Nicely, right here we go. The 2024 males’s NCAA match discipline has been introduced, and the best three-week stretch in sports activities is about to start.
How we acquired right here was a journey, too. The bubble collapsed over the weekend because of a handful of sudden convention match runs (see: Oregon, NC State, Duquesne, UAB). The highest groups additionally had their challenges: 1-seeds Purdue and Houston did not win their respective convention tournaments, whereas the likes of Arizona, Tennessee and North Carolina additionally fell.
All of this units up what will be a superb NCAA match.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Earlier than we get to the primary video games — the First 4 suggestions Tuesday, and the primary spherical begins Thursday — we wish to give you this information to all 68 groups.
Our objective right here, like with yearly, is to supply info on each program. We aren’t providing you a promise of success as you fill out your brackets.
Nonetheless, for many who wish to find out about potential upsets, we have created the “ceiling” system. With every workforce, we’ll let you know how far we expect they’ll go … if every part goes proper.
Simply keep in mind: Lots of issues can go mistaken, too. Benefit from the Insanity.
1-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 31-3Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
The final workforce to win back-to-back nationwide titles, Florida, achieved it with the identical nucleus of gamers: Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer. Reigning nationwide champion UConn misplaced its key pair final April — Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins — however this 12 months’s group is simply as dominant. The rise of Donovan Clingan (12.5 PPG, 2.3 BPG) in his second season, the maturation of Tristen Newton into a possible All-American and projected first-round draft choose Stephon Fortress are offering the gasoline Dan Hurley wants for a shot at reducing down the nets once more. With the trio on the ground within the common season, UConn registered 120.5 factors per 100 possessions (for reference, the Boston Celtics, the NBA’s prime offense, generate 121.9 factors per 100 possessions) and held opponents to 87.2 factors per 100 possessions (Houston-like numbers).
Males’s Match Problem
Full your bracket by choosing the winner for every sport of the 2024 males’s NCAA match. Play Males’s Match Problem
Area: SouthRecord: 30-4Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
Up to now 4 NCAA tournaments, Kelvin Sampson has led Houston to the Candy 16 (twice), the Elite Eight and the Last 4. This 12 months’s Cougars — the Massive 12 regular-season champions — are among the best groups within the nation. So what’s it about this workforce that might lastly get Sampson a hoop? Scoring choices. Jamal Shead is a projected All-American and J’Wan Roberts is a key veteran. Former Baylor switch L.J. Cryer (15.3 PPG, 39.0% from past the arc) has added a brand new dynamic to a defensive juggernaut that held 11 opponents to below 50 factors this season, together with Kansas within the Massive 12 season finale. Between Jan. 13 and March 9, Houston misplaced just one sport, and dedicated turnovers on simply 12.2% of its possessions, per barttorvik.com.
Area: MidwestRecord: 29-4Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
In 2018, prime seed Virginia fell to 16-seed UMBC within the first spherical of the NCAA match. The next 12 months, the Cavaliers leapt from their No. 30 rating in adjusted offensive effectivity on KenPom to No. 2 and gained the nationwide title. In 2023, prime seed Purdue fell to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson within the first spherical of the NCAA match. This 12 months, the Boilermakers boast the very best offense in America — particularly on the 3-point line (going from 32.2% to 41.0%). Their star, reigning Picket Award winner Zach Edey (24.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG), is best too — Synergy Sports activities lists him as a “good” defender in comparison with “common” a 12 months in the past, whereas EvanMiya.com considers him essentially the most “indispensable” participant in America. Points with turnovers stay, however Matt Painter’s squad has the expertise to imitate historical past and win a nationwide title, similar to Virginia.
Area: WestRecord: 27-7Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
Hubert Davis had a superb debut as a head coach: North Carolina held a double-digit edge over Kansas at halftime of the 2022 nationwide championship sport. He then adopted it with a dud of a season, lacking the 2023 postseason altogether. However this season, the Tar Heels have returned to their profitable methods, because of the return of Armando Bacot and the elevation of RJ Davis (21.4 PPG, 40.6% from past the arc), one in every of America’s greatest guards. The ACC regular-season champs weathered a late-season slide however ended on a six-game profitable streak, capped by a second win over rival Duke. If Harrison Ingram can get scorching once more — he is capturing 37% from 3 however was 4-for-25 in these last six regular-season video games — Davis and the Tar Heels might end what they began two years in the past.
2-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 27-7Tournament ceiling: Last 4
T.J. Otzelberger does not have a star. For the second-best workforce within the Massive 12 (behind Houston), six gamers common at the very least 8.0 PPG; nobody averages greater than 13.5 PPG. The Cyclones made 32.4% of their 3-point makes an attempt in league play, however it’s their elite protection (second in adjusted defensive effectivity on KenPom) that has secured them a excessive seed for Otzelberger’s third NCAA match look in his third 12 months on the job. Keshon Gilbert (13.5 PPG) & Co. have wins over Houston (twice, together with the Massive 12 match championship) and Kansas, too. This group appears able to making a run. The most important query now about this balanced squad is that this: Can it attain its ceiling outdoors Ames? Iowa State completed 4-5 in Massive 12 highway video games, versus 9-0 at house at Hilton Coliseum.
Area: SouthRecord: 25-9Tournament ceiling: Last 4
Final 12 months, Tyler Kolek suffered a hand damage in 2-seed Marquette’s opening-round win over 15-seed Vermont. He performed the subsequent sport, towards 7-seed Michigan State, however the Golden Eagles misplaced. This 12 months in all probability appears like déjà vu for Shaka Sensible. As soon as once more, Marquette is a excessive seed and as soon as once more Kolek is coping with an damage that might impression this workforce’s progress via the match.
