Kerry Keating's March Madness Bracket Predictions | First Four Deep Dive

March Madness Preview: Coach Kerry Keating on the First Four, Bracket Upsets, and ACC Coaching SearchesOn a special postseason edition of Timeout on the North Carolina Sports Network, host Mike Waddell welcomes former D1 head coach and analytics CEO Kerry Keating to break down Selection Sunday, rapid-fire tournament prep, and how technology has changed scouting. They discuss NC State vs. Texas in the First Four, using the game as a “get right” reset, and lessons from their Maui matchup where Texas hit 16 threes in a 102–97 win. Keating explains tournament strategy, the pressure and distractions of NIL and the transfer portal, and why roster-building and resources now define "good jobs,” including open ACC vacancies at Boston College, Syracuse, and Georgia Tech. They also preview North Carolina's danger as a 6 seed vs. VCU, Duke's outlook with Caleb Foster injured, and Keating's bracket picks: Akron, High Point (over Wisconsin), South Florida, and UCLA as a 7 seed to reach the Sweet 16.00:00 Pre Show Banter00:45 Coaching Carousel Talk01:48 Behind The Scenes Setup02:29 Postseason Show Intro04:05 What March Madness Feels Like05:14 Selection Sunday Memories07:10 Old School Film Prep10:58 First Four Prep Crunch15:03 NC State vs Texas Breakdown17:40 Tournament Pressure And NIL18:48 Reset Button Mindset21:56 Proving You Belong22:29 First Four Run Blueprint23:26 Portal Noise And Focus25:46 VCU Threat To Tar Heels27:17 Duke Injury And Boozers29:18 ACC Jobs On The Market30:46 NIL Resources And ROI35:47 Coaching While Job Hunting39:28 Syracuse Search And Fit42:06 Bracket Sleepers And Upsets44:37 Wrap Up And Sign OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState