Auburn, Duke and the 66 different groups competing within the

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  Myron MedcalfMar 16, 2025, 06:45 PM ET

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  • Covers school basketball
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2011
  • Graduate of Minnesota State College, Mankato

The NCAA event box has been introduced, so it is time to fill out your brackets. We are right here to lend a hand.

In a 12 months outlined by way of surprises (Rick Pitino owns New York Town!) and letdowns (no West Virginia?), males’s school basketball has been a captivating trip in 2024-25.

Now, the onerous phase: selecting the very best bracket.

Be mindful to concentrate on contemporary accidents and the groups that experience performed smartly down the stretch — and likewise, the groups that experience fallen aside in contemporary weeks.

Here’s what you wish to have to learn about each group within the box, together with what we expect will likely be their ceilings within the Giant Dance.

Odds for group to achieve its ceiling equipped by way of ESPN BET..

Bounce to:
1-seeds | 2-seeds | 3-seeds | 4-seeds |
5-seeds | 6-seeds | 7-seeds | 8-seeds |
9-seeds | 10-seeds | 11-seeds | 12-seeds |
13-seeds | 14-seeds | 15-seeds | 16-seeds

1-seeds

Area: South
Report: 28-5
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: +500)

It’s been 14 years since a countrywide champion misplaced its ultimate two regular-season video games after which made a run to the NCAA name (UConn, 2011). Auburn’s regular-season end — 4-3, together with dropping the general two video games — nonetheless looks like a blip, bearing in mind it defeated six top-15 KenPom squads on its method to securing a No. 1 seed and incomes “Superb” rankings on each offense and protection, according to Synergy Sports activities knowledge. Johni Broome (18.6 issues according to recreation, 10.6 rebounds according to recreation, 2.6 blocks according to recreation) is the one actual pageant for Cooper Flagg within the race for the Wood Award, whilst Tahaad Pettiford (11.6 PPG, 39% from past the arc) is a key participant on this 10-man rotation with a fleet of veterans at the roster (for context, Chad Baker-Mazara, 25, is older than Zion Williamson). Bruce Pearl has a major contender to win this system’s first nationwide name.

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Which groups can problem Auburn within the South Area?

Jay Bilas, Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams speak about which groups within the South Area may give No. 1 total seed Auburn hassle.

Area: East
Report: 31-3
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: +300)

Jon Scheyer has long gone in opposition to the grain in these days’s generation and located a method to win with one in all The usa’s youngest groups. Led by way of Wood Award favourite Cooper Flagg, the younger Blue Devils may make a run to the nationwide championship 10 years after a selection of inexperienced persons beneath Mike Krzyzewski final minimize down the nets for this system — assuming Flagg is wholesome after he overlooked lots of the ACC event with an ankle damage. Key defensive contributor Maliq Brown may pass over vital time with a shoulder damage, too. The street to the 2025 nationwide name starts with Flagg, probably the most whole avid gamers in contemporary school basketball historical past. He is the offensive chief on a roster that begins 3 inexperienced persons (Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach). He additionally anchors probably the most ultimate defensive devices within the recreation, ranked fourth in adjusted defensive potency on KenPom. Duke completed the steady season on a 19-1 run after Flagg became 18 years previous Dec. 21. It additionally has a win over Auburn. Those Blue Devils are particular.

Editor’s Alternatives

2 Similar

Area: Midwest
Report: 30-4
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: +650)

It is no wonder Houston is a contender once more. Prior to now 5 seasons beneath Kelvin Sampson, this system has made it so far as the Ultimate 4, the Elite 8 and the Candy 16 (the opposite thrice). However that is the most efficient offensive staff of Cougars that Sampson has coached. Ranked tenth in adjusted offensive potency on KenPom, they now have the scorers they lacked in previous years, together with L.J. Cryer (43% from past the arc), who averaged 18.0 PPG within the ultimate 12 video games of the steady season. The offensive uptick has additionally became the Cougars into an elite squad in transition (rated “Superb,” according to Synergy Sports activities knowledge). This Houston squad, which completed 19-1 within the Giant 12 and misplaced only one regular-season recreation after Nov. 30, is Sampson’s ultimate shot at his first nationwide name, assuming J’Wan Roberts (who overlooked the final two video games with an ankle damage) is to be had and Milos Uzan (25 issues within the Giant 12 event name recreation) continues to excel.

Area: West
Report: 30-4
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: +380)

Throughout the offseason, trainer Todd Golden made a key resolution that situated the Gators to win their first nationwide championship since back-to-back crowns in 2006 and 2007. He moved Walter Clayton Jr. (17.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 37% from the 3-point line) to indicate guard. Consequently, the third-best offense in adjusted potency, in step with KenPom, has averaged 84.8 issues this season. That is a top-10 mark. The Gators additionally completed moment in defensive potency within the SEC in the back of Tennessee. They went 3-1 in opposition to Tennessee (1-1), Auburn (1-0) and Alabama (1-0) within the steady season, and Clayton’s supporting forged — Will Richard, Alex Condon and Florida Atlantic switch Alijah Martin, all of whom are averaging double figures — is among the ultimate within the nation. There are not any doubts about Florida’s name aspirations.

2-seeds

Area: South
Report: 27-6
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: +500)

Able to really feel previous? Twenty-five years in the past, Jason Richardson used to be a bright-eyed freshman at the 2000 Michigan State group that gained the Giant Ten’s final nationwide name. This 12 months, his son Jase Richardson is arguably the most efficient participant for his father’s former trainer, Tom Izzo. The emerging celebrity averaged 16.8 PPG within the ultimate 9 video games of the steady season and is the one NBA prospect (No. 30 in ESPN’s newest mock draft) at the roster. Just one participant in this squad used to be a top-20 prospect in highschool (Xavier Booker). However Izzo loves those gritty Spartans, who are not nice offensively (they are capturing 30.2% from past the arc) however are probably the most 5 ultimate defensive groups within the nation — an asset that helped them protected the Giant Ten regular-season championship outright following a seven-game profitable streak.

2025 males’s NCAA event information

• Medcalf: First take a look at the Box of 68
• Lipscomb: Bracket information
• Borzello: Fast bracket
• Lunardi: Variety committee reactions
• Bilas: Selecting each tourney recreation

Extra from males’s school basketball

Area: East
Report: 25-8
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: +425)

The Tide input the NCAA event every week got rid of from a last-second highway victory over rival Auburn within the regular-season finale. Alabama wanted that spice up, after snapping a seven-game profitable streak in mid-February and going 3-4 to finish the steady season. A shaky Alabama protection additionally surrendered a minimum of 85 issues in 11 of its regular-season video games. Imagine, then again, the opposition in that 3-4 stretch: losses to Auburn, Missouri, Tennessee and Florida, however wins over Kentucky, Mississippi State and Auburn. All NCAA event groups. Additionally imagine that it is a staff, led by way of Mark Sears (19.2 PPG, 5.0 APG), that performs on the quickest tempo in The usa and maintains a top-five rating in adjusted offensive potency. That isn’t simple to do, and few squads are provided to forestall it, however Grant Nelson suffered an damage within the SEC event that would possibly affect his taking part in time going ahead.

Area: Midwest
Report: 27-7
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: 18-1)

At its worst this season, Tennessee misplaced by way of 30 issues to Florida. However at its ultimate, it beat that very same Florida group by way of 20 a month later. For a 5th immediately 12 months, the Vols will input the event with an elite protection. Ranked first in adjusted defensive