Coming into the Massive East match, Kolek missed the earlier three video games with an indirect damage. Sensible advised reporters not too long ago his star participant, who recorded 34 assists in his last three video games earlier than the damage, will “completely” play within the NCAA match. Issues concerning the impression of one other Kolek damage are legitimate. However when he is obtainable, the Golden Eagles have recorded wins over Illinois, Kansas and Creighton. If wholesome, this workforce might finish its season in Phoenix.
Area: MidwestRecord: 24-8Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
In 2019, Dalton Knecht averaged 13.3 PPG at a junior school in Colorado. He bumped up that quantity when he transferred to Northern Colorado, averaging 20.2 PPG final season. Then he transferred to Tennessee. Some mid-major gamers would fail to duplicate their manufacturing after they switch to an influence convention. Knecht has solely improved. The 6-foot-6 standout is averaging 21.1 PPG and 39.7% from past the arc and is now a projected lottery choose and Picket Award contender. He is given Rick Barnes one thing the Corridor of Fame coach hasn’t had with the Vols: a pure scorer to enhance an elite protection. It is a potent combo that might lead UT to its first nationwide championship. Knecht cannot do all of the work on offense alone, however he is the catalyst Tennessee should have to maintain up offensively with any opponent: In regular-season victories over Auburn, Alabama (twice), Kentucky and Illinois — all top-15 in adjusted offensive effectivity — the Vols averaged 90.6 PPG.
Area: WestRecord: 25-8Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
Tommy Lloyd’s squad performs at a top-15 tempo. It linked on 37.4% of its 3-point makes an attempt and 55% of its photographs contained in the arc throughout the common season. And it might need gained the common season in a subpar Pac-12, however nonconference victories at Duke and over Alabama have proved these Wildcats can compete with anybody. Caleb Love (18.1 PPG) was a star at North Carolina and is a star within the hotter local weather of Tucson, too. He linked on 37.3% of his photographs from past the arc in Pac-12 play and is one in every of 4 gamers averaging double figures for Arizona. His teammates Oumar Ballo, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley type essentially the most environment friendly three-man lineup in America after they’re on the ground collectively, per EvanMiya.com.
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3-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 26-8Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
It is essential to inform a workforce’s full story because the season reaches its last moments. A felony rape cost in December led to Terrence Shannon Jr.’s arrest and indefinite suspension, however the Illinois star subsequently sued the college and obtained a brief restraining order that has allowed him to play with out extra interruption. On the courtroom, he leads a squad with an offensive effectiveness that helped it end second behind Purdue within the Massive Ten. But it surely’s additionally a workforce ranked within the backside of the league in defensive effectivity: The Illini surrendered 97 factors in a win over Minnesota final month and have losses towards Maryland and Penn State.
Area: SouthRecord: 23-9Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
That is the workforce each opposing coach in America hoped they would not see of their area. Antonio Reeves (20.0 PPG, 44.1% from 3) ought to be an All-American. In ESPN’s newest NBA mock draft, freshmen Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard are top-five picks — who’ve come off the bench for a lot of the season. From their Feb. 10 loss to Gonzaga to the top of the common season — which included beating Auburn and Alabama by 37 factors mixed — the Wildcats linked on 57% of their 2s and 42% of their 3s, per barttorvik.com. Extra compelling nonetheless is that this workforce, which has performed sub-100 protection for prolonged stretches of the season, was 53rd in adjusted defensive effectivity in these video games. In different phrases: the Wildcats can play good protection after they resolve to play good protection.
Area: MidwestRecord: 23-9Tournament ceiling: Nationwide championship
It is a workforce crammed with confidence. Head coach Greg McDermott not too long ago signed a contract extension amid stories that Ohio State and different colleges have been all in favour of luring him away. And, earlier than shedding to Windfall within the first spherical of the Massive East match, the Bluejays completed the season 7-1, handing Dan Hurley one of many worst losses (85-66) of his UConn tenure alongside the best way. Taking pictures 64.7% from contained in the arc, solely Houston and UConn carried out higher in that span, per barttorvik.com. There’s additionally an argument to be made that Baylor Scheierman (18.4 PPG, 37.2% from past the arc), Ryan Kalkbrenner (17.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.0 BPG) and Trey Alexander (17.6 PPG, 4.8 APG) are the nation’s prime trio. A Last 4 run a 12 months after a heartbreaking, last-second loss to San Diego State within the Elite Eight would vanquish some demons.
Area: WestRecord: 23-10Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
In a bigger, more difficult Massive 12, Scott Drew’s squad completed in a tie for third place. Ja’Kobe Walter (14.2 PPG) and Yves Missi (11.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG) are two projected first-round draft picks, and the Bears completed the common season prime 5 within the nation in 3-point capturing (40.4%). However in addition they completed 5-4 of their last 9 video games of the common season, because of taking part in a sub-100 protection. The play of RayJ Dennis (13.3 PPG, 6.8 APG) might in the end resolve Baylor’s fortunes. The Toledo switch recorded 24 turnovers and linked on simply 3 of 13 makes an attempt from past the arc in Baylor’s final 5 regular-season video games. He is significantly better than that.
4-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 27-2Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
The metrics love Bruce Pearl’s workforce. Auburn entered the postseason ranked top-10 on KenPom, evanmiya.com and barttorvik.com. It is also top-15 in adjusted offensive effectivity and defensive effectivity after managing to attach on 55% of its photographs contained in the arc whereas holding opponents to a nation’s greatest 43.1% mark contained in the 3-point line throughout the common season. Johni Broome (16.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.1 RPG) can be one in every of America’s prime gamers.
However the Tigers additionally got here by these metrics taking part in a mediocre nonconference schedule and having fun with a positive SEC schedule that included going through Tennessee and Kentucky simply as soon as. (They misplaced each video games.) A February house win over rival Alabama was their solely top-30 KenPom victory within the common season. The NCAA match might be the stage for the Tigers and their undeniably explosive offense to set the document straight.
