hope to make it past the first weekend.

Player to watch: Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)

The ACC Rookie of the Year will be key if North Carolina expects to make a Final Four run. Coach Roy Williams relies on Barnes' scoring, so if he struggles the way he did against Duke in the Tar Heels' blowout ACC Tournament final loss (6-for-15 shooting), North Carolina could see an early exit. Still, don't expect to see the confident shooter shy from the spotlight this tournament.

Most intriguing matchup: Ohio State-Kentucky (Sweet 16)

Although neither team has much depth, both feature extremely talented lineups. While the Buckeyes can boast both Sullinger and Buford, the Wildcats ably counter with rising stars Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. The winner here likely will be the favorite to reach the Final Four.

WEST

Favorite: Duke

The 2011 ACC Champion has all the makings of a national championship contender: elite coaching, senior leadership and good depth. Led by player of the year candidate Nolan Smith, the Blue Devils have outscored opponents by nearly 17 points per game this season. With the likely return of freshman standout Kyrie Irving, expect the Blue Devils to capture their 16th all-time Final Four appearance.

Dark horse: Temple

The NCAA Tournament is all about who's hot, and few teams have been playing better than Temple lately. The Atlantic 10 regular-season champion has won 12 of its past 14 games, with its only losses coming at Duke and against Richmond in the conference-tournament finals. Led by hard-nosed senior forward Lavoy Allen, the Owls are holding opponents to just 62.2 points per game this season and are a team to watch this week.

Player to watch: Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State)

A hybrid forward from Riverside, Calif., Leonard has been the engine powering the second-seeded Aztecs' emergence this season. Relying on his relentless motor and chiseled 6-foot-7 frame, the two-time All-Mountain West first-teamer is averaging 15.4 points and 10.7 rebounds. He's a big-time NBA prospect, so enjoy him while you can.

Most intriguing matchup: Duke-Connecticut (Elite Eight)

This matchup would be any college basketball fan's dream come true. Pairing two elite guards in Duke's Nolan Smith and Connecticut's Kemba Walker, it might finally shed light on a long-burning debate: Who's the nation's best upperclassman not named Jimmer Fredette? The game's result might also go a long way in proving just how superior — or not — the Big East is to the ACC this year.

SOUTHEAST

Favorite: Pittsburgh

Losing in their first game of the Big East Tournament might have been the best thing to happen to the weary Panthers. The Big East regular-season champs have a dominant guard tandem in Brad Wanamaker and Ashton Gibbs (the brother of incoming Terp guard Sterling Gibbs). And with excellent perimeter shooting and a monster in the middle in center Gary McGhee, Pitt is only going to be helped by the fact that region member Florida is likely the weakest No. 2 seed in the tourney.

Dark horse: BYU