Onuaku hasn’t practiced since he was hurt, and Boeheim didn’t paint an optimistic picture for the first week.

“I’m looking at it positive, taking it day by day,” Onuaku said. “It’s getting better, so I’m hoping for the best.”

Purdue, meanwhile, was 24-3 and in contention for a top seed as late as Feb. 24. Then, high-scoring forward Robbie Hummel tore up his right knee, and the Boilermakers lost two of the last five, including a 27-point loss to Minnesota. They dropped to the No. 4 seed in the South.

“To have integrity in the field, you’ve got to place them in a place that’s appropriate without Robbie Hummel,” Guerrero said. “Without Robbie Hummel in the lineup, they’re a different team, no question about that.”

Led by freshman John Wall, Kentucky (32-2) won its 26th SEC tournament and earned a top seed to try for its eighth national title.

In his first year with the Wildcats, John Calipari became the first coach to post five straight 30-win seasons, and he’ll need six more to bring the first title back to the Bluegrass State since 1998.

That’s a big task for a team that has three freshmen — Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe — among its top four scorers.

“We’re one of the youngest teams. We do so many dumb things,” Calipari said. “You’re up 18, then you look up and you’re up two. You have to keep your emotions in check, stay together, understand teams are going to come at you and you have to play harder than they play.”

Duke and coach Mike Krzyzewski are seeking their first trip to the Final Four since 2004 and first national title since 2001. Led by Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler, the Blue Devils (29-5) have won 12 of their last 13 and will open Friday against the winner of the opening-round game.

“Our committee felt there was some value in that kind of season,” Guerrero said. “In the end, we just felt that kind of season Duke had, winning the conference, having some great wins and, of course, just winning the postseason tournament carried the day.”

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Mark J. Terrill / AP

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