Area: SouthRecord: 24-8Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
Jon Scheyer’s second season on the helm ended with a loss at house to North Carolina. The Blue Devils’ NCAA match potential, nonetheless, is evident. Kyle Filipowski is a Picket Award contender and projected lottery choose. Freshman Jared McCain has performed his method into the primary spherical of NBA mock drafts. Jeremy Roach is the veteran who has led the ACC’s greatest offense and prime 3-point capturing workforce (39% in league play).
Duke struggled at occasions towards elite bigs (ACC opponents linked on 50% of their makes an attempt contained in the arc, per KenPom). However a profitable match from Mark Mitchell (12.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG) might gasoline a run. With Caleb Foster presumably sidelined with a decrease leg damage that stored him out of the final 4 regular-season video games, Scheyer will want him to step up.
Area: MidwestRecord: 22-10Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
After Kevin McCullar Jr. suffered a bone bruise in his knee in early February, the Jayhawks completed 4-5 of their final 9 video games, their postseason hopes dwindling by the week. That document included falling to Cincinnati by 20 factors within the Massive 12 match opener — proper after the 30-point loss at Houston, throughout which Invoice Self misplaced Hunter Dickinson (dislocated shoulder) and McCullar (once more). The excellent news? Self introduced his star gamers would return in time for the NCAA match. It is unclear if he actually believes it, or if that is only a message to the choice committee to grade his workforce on the concept it will likely be at full energy when it issues. It won’t matter: Dickinson and McCullar additionally performed in a number of video games the Jayhawks misplaced. A wholesome Kansas squad has wins over Kentucky, UConn and Houston. However a short-handed Kansas squad won’t survive the opening spherical.
Area: WestRecord: 21-11Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
Watching Alabama on the courtroom this season was like watching a drag race with a basketball, with a wreck just some moments from taking place. The Crimson Tide play at a top-15 tempo, and practically half of their photographs are 3-point makes an attempt. They’ve scored 100 factors or extra in 9 video games, and so they spent a portion of the season ranked first in adjusted offensive effectivity. Due to this, generally their stats appear to be typos, like these of Mark Sears: 21.1 PPG 44.1% from 3, 86% on free throws — each top-10 marks within the SEC. However the wreck did come. In a late 9-5 stretch within the season, Alabama dedicated turnovers on practically 16% of its possessions, made simply 34% of its 3-point makes an attempt and performed among the worst protection amongst Energy 5 groups (163rd in adjusted defensive effectivity, per barrtorvik.com). Nonetheless, when you’re feeling actually fortunate, guess on Alabama to go farther within the race and attain the Last 4.
5-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 24-10Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
A 12 months after making a run to the Last 4, SDSU returns to the sphere of 68 with related aspirations. Jaedon LeDee averaged 18.1 minutes per sport final season as a reserve. This 12 months, he is the Aztecs’ prime scorer, averaging 21.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG and 41% from past the arc. Nonetheless, this season’s workforce completed 8-7 in its last 15 regular-season video games and made solely 30% of its 3-point makes an attempt in league play. Evaluate that to final season’s workforce, which completed 12-3 in its last 15 regular-season video games and made 38% of its 3-point makes an attempt in league play.
Area: SouthRecord: 22-13Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
For the primary three months of the 2023-24 season, Wisconsin was nationally ranked, with aspirations to return to the Last 4 a decade after its back-to-back nationwide semifinal runs. AJ Storr (16.7 PPG) and the Badgers beat six top-50 KenPom squads on their strategy to a 16-4 total document and 8-1 begin in Massive Ten play. Then? The Badgers collapsed, ending with a 3-8 document of their last 11 video games of the common season, capturing 30% from 3 and taking part in subpar protection (99th in adjusted effectivity, per barttorvik.com). That rocky tumble is difficult to overlook, however the run via the Massive Ten match — scoring 87 factors within the win over Maryland, beating Purdue within the semifinal and going through Illinois within the last — is memorable.
Area: MidwestRecord: 25-7Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
It is uncommon to see a Gonzaga squad on the bubble, however that is the place the Bulldogs lived via early February following their loss at house to Saint Mary’s. Mark Few has by no means missed the NCAA match, although, and that will not change this 12 months. After that loss, Gonzaga hit the reset button and performed on a unique dimension. Led by Graham Ike (16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG), their newest dominant paint presence, the Zags gained 9 consecutive video games after that sport and linked on 41% of their 3-point makes an attempt and 60% of their photographs contained in the arc. In addition they beat Kentucky in Lexington throughout that stretch, which ended with the loss to Saint Mary’s within the WCC match title sport.
Area: WestRecord: 26-7Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
Randy Bennett’s squad follows Aidan Mahaney. The Gaels went 6-1 this season when he scored 20 or extra factors in a sport. He had 43 mixed within the win at Gonzaga within the common season and the win over the Bulldogs within the WCC match title sport. Within the 70-57 house loss to the Zags on March 2, nonetheless, he completed 6-for-17 from the sphere. Fortunately, this workforce that has misplaced simply two video games since Dec. 1 has different methods to win: Mahaney is only one of 5 gamers averaging double figures, and Saint Mary’s performs a top-20 protection.
6-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 23-10Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
After BYU’s come-from-behind win at Kansas on Feb. 27, Jayhawks head coach Invoice Self stated his workforce had problem with its defensive assignments because the Cougars launched 34 photographs from past the arc within the second half — they made 38% of these makes an attempt. Mark Pope’s squad has an elite offense that has shot 58% from contained in the arc whereas capturing a barrage of 3-pointers. The workforce has 4 gamers who’ve made at the very least 37% of their 3s, together with 6-foot-11 senior Noah Waterman. It is a tough group to scout due to its expertise and measurement — and simply how rapidly it will probably shift a sport in its favor.
