Amelia Rayno's bracket picks: So, so many options

Selection Sunday was weird this year. Instead of delivering suspense and childlike joy, a two hour-long selection show instead inspired a leaked bracket and the Twitter equivalent of gnashing of teeth. At the end, a lot of folks were left feeling like the Whos in Whoville on Christmas Day, minus all the singing.

But when we finally moved past the selection committee-directed anger — it really is bad for America that midmajor darling Monmouth was snubbed — we noticed something interesting. This bracket might not be the best reflection of this year's reality, but it's pretty intriguing.

First of all, anything could happen. The No. 1 seeds aren't that untouchable and the No. 12, 13 and 14 seeds aren't that far behind. This is the year to do something crazy like pick Iowa State as your champ … although, speaking from experience, I wouldn't recommend it. Otherwise, there are a ton of compelling potential Cinderellas to get behind. And some of these early matchups are just as swoon-worthy. After a crazy year of basketball and a March that already has featured some wild finishes, the Big Dance should treat us to some stellar basketball starting as early as Tuesday.

Here's my take on the showdowns ahead:

Dream matchup: If Maryland and Cal both win Friday, they will come together for some truly entertaining basketball. Both have looked frustratingly far from perfect all season. But the talent? Undeniable. Between these two squads, there might be as many as seven immediate NBA draft picks. Seven! Just kick back and bask in all the athleticism. As a bonus, whoever emerges has a shot at taking down the Jayhawks.

Upset special: So many great options: South Dakota State has experienced guards, Hawaii packs a punch in the paint and Temple gets slumping Iowa. But my favorite is Wichita State, which has to get through its First Four matchup on Tuesday with Vanderbilt first. From there, the Shockers' tough backcourt will face an Arizona team that's a little weak on ball handling. It's a dreamy recipe.

And the winner is … Kansas: Although this region is loaded unlike any other, it's hard to bet against the No. 1 overall seed. Despite the Jayhawks' lack of star power, Kansas just dominated a very good Big 12 and is coming in hot. Perry Ellis isn't flashy, but he's the ultraefficient kickstarter of a top-10 offense and defense.

EAST REGIONAL

Dream matchup: I'm as much of a fan of Jameel Warney's chances to catch Kentucky off guard as any hoops geek, but I have to root for the Wildcats to survive at least long enough to collide with Indiana. We're talking about two of the most passionate/ insane fan bases in the nation, folks — a horde that likely will struggle to fit inside 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. This is tradition and pride shoved up against itself, and it's going to be great theater.

Upset special: You can't spell "Cinderella" without "S.F. Austin" and a bunch of other letters. Brad Underwood's bunch might be one of the most talented small schools in the tournament and their disruptive pressing defense can cause major problems — enough to escort the Lumberjacks all the way to the Elite Eight. If you're not yet familiar with Thomas Walkup, you will be soon.

And the winner is … North Carolina: Brice Johnson can be an absolute beast and when Marcus Paige is on, the Tar Heels are tough to handle. Meanwhile, coach Roy Williams knows he had better take care of this chance, because of NCAA sanctions that could be looming close on the horizon.

Dream matchup: Old-school tradition and this season's big surprise could go head-to-head if Texas and Texas A&M advance to meet in the second round for a Lone Star State clash. Shaka Smart has the Longhorns wreaking havoc and coming together for something dangerous more quickly than we thought, but Texas limped a bit at the season's finish while A&M, behind shot­-maker Danuel House, looks to be rolling into a second wind.

Upset special: Baylor is unlucky enough to get Yale in Providence and the Bulldogs are strong enough under the hoop to not get destroyed by the Bears. And then there's Northern Iowa, which has won 12 of 13 heading into its date with Texas. One upset I don't expect? Physical, high-pressuring North Carolina Wilmington knocking off Duke, even with the Blue Devils' depth problems. The Seahawks aren't quite there yet.

And the winner is … Oklahoma: The weakest of all the regions sets up what looks like a clear path for the Sooners, who won't have to knock off any truly scary teams to get to the Final Four. And who doesn't want to see Buddy Hield in Houston? He's got March Madness written all over him.

Dream matchup: In each of the past two seasons, Michigan State has played the role of Virginia-killer in the tournament. Well guess who the Cavaliers likely will have to go through to escape the Midwest? How the joy must have been sucked from that Selection Sunday party after Virginia's No. 1 seeding was followed up with what looks like an eviction notice. Can the Cavaliers' new offensive zip help exorcise their demons? Will Denzel Valentine's championship guarantee come true? We've got to watch to find out.

Upset special: I might have worn egg on my face last year, but I won't be fooled again. Iowa State is again making camp in prime upset territory. Iona has serious talent and a highly entertaining offense that could challenge the high-flying Cyclones. Expect two hours of forgetting to blink. The last one to 100 loses.

And the winner is … Michigan State: The Spartans are only getting stronger, and Valentine is reaching next-level status. This group has it all: a varied offense, a smart defense, a gorgeous style of play and a killer instinct. The best part? Even when Tom Izzo's bunch looks off, it is one of the best at finding a way to get it done anyway.