Long layoff here at TPB, and no one will read this before the real bracket comes out, but have to post my mock just so it’s on the record. Worst bubble in years, going to be interesting to see what criteria they use to separate the bubble. My last four in are Illinois, Penn St., USC and VCU.

Newark region

1. Kansas (No. 1 overall) vs. 16 ARK-Little Rock/San Antonio
8. George Mason vs. 9. Florida St.
5. Syracuse vs. 12. Memphis
4. Arizona vs. 13. Princeton
3. Florida vs. 14. Wofford
6. Xavier vs. 11. Clemson
7. Georgetown vs. 10. Butler
2. Texas vs. 15. Akron

Anaheim

1. Duke (No. 4 overall) vs. 16. UC-SB
8. UNLV vs. 9. Michigan St.
5. Washington vs. 12. Colorado
4. Louisville vs. 13. Oakland
3. BYU vs. 14. Long Island
6. Texas A&M vs. 11. Michigan
7. UCLA vs. 10. Missouri
2. Notre Dame vs. 15. Boston U.

San Antonio

1. Kansas vs. 16. Hampton/Alabama St.
8. Utah St. vs. 9. Old Dominion
5. St. John’s vs. 12. Illinois/USC
4. Purdue vs. 13. Belmont
3. Kentucky vs. 14. Indiana St.
6. Cincinnati vs. 11. Richmond
7. Kansas St. vs. 10. Villanova
2. North Carolina vs. 15. Northern Colorado

New Orleans

1. Pittsburgh vs. 16. NC-Asheville
8. Tennessee vs. 9. Gonzaga
5. West Virginia vs. 12. Penn St./VCU
4. Wisconsin vs. 13. Morehead St.
3. Connecticut vs. 14. Bucknell
6. Venderbilt vs. 11. Va. Tech
7. Temple vs. 10. Marquette
2. San Diego St. vs. 15. St. Peter’s