Area: SouthRecord: 23-10Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
In his first 12 months on the job, Grant McCasland has needed to comply with the “subsequent man up” philosophy coaches usually flip to in powerful occasions. The difficulty is, most school groups haven’t got some unsung star sitting on the bench ready for a possibility to show himself. Normally. Early within the season, Devan Cambridge (10.5 PPG) suffered a year-ending knee damage. Final month, Warren Washington (9.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG) was sidelined by a foot damage. With two starters unavailable, nonetheless, Probability McMillian has given the Raiders a lift off the bench, averaging 14.2 PPG within the workforce’s four-game profitable streak main as much as the Massive 12 match semifinal towards Houston.
Area: MidwestRecord: 26-7Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
Lamont Paris wasn’t the high-major head coach a few of South Carolina’s followers wished when he was employed in 2022. However he is actually the best alternative and this season proved as a lot. The SEC Coach of the Yr, who orchestrated wins over Kentucky and Tennessee, led a workforce that was picked to complete final within the league within the preseason ballot however completed in a four-way tie for second place. Since mid-January, SC has been within the prime 35 in offensive and defensive effectivity. And Collin Murray-Boyles (16.0 PPG in South Carolina’s final eight regular-season video games) is now an actual NBA prospect. Paris tends to exceed the percentages towards him. May he do it once more within the NCAA match?
Area: WestRecord: 21-11Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
PJ Corridor is arguably the very best participant within the nation whom the nation does not appear to know — but. He had 14 factors, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in a win over South Carolina. He completed with 21 factors, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in a win over Alabama. He had 25 factors (4-for-10 from 3) in a win over North Carolina, too. At its greatest, Clemson has tussled with the highest groups in America and gained. But it surely additionally completed 11-9 in ACC play, stumbled out of the primary spherical of the ACC match with a loss to Boston Faculty and can enter Choice Sunday not wanting practically as imposing as anticipated.
7-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 24-9Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
Kyle Smith deserves credit score for the unbelievable turnaround this workforce has had. A 12 months in the past, the Cougars ended with a .500 document and no invitation to the NCAA match. This 12 months, they completed second within the Pac-12 standings, and acquired an invite to the NCAA match. However how? A essential transfer halfway via the season might need been a very powerful factor Smith did. On Jan. 10, Smith inserted Jaylen Wells, the 6-foot-8 ahead who’s averaging 12.2 PPG and connecting on 42.5% of his 3-point makes an attempt, into the beginning lineup. Washington State went on to complete 13-3 in its last 16 video games of the common season, a stretch that included a sweep of Arizona. Extra importantly, in addition they rose to rank twenty fifth in adjusted defensive effectivity, in some of the important in-season turnarounds in school basketball this season.
Area: SouthRecord: 24-11Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
The Gators anchored their résumé with wins over Kentucky (at Rupp Area), Alabama and Auburn. They’ve additionally performed a sub-100ish protection since mid-January. Regardless of this, Florida gained 11 of its final 15 video games getting into the SEC match quarterfinals towards Alabama and manufactured an offense that produced 122 factors per 100 possessions, in keeping with barttorvik.com. Walter Clayton Jr. additionally hit his stride throughout that stretch, making 39% of his makes an attempt from the 3-point line. The one concern: how the Gators will regulate within the postseason with out Micah Handlogten, who fractured his leg within the SEC match last.
Area: MidwestRecord: 20-12Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
That is when Max Abmas (17.1 PPG, 37% from past the arc) shines. The previous Oral Roberts star led the Golden Eagles to Summit League match titles in 2021 and 2023. Within the 2021 NCAA match, he scored 29 and 26 factors in wins over Ohio State and Florida, respectively, advancing to the Candy 16. Abmas transferred to Texas as a result of he wished to show he might compete at a Energy 5 stage, and he’ll hope to copy that manufacturing on this match. Per evanmiya.com’s defensive ranking system (DBPR), nonetheless, Abmas is ranked 98th within the Massive 12 in particular person defensive impression. Opponents will assault the 6-foot guard due to these defensive vulnerabilities. However in addition they must cease him on the opposite finish of the ground, which has by no means been a straightforward activity.
Area: WestRecord: 24-7Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
DaRon Holmes II (20.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 39% from the 3-point line) has been the star for a Flyers squad that returns to the NCAA match for the primary time since 2016-17. Dayton was bounced from the Atlantic 10 match by Duquesne, which it had crushed by 26 factors mixed of their two regular-season matchups. Is the eight-point quarterfinal defeat to the Dukes a trigger for concern? Possibly. The Flyers have blown a handful of second-half leads of their latest losses. However this workforce with a bunch of shooters (40.4% from 3) might be an issue for any match opponent.
8-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 25-8Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
A 12 months in the past, Dusty Could — one of many hottest names on the teaching circuit proper now — led the Owls to a Last 4. In doing so, his workforce legitimately orchestrated a brand new campus id, as curiosity within the college elevated, functions rose and donors signed huge checks. Then, each key participant from essentially the most shocking workforce of the 2023 NCAA match returned. That features Vladislav Goldin, who has improved this season, together with stars Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin.
However there is a main distinction with this 12 months’s workforce that may’t be missed. Coming into Choice Sunday a 12 months in the past, FAU was one of many prime defensive groups within the nation. This 12 months, it was ranked 191st from Feb. 9 via the top of the common season after making the transfer to the American Athletic Convention.
