Jahlil Okafor, Duke favored over San Diego State to reach Sweet 16

Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports

Things are starting to heat up in the 2015 NCAA Tournament with the best teams in the country starting to emerge. There’s been plenty of upsets so far with teams like Villanova (1), Baylor (3), Iowa State (3) and Providence (6) already headed home much earlier than anticipated.

Although one top seed has already fallen with the Villanova Wildcats being bounced by NC State Wolfpack (8), three remain with Kentucky (1), Wisconsin (1) and Duke (1) all still alive and aiming for a trip to the NCAA Championship game on April 6.

On Sunday, head coach Mike Krzyzewski will put it all on the line after crushing the Robert Morris Colonials (16) on Friday. The Blue Devils will face off against the San Diego State Aztecs (8) in a game that many believe they should win and win with ease to reach the Sweet 16.

According to Bovada, Coach K’s squad is favored by -9.5 to beat the Aztecs. Along with having one of the most successful college basketball coaches on the sidelines, Duke also has arguably the most talented player in the country leading the way on the basketball floor in potential NBA lottery pick, Jahlil Okafor.

The 6’11” center has had an incredible season which has NBA scouts buzzing about his potential to be one of the next great frontcourt players on the next level. Okafor might be able to finish his freshman year on a high note if he can help the team get past the Aztecs and advance to the Sweet 16.

The Kentucky Wildcats may be favored to win it all and have looked good after their first two games, but Duke could John Calipari’s squad could give them a run for their money if able to reach the NCAA Championship game.

If the Blue Devils advance to the Sweet 16, Coach K and company will face the winner between Georgetown (4) and Utah (5). In order to reach the Final Four, Duke may have to go through UCLA (11), Iowa (7) or Gonzaga (2). It could be argued that Duke has the easiest path to the Final Four of all the number one seeds, but during March Madness, anything can and likely will happen.