The NCAA Tournament Has Finally Arrived

But who will be crowned National Champs of 2010?

Image: Sheron Collins (top left), Wesley Johnson (bottom left), John Wall (top right) and John Scheyer (bottom right) will all battle it out for the NCCA title

I've followed the NCAA sports programme for almost a year now, first it was American Football and for the last two months I have followed teams up and down country in what has been a fascinating season in Basketball.

What impresses me most about the NCAA is the viewing factor; for example the equivalent of what we have in the United Kingdom is the youth academies of Premiership teams which draws crowds of about 500 people and games can only be viewed through the Internet and the clubs own personal television channel; The NCAA however is at a whole other level.

Crowds can range from 15,000 to 40,000 on game day and the atmosphere is phenomenal. Syracuse's Carrier Dome holds 33,000 fans that don't disappoint when it comes to support. You have to remember that this is an educational sports programme for 18-23 year olds!

Image: Georgetown Center, Greg Monroe (pictured left) has been in fine form leading up to the tournament

From March 18th through to April 5th, sixty-four teams will take centre stage in what looks to be shaping up into an incredible event. Joe Lunardi (ESPN's bracketologist) has been working over the last few weeks to determine what seed each team will receive, however unlike stereotypical tournaments, the NCAA can seed teams as many times as it wants. For example, this year there are ten teams that have been seeded number one etc.

Image: Ohio Bobcats need Point Guard Armon Bassett to be in top form to stand any chance of doing well in this championship

Basketball in my opinion is a game that can change very easily especially at college level; Experience undoubtedly is a huge factor to take into account but as we've seen so many times this season the underdog usually prevails. Ohio Bobcats who won the Mac Division Title were seeded ninth in their league campaign but last night defeated number 3 seed Akron to win itself a place in College Basketball's most prestigious tournament. They will face the Georgetown Hoyas in Providence this Thursday.

No team this season has finished with an unblemished record, only the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kentucky Wildcats have notable records of 32 wins and 2 losses. And therefore it comes to no surprise that these two teams are being talked about as finalists; Will it be the experience of the Jayhawks or the fresh-faced Wildcats that can win the crown?

Image: Freshman John Wall (pictured) of the Kentucky Wildcats is predicted to be the number one draft pick for the NBA this year

My prediction for the final eight is as follows:

Kansas Jayhawks vs Georgetown Hoyas

Syracuse Orange vs Kansas State

Kentucky Wildcats vs West Virginia

Duke Bluedevils vs Villanova

Top 10 Players To Watch Throughout The Tournament:

Demarcus Cousins- Kentucky Wildcats

He may only be a Freshman but he is all ready being lined up as an NBA Draft pick for next season. Strong and aggressive, Cousins ability in offensive and defensive rebounding will play a huge part in whether Kentucky progress.

Evan Turner- Ohio State Buckeyes

Could Mr. Turner be selected as player of the year? Many wouldn't disagree, take his 3 point winning shot from half court for example, incredible.

Greivis Vasquez- Maryland Turtles

The ACC player of the year needs to keep the tempo of Maryland going if they have any shot of the final. The man from Venezuela is also a contender for player of the year.

Cole Aldrich- Kansas Jayhawks

The big man from Minnesota is by far the best defensive player of the year, his ability to block and rebound creates counter offense for the likes of Marcus Morris and Sheron Collins.

Kalin Lucas- Michigan State Spartans

Tom Izzo's warrior for the Spartans will need to bring his all round game to the table but with his ankle injury in the wings Izzo's man management skills will be tested.

Andy Rautins- Syracuse Orange

The Orange have seen a dip in form recently and it's due to this man, Andy Rautins. When he's at his best there is no doubt that Syracuse could run away with this tournament.

Scottie Reynolds- Villanova

In my opinion he is one of the best players to ever play college ball but there is no such thing as a one man team.

Austin Freeman- Georgetown Hoyas

Being diagnosed with diabetes at such a crucial stage gives John Thompson III food for thought, but there is no doubt the kid can play.

Nolan Smith- Duke Bluedevils

The thing about Duke is that they can count on the fact that Nolan Smith, John Scheyer and Kyle Singler are a trio that when in form can cause any team problems. His ability to drive to the rim is second to none.

Luke Harongody- Notre Dame Fighting Irish

His return to the court couldn't of come at a better time. The athleticism of the center is crucial to Notre Dame's game plan

This years competition is the most talked about NCAA tournament since the introduction of Lebron James and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. My head says Kansas but my heart says Kentucky. There is no doubt that the likes of Syracuse and Duke could take the title but both those teams rely and speed whereas the likes of Kansas and Kentucky are two powerhouses that bring everything to the table.

My Prediciton- Kentucky to beat Kansas