Area: SouthRecord: 23-10Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
An enormous fan base 6,000 miles from Lincoln, Nebraska, will probably be rooting for the Cornhuskers within the NCAA match. Keisei Tominaga — a Japanese basketball star who will characterize his nation on the 2024 Olympic Video games in Paris this summer season — is the preferred participant on Fred Hoiberg’s roster. He is additionally the workforce’s main scorer (14.8 PPG) and one of many Massive Ten’s prime 3-point shooters (38% from past the arc in league play). However Nebraska is greater than story. The Cornhuskers beat Purdue and ended the common season with an 8-1 document of their last 9 video games.
Area: MidwestRecord: 27-6Tournament ceiling: Elite Eight
There are rebuilds, after which there are rebuilds just like the one Danny Sprinkle had on his arms this season. Utah State didn’t return a participant who had scored a degree the earlier season when he arrived from Montana State. However he constructed his nationwide coach of the 12 months marketing campaign by having one of many best seasons in latest Mountain West historical past, profitable the league within the course of. The turnaround started with including some acquainted faces. Nice Osobor (18.0 PPG) and Darius Brown II (12.4 PPG, 39.5% from 3) adopted Sprinkle from Montana State and helped anchor an offense that linked on 49.3% of its photographs contained in the arc. This workforce can go far. The one query is whether or not it will likely be distracted by the stories that Sprinkle is without doubt one of the hottest teaching candidates amongst Energy 5 colleges with vacancies.
Area: WestRecord: 21-13Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
MSU has performed a few of America’s greatest protection on this last stretch of the 2023-24 season — rating twenty first in adjusted defensive effectivity from Feb. 7 via the 73-56 upset win over Tennessee within the SEC match, when Vols star Dalton Knecht shot 4-for-17 from the sphere. LSU star Jordan Wright (14.8 PPG) completed 2-for-15 towards MSU a sport earlier. The Bulldogs have been a headache for opposing stars, however they have not confronted the identical challenges. Living proof: star Josh Hubbard averaged 26.1 PPG in his workforce’s final seven outings.
9-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 21-11Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
In a 12 months stuffed with groups that lacked signature wins, Northwestern by no means needed to fear. Extra time victories over each Purdue and Illinois in Evanston after beating Dayton solidified the Wildcats’ spot on the bracket. However the Northwestern squad that entered the postseason is just not the identical workforce that notched these wins. Each Ty Berry and Matthew Nicholson have been starters in these key video games, however each might be unavailable for the NCAA match. Berry suffered a season-ending meniscus tear final month. And beginning heart Nicholson remains to be recovering from a foot damage that pressured him to overlook the Massive Ten match. Coming into the Dance short-handed is just not perfect.
Area: SouthRecord: 20-14Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
For those who’re on the lookout for essentially the most sophisticated résumé within the discipline, you have discovered it. These are the highs for Buzz Williams’ squad this season: wins over Iowa State, Kentucky and Tennessee — the latter two at house. And these are the lows: two losses to Arkansas and a highway loss at Vanderbilt that unfolded throughout a five-game shedding streak. Wade Taylor IV (18.9 PPG) is without doubt one of the greatest gamers within the nation proper now, however it’s simply tough to challenge a better ceiling for a squad that has wins over prime seeds and losses to squads which may not get invited to the CBI.
Area: MidwestRecord: 20-12Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
Twenty years in the past, Jameer Nelson led Saint Joseph’s to an ideal common season, a prime seed within the NCAA match and an Elite Eight look. This season, his son, Jameer Nelson Jr., (11.3 PPG), will try to do the identical. Becoming a member of him will probably be Emanuel Miller (15.9 PPG), Micah Peavy (11.1 PPG) and the remainder of a TCU squad that survived a late-season slide to safe this at-large berth. The Horned Frogs entered Massive 12 play 11-2 and recorded a 2-1 begin towards convention opponents — together with beating Houston on Jan. 13. However they completed 7-8 of their last 15 regular-season video games.
Area: WestRecord: 19-14Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
The season started with an 8-for-50 mark from past the arc in three video games — together with that house loss to James Madison. However Tom Izzo, who has reached the second weekend of the NCAA match 15 occasions, stated the photographs would ultimately fall. And so they did. Michigan State shot 38% from 3 the remainder of the best way, regardless of stumbling to a 1-4 document to complete the common season. Do not depend out Izzo, although. His squads all the time shift gears in March. And it is a group that returned the majority of final 12 months’s Candy 16 workforce.
10-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 28-6Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
A 12 months in the past, Tucker DeVries — son of coach Darian DeVries — battled eventual Last 4 workforce Miami within the first spherical of the NCAA match. He returned to Drake this season and has gotten higher, now capturing 38% from 3 in Missouri Valley play. This Drake workforce, total, is completely different from final 12 months’s group: It has extra gaps on protection, however it’s extra environment friendly offensively. This explains how the Bulldogs managed to beat Nevada by 19 factors earlier this season and misplaced only one sport after Feb. 3.
Area: SouthRecord: 22-10Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
On Dec. 1, 6-foot-8 junior O’Mar Stanley was inserted into Boise State’s beginning lineup. The Broncos, who have been 3-3 on the time, completed 19-6 the remainder of the common season. Stanley linked on 38% of his 3-point makes an attempt in league play. He and Tyson Degenhart (17.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG) will probably be a handful for any opposing workforce within the bracket. The Broncos had the Mountain West’s best offense and completed in a tie for second place with Nevada behind first-place Utah State. However in addition they completed 1-3 towards the Wolf Pack and the Aggies within the common season.
Area: SouthRecord: 24-10Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
That entire “it is not the way you begin, it is the way you end” philosophy? That is Colorado’s. The Buffaloes battled accidents all season solely to enter Champ Week on a six-game profitable streak with the assistance of Tristan da Silva (15.8 PPG, 37.7% from 3) and KJ Simpson (19.6 PPG, 45.3% from 3). They have been the 14th-best workforce in America throughout that profitable streak, per barttorvik.com, and shot 44.4% from 3 total. Then there’s Cody Williams, a projected draft lottery choose who’s again for the postseason after lacking 4 video games with an ankle damage. Colorado is intriguing.
