The NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness, is one of the most highly-anticipated events in college basketball. It brings together the top teams from Division I schools to compete for the national championship. This year’s tournament promises to be an exciting one, with many talented teams and players vying for the title.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the teams to watch in the NCAA Tournament, key players to keep an eye on, and potential upsets to look out for. We will also share our final thoughts and predictions for this year’s tournament. Let’s dive in!
Overview of the NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament consists of 68 teams that are divided into four regions: East, West, South, and Midwest. The teams are selected through a process known as “Selection Sunday,” where a committee evaluates the overall performance of each team throughout the season and determines their seeding in the tournament.
The tournament starts with the First Four, where the lowest-ranked teams face off to secure their spot in the first round. The first round, also known as the Round of 64, is where the real madness begins. The top-seeded teams face off against the lower-seeded teams, often leading to some surprising upsets.
The second round, also known as the Round of 32, sees the winners of the first round games facing off against each other. This continues until only 16 teams remain, and they move on to the Sweet 16. From there, the remaining eight teams battle it out in the Elite Eight, and then the Final Four. The two winning teams from the Final Four then face off in the championship game to determine the national champion.
Top Teams to Watch in the Tournament
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (West Coast Conference)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have had an outstanding season, with a record of 26-0, making them one of the only undefeated teams heading into the tournament. Led by senior guard Corey Kispert and sophomore forward Drew Timme, the Bulldogs have been dominating their opponents all season long. They are known for their high-scoring offense, averaging over 92 points per game.
The Bulldogs’ success can also be attributed to their experienced coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Few. With his leadership, Gonzaga has made it to the NCAA Tournament every year since 1999 and has reached the Elite Eight ten times. This year, they have their sights set on winning it all and securing their first national championship in school history.
- Baylor Bears (Big 12 Conference)
The Baylor Bears have been another dominant force this season, with a record of 22-2. Their strong defense, led by senior guard Jared Butler and junior guard Davion Mitchell, has helped them secure victories against some tough opponents, including Kansas and Illinois. They also have a deep bench, with multiple players who can make an impact on the court.
Head coach Scott Drew has been with the Bears since 2003 and has built a strong program, consistently making it to the NCAA Tournament in recent years. This year, the Bears are hoping to make it past the Elite Eight and secure their first national championship.
- Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten Conference)
The Illinois Fighting Illini have had a standout season, with a record of 23-6. They have a well-rounded team, with multiple players averaging double-digit points per game. Senior guard Ayo Dosunmu has been a key player for the Illini, leading the team in scoring and assists. The addition of freshman center Kofi Cockburn has also been a game-changer for Illinois, providing strength and size in the paint.
Head coach Brad Underwood has transformed the Illini into a top contender in the Big Ten Conference. This year, they are looking to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially secure their first national championship since 2005.
- Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten Conference)
The Michigan Wolverines have also had an impressive season, with a record of 20-4. Led by senior guard Isaiah Livers and freshman center Hunter Dickinson, the Wolverines have been dominating on both ends of the court. They have proven themselves against tough opponents, including Iowa and Ohio State, and are looking to continue their success in the tournament.
Head coach Juwan Howard, in his second year with the Wolverines, has brought a new level of energy and focus to the team. With his guidance, the Wolverines are hoping to secure their second national championship in school history.
Key Players to Watch
- Cade Cunningham – Oklahoma State Cowboys (Big 12 Conference)
Cade Cunningham is a standout freshman guard for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He is currently averaging 20 points per game and has shown incredible skills on both offense and defense. His leadership and playmaking abilities have helped the Cowboys secure key victories throughout the season.
- Evan Mobley – USC Trojans (Pac-12 Conference)
Evan Mobley is a dominant force for the USC Trojans. As a freshman center, he has already made a significant impact on the court, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds per game. His size and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for any opponent, and he will be a player to watch in the tournament.
- Jalen Suggs – Gonzaga Bulldogs (West Coast Conference)
Jalen Suggs is another talented freshman who has been a key player for the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs. As a guard, he has shown impressive scoring abilities and has provided crucial assists for his teammates. He will be a crucial player for the Bulldogs as they aim for the title.
- Luka Garza – Iowa Hawkeyes (Big Ten Conference)
Luka Garza has been a dominant force for the Iowa Hawkeyes throughout his college career. As a senior, he is currently averaging 24 points and nine rebounds per game and has proven himself as one of the top players in the country. He will be leading the Hawkeyes in their quest for a deep run in the tournament.
Potential Upsets to Look Out For
- North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC Conference) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten Conference)
North Carolina and Wisconsin are both consistently strong teams in the NCAA Tournament and have met each other multiple times in recent years. This year, they are set to face off in the first round, which could potentially lead to an upset if either team fails to perform at their best.
- Virginia Cavaliers (ACC Conference) vs. Ohio Bobcats (Mid-American Conference)
Virginia has had a solid season, with a record of 18-6. However, they have struggled against some tough opponents, including Florida State and Gonzaga. If they underestimate Ohio, who has shown potential throughout the season, they could face an early exit from the tournament.
- Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Conference) vs. North Texas Mean Green (Conference USA)
Purdue has had a up-and-down season, with some impressive wins and some disappointing losses. If they don’t bring their best game against North Texas, who has only lost four games this season, they could be in danger of an early upset.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Based on the performances of the top teams throughout the season, it’s safe to say that the NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one. With the cancellation of last year’s tournament due to COVID-19, many teams are hungry for the opportunity to compete for the national championship.
Our prediction is that the Gonzaga Bulldogs will make it to the championship game, facing off against either the Baylor Bears or the Illinois Fighting Illini. However, anything can happen in March Madness, and we can expect some surprises along the way.
Conclusion
The NCAA Tournament is a highly-anticipated event for basketball fans all over the world. With top teams, key players, and potential upsets, this year’s tournament promises to be an exciting one. Keep an eye out for the teams mentioned in this article, as they are likely to make a deep run in the tournament. Whether your favorite team is competing or not, March Madness is sure to provide plenty of thrilling moments and unforgettable games.
