2018 NCAA Tournament: West Region preview

Who are the toughest opponents for UNC in the west region?

The toughest opponent that the Tar Heels could face in the first weekend is by far Texas A&M.

With all due respect to Providence, Texas A&M possesses all the size that can give the Tar Heels fits.The Aggies can throw a pair of 6-10 big men at the Tar Heels in Robert Williams and Tyler Davis.

The duo averages 25 points and 17 rebounds. But the Aggies also have a solid backcourt, even though it isn’t matching the likes of the Tar Heels backcourt.

Admon Gilder is a 6-4 guard and he is averaging 12 points per game. The Aggies also have 6-foot-9 forward DJ Hogg who is good for 11 points a game himself.

Outside of A&M, the Tar Heels could face Michigan once again, but the Wolverines are very different team this time around. They are playing much better at the moment and are the champions of the Big 10, one of the best conferences in the Country.

Gonzaga, who is in the top half of the bracket could also cause issues for the Tar Heels. They are not the same team as last year, but they are still a good team. They will have a tough matchup in the first round with UNC-Greensboro, but if they play their game, they will find themselves playing in the second weekend as well.

The number one seed in the region is Xavier and they are no joke this season. Trevon Bluiett leads the charge for them, dropping nearly 20 points per game for them. They also have Kerem Kanter, the brother of NBA player Enes Kanter, who is averaging ten points in only sixteen minutes per game.

The narrative that the Tar Heels have an easy region is not true. Xavier is the real deal this year and Texas A&M can provide a real upset opportunity for the Tar Heels.