Area: MidwestRecord: 24-10Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
On Nov. 23, Colorado State met Creighton for a sport in Las Vegas. Three future all-Massive East first- and second-teamers — Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander — have been current, however the very best participant on the ground that night time was Isaiah Stevens (16.6 PPG, 7.1 APG, 46% from past the arc). The purpose guard had 20 factors and 7 assists on the best way to the 69-48 win, handing the Bluejays their worst lack of the season. Niko Medved’s squad has made 58.2% of its 2s and performed a top-40 protection all season. With Stevens on the courtroom, Medved is aware of he’ll all the time have one of many prime gamers on the ground, irrespective of whom the Rams face within the NCAA match.
Area: MidwestRecord: 23-10Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
It was bizarre to see Tony Bennett’s squad on the bubble. However the Cavs by no means discovered a rhythm outdoors a quick eight-game profitable streak throughout ACC play. This, regardless of taking part in a top-10 protection. Reece Beekman (14.3 PPG) and Isaac McKneely (12.5 PPG, 44.9% from the 3-point line) have led the best way for the Hoos, and 6-foot-8 sophomore Ryan Dunn (8.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 BPG) is a legit NBA prospect. However Virginia doesn’t have a win on its résumé to recommend it is going to final lengthy.
Area: WestRecord: 26-7Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
Almost six years in the past, Steve Alford was fired hours after his UCLA squad misplaced to Liberty at house, his time in Westwood largely considered as a disappointment. However this sport may be forgiving, and Alford discovered his footing at Nevada, which employed him instantly. This season might need been the very best of profession. The Wolf Pack completed second in a Mountain West Convention that has produced extra bids than some main conferences. With 6-foot-4 guard Jarod Lucas (17.8 PPG, 39.7% from past the arc) main the workforce, Nevada completed 10-1 in its last 11 video games of the common season, made 42% of its 3-point makes an attempt and performed a top-15 protection.
11-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 24-11Tournament ceiling: First spherical
It was becoming that Jimmy Clark III led Duquesne, picked to complete fourth within the preseason, to the title sport towards VCU, his former workforce. Clark had averaged 17.0 PPG throughout his workforce’s seven-game profitable streak getting into the Atlantic 10 match title sport on Sunday. The Dukes discovered a rhythm on the excellent time. Weeks after they began the calendar 12 months by shedding their first 5 A-10 video games, Duquesne is within the NCAA match for the primary time since 1977.
Area: SouthRecord: 22-14Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
A 4-10 end to the common season solely intensified rumors about the way forward for Kevin Keatts at NC State, the place he has been the pinnacle coach since 2017. However the Wolfpack saved their greatest basketball of the season for the ACC match. A historic 5 victories in 5 days — over Louisville, Syracuse, Duke, Virginia, and eventually North Carolina within the championship sport — secured the third NCAA match berth of Keatts’ tenure. This run additionally gave America an opportunity to get to know DJ Burns Jr. (12.2 PPG), the 6-foot-9, 275-pound heart who stated he idolized Hakeem Olajuwon as a child however was born with a “Zach Randolph physique.”
Area: MidwestRecord: 23-11Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
The switch portal giveth, and the switch portal taketh away. For years, Oregon was a hub for prime gamers in America on the lookout for a change of surroundings. Final 12 months, nonetheless, the Geese have been on the mistaken finish of that pattern as Kel’el Ware (Indiana), Rivaldo Soares (Oklahoma) and Quincy Guerrier (Illinois) all left. They stumbled in league play and completed tenth in defensive effectivity within the Pac-12, per KenPom. Then they defeated Arizona within the semifinals of the Pac-12 match on Friday to place them within the bubble dialog. That dialog ended after they defeated Colorado for the ultimate Pac-12 match championship in its present iteration. Dana Altman will go to his eighth NCAA match look with the Geese.
Area: WestRecord: 26-9Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
If you wish to understand how outdated you might be, contemplate this: The sons of Rick Pitino and Jamal Mashburn have led New Mexico to its first NCAA match look in a decade. Head coach Richard Pitino and Jamal Mashburn Jr. (14.4 PPG) secured the Lobos a berth by profitable the Mountain West championship. They completed 4-6 of their final 10 video games, 5-6 total towards top-50 squads on KenPom throughout the common season. However Mashburn missed the two-point loss to Utah State within the regular-season finale on account of sickness. A wholesome New Mexico might advance.
12-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 23-11Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
On Jan. 7, UAB beat South Florida. Then Amir Abdur-Rahim’s workforce gained 15 video games in a row, gained the American regular-season title, and the Bulls turned a nationwide story. That victory helped the Blazers, who misplaced to North Texas within the NIT title sport final 12 months, perceive its ceiling. So when the Blazers confronted South Florida within the convention match semifinals, they have been ready, and so they defeated USF once more earlier than the workforce’s win over Temple within the AAC match title sport Sunday. Kennedy’s squad excels with a gritty model. It performs a troublesome protection (see: Yaxel Lendeborg, AAC defensive participant of the 12 months) and will get to the free throw line at one of many highest charges in America.
Area: SouthRecord: 31-3Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
The magic started with a win at Michigan State, a matchup scheduled as a result of a James Madison staffer is Tom Izzo’s nephew. Mark Byington’s squad then went 14-0 to start out the season and earned at-large consideration. A few Solar Belt losses modified issues, however the Dukes nonetheless completed the season with the nation’s longest profitable streak (13 video games). Terrence Edwards Jr. (17.4 PPG) leads a workforce that shot 54% contained in the arc in league play.
