Sleeper will emerge from the field

Wannabe bracketologists (everyone who enters an office pool) are always on the prowl for chic picks for the Final Four.

Complicating the matter, parity has become the overriding theme of modern college basketball.

In 2006, George Mason, from the Colonial Athletic Association, defied its No. 11 seed to advance to the Final Four.

Even if the Patriots' run was shocking, it was not without precedent. Teams like Gonzaga and Miami (Ohio) were the original wearers of the glass slipper. There is an obvious reason that mid-majors always seem to boogey the night away in the Big Dance.

In the new age of one-and-done players, George Mason and other senior-laden squads that exemplify team play stick out like Tar Heel blue in Cameron.

They are not dependent on one transcendent player, but rather rely on a balanced attack and experience. The Patriots utilized a team approach that is more prevalent in small-town high school gyms than in big-city coliseums. In this year's Tournament, Virginia Tech is a logical choice to follow that lead, as four of the Hokies' starters have played together for at least three years.

On the other end of the spectrum, history has proven that one dominant player can propel a team to six straight wins.

In 2003, Syracuse freshman Carmelo Anthony scored 53 points in the Final Four to lead the Orange to its first national championship. And no one this year is more reminiscent of Anthony than Texas' Kevin Durant. Not only has the freshman posted ridiculous numbers, but he has plenty of help from his supporting cast. Just as Anthony had Gerry McNamara, Durant has D.J. Augustin.