It is an fascinating profile for a workforce. A 12 months in the past, Florida Atlantic gained a bunch of video games early, misplaced just a few in league play after which ended the season on a prolonged profitable streak earlier than going to the Last 4. Simply saying.
Area: MidwestRecord: 30-3Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
A 12 months in the past, McNeese was an afterthought after profitable simply 11 video games and ending second-to-last within the Southland standings. Then former LSU coach Will Wade arrived. In only one season, he has generated one of many best one-year turnarounds in school basketball. The Cowboys gained 30 video games, dominated the league and gained the convention match by a mean margin of 17.5 PPG.
Area: WestRecord: 29-4Tournament ceiling: Candy 16
After a nine-win 2018-19 season on the Vanderbilt helm, Bryce Drew — higher generally known as the participant who made the deciding shot in Valparaiso’s upset win over Ole Miss within the 1998 NCAA match — misplaced his job and dabbled in TV for a 12 months. However teaching is in his blood. And his stint with GCU, house to one of many best scholar sections within the land, has been redemptive. On the again of the Lopes’ win over UT Arlington within the WAC title sport, Drew has an opportunity to drag off an upset or two with a squad that beat San Diego State earlier this season and went toe-to-toe with South Carolina, too.
13-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 22-9Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
It was no shock to see the Ivy League’s prime defensive workforce stay as much as the hype after it was picked to win the convention crown within the preseason. In Danny Wolf (14.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.3 BPG), Yale coach James Jones has a novel matchup problem for opposing groups. Wolf, a 7-footer who has linked on 37% of his 3-point makes an attempt this season (regardless of struggling from past the arc not too long ago), has scored 19 factors or extra in 11 video games this season. He is additionally one in every of 5 gamers on this roster averaging double figures.
Area: SouthRecord: 28-6Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
John Becker’s dominance of America East continued along with his third consecutive league match title and his third consecutive NCAA match look (the sixth of his profession). Throughout their 10-game profitable streak, the Catamounts have been ranked thirty sixth nationally in adjusted defensive effectivity and held their opponents to a forty five.8% clip contained in the arc. They play one in every of America’s slowest paces and barely commit turnovers (eleventh within the nation, per KenPom). Plus, they gained 10 video games by double digits in league play.
Area: MidwestRecord: 29-5Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
Everytime you assess an underdog’s shot at an upset, the primary query ought to be this: Does this workforce do one thing at a extremely excessive stage that might proceed within the NCAA match? For Samford, the reply is sure. This workforce has linked on 39% of its 3-point makes an attempt — Jaden Campbell (48%) is one in every of eight Bulldogs who’ve shot at the very least 38% from 3 — a top-10 mark in America. Bucky McMillan’s squad additionally performs at a top-15 tempo. Translation: It is a quick workforce that launches 3-pointers all around the flooring. It won’t be a enjoyable first-round sport for the opponent.
Area: WestRecord: 27-7Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
Final 12 months, the Cougars virtually spoiled San Diego State’s Last 4 run. Matched towards the Aztecs within the opening spherical, Ante Brzovic’s layup tied the sport at 53 with 3:27 to play. Charleston did not win, however the workforce channeled that sport’s power right through this 31-win season, orchestrated by coach Pat Kelsey. Led offensively by Reyne Smith (12.8 PPG) and Brzovic (12.3), the Cougars are using a 12-game profitable streak into the NCAA match. They gained seven of these video games by double digits.
14-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 26-8Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
Coach Preston Spradlin appreciated his workforce’s potential to safe this system’s second NCAA match berth since 2011. After which Mark Freeman — the reigning OVC participant of the 12 months and the preseason OVC participant of the 12 months — suffered a second-ending wrist damage in October. Shedding Freeman did not cease Spradlin and his squad, although, which then turned to former NAIA star Riley Minix (20.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG) and Milwaukee switch Jordan Lathon (15.4 PPG, 38% from the 3-point line), who led the Eagles to the Ohio Valley Convention match championship and that NCAA match berth.
Area: SouthRecord: 23-11Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
When Greg Kampe was employed in 1984, Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” was a chart-topping hit and “Ghostbusters” was the largest film on the earth. It was additionally the beginning of a 40-year run at Oakland, and earlier than this season tipped, Kampe thought-about retirement. It is a good factor he stayed. Main an Oakland squad that was picked to complete sixth within the league’s preseason ballot, Kampe pushed this workforce to the Horizon League common season title, the convention match championship and now his fourth NCAA match berth. Trey Townsend (16.9 PPG) & Co. will attempt to make this season extra magical with an NCAA match win.
Area: MidwestRecord: 24-10Tournament ceiling: First spherical
The MAC has been a goal for Energy 5 colleges looking for a mid-major switch who might change their program. RayJ Dennis, the 2022-23 convention participant of the 12 months, had a mess of gives earlier than he picked Baylor. Enrique Freeman, a 6-foot-7 ahead who has linked on 63% of his photographs contained in the arc this season, would have drawn the identical consideration. However Freeman by no means entered the switch portal. Earlier this month, he gained MAC participant of the 12 months because the chief of this Akron squad. The return of Ali Ali (15.6 PPG), who began at Akron however left for Butler final season earlier than coming again, has been essential, too.
Area: WestRecord: 25-9Tournament ceiling: First spherical
Sure, the college is de facto named after the toothpaste household. However this is one other enjoyable truth concerning the basketball program: Earlier than Matt Langel’s run of 5 consecutive NCAA match appearances, the college hadn’t been to the dance since 1996. Colgate made 39% of its 3-point makes an attempt in Patriot League video games and likewise owned the convention’s prime protection this season. It is a balanced workforce. Braeden Smith (12.5 PPG) is one in every of six gamers averaging at the very least 6.8 PPG.
15-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 22-12Tournament ceiling: Spherical of 32
Some groups have been so all in favour of getting Zeke Mayo (18.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 APG), SDSU’s 6-4 star guard, to switch to their college that they contacted a few of his members of the family final summer season to attempt to attain him. However Mayo stayed put, and SDSU returned the nucleus of final 12 months’s workforce, made 56% of its photographs contained in the arc this season and is getting into the primary spherical with severe upset ambitions.
Area: SouthRecord: 22-11Tournament ceiling: First spherical
First-year head coaches wish to put their stamp on a program instantly. Steve Lutz, who led Texas A&M Corpus-Christi to back-to-back NCAA match appearances in 2021 and 2022, determined that his new workforce would play quick. Very quick. Per KenPom, the Hilltoppers are the speediest workforce in school basketball. Typically, the model can look sloppy — WKU dedicated turnovers as soon as each 5 journeys down the ground. However it will probably additionally overwhelm opponents. Don McHenry (15.2 PPG) and the Hilltoppers gained the Convention USA match by a margin of 19.3 factors per sport.
Area: MidwestRecord: 19-13Tournament ceiling: First spherical
They’re again! Two years after an Elite Eight run modified this system and the campus, the bracket-busting Peacocks are as soon as once more within the NCAA match. Throughout that magical run of 2022, Saint Peter’s beat Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue earlier than falling to North Carolina within the Elite Eight. Latrell Reid performed only one minute in that loss. This season, the 6-foot-3 guard (11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.6 APG) is without doubt one of the prime gamers for a squad that hopes to make magic once more.
Area: WestRecord: 21-14Tournament ceiling: First spherical
Six days in the past, Lengthy Seashore State introduced it had “mutually” agreed to half methods with longtime head coach Dan Monson — after a five-game shedding streak getting into the Massive West match — however would permit him to educate via the postseason. His gamers appeared to make use of that information as motivation on their strategy to the Massive West match title, and the second NCAA match look of Monson’s tenure. Lengthy Seashore State has been one of many worst 3-point capturing groups in America however made 38% of its 3-point makes an attempt within the convention match. Everybody ought to be rooting for Monson and the Seashore.
16-seeds
Area: EastRecord: 22-12Tournament ceiling: First spherical
Donnie Jones has been a school basketball head coach because the 2007-08 season, when he led Marshall. He had stops at UCF and Wichita State, the place he was an assistant, earlier than Stetson employed him in 2019. Jones and Stetson have been related in some ways. He had by no means reached the NCAA match, and Stetson had by no means earned an NCAA match invitation as a Division I college. Till now. His star, Jalen Blackmon (21.5 PPG, 39% from past the arc), scored 43 factors in his workforce’s win within the Atlantic Solar convention match title sport. Blackmon will probably be powerful to include.
Area: SouthRecord: 21-13Tournament ceiling: First spherical
Earlier than coach Griff Aldrich arrived in 2018, Longwood had had one profitable season since 2004-05 — when it turned a Division I college. Aldrich simply completed his third consecutive profitable season and gained his second NCAA match berth. Not dangerous for a man who was a world legal professional and oil tycoon earlier than he took this job. This season, he achieved all of it with Walyn Napper (14.6 PPG), Michael Christmas (11.5 PPG) and Johnathan Massie (11.4 PPG), who helped the workforce climate a 2-10 stretch to complete the season with seven wins in its final 9 video games getting into the NCAA match.
Area: MidwestRecord: 20-14Tournament ceiling: First spherical
For 3 consecutive seasons, Texas Southern represented the SWAC within the NCAA match. However a hefty nonconference schedule — Colorado, Iowa State, Dayton, Washington State, Florida — ready Donte Jackson’s Tigers squad. Grambling is 12-2 over its previous 14 video games. And Jourdan Smith, a 6-foot-7 ahead, scored 20 factors in his workforce’s 75-66 victory over … Texas Southern within the SWAC match championship sport to safe this system’s first NCAA match look as a Division I program.
Area: MidwestRecord: 17-17Tournament ceiling: First spherical
When coach Danny Sprinkle left for the Utah State job after final season’s NCAA match look, key gamers left this system, too. RaeQuan Battle transferred to West Virginia, whereas Darius Brown II and Nice Osobor adopted Sprinkle. First-year coach Matt Logie needed to begin from scratch. He weathered a 14-17 common season (9-9 in league play), and his new star, 6-foot-6 guard Robert Ford III, scored 68 factors in three days to guide the Bobcats to the Massive Sky convention match title.
Area: WestRecord: 18-16Tournament ceiling: First spherical
Kenny Blakeney by no means needed to look too far for teaching recommendation all through his profession. In highschool, he performed for Morgan Wooten, a legendary prep coach. In school, he performed for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke. Now, he is carving out his teaching legacy at one of many nation’s most prestigious Traditionally Black Schools and Universities along with his second consecutive MEAC match championship and NCAA match look. Two starters (Dom Campbell and Shy Odom) have battled accidents this 12 months, however Seth Cities (14.2 PPG), an eighth-year senior — that’s not a typo — has been a pacesetter for this group.
Area: WestRecord: 16-15Tournament ceiling: First spherical
In most non-Energy 5 leagues, solely the automated qualifier will get the prospect to play within the NCAA match. Groups which have dominated their conferences can usually be unnoticed, and groups which have struggled may be rewarded for a late run. The latter is the state of affairs for Melvin Council Jr. (14.6 PPG) & Co., who completed the common season with a 13-15 document total and 7-9 mark in NEC play — good for sixth place – earlier than profitable the match championship over prime workforce Merrimack for the league’s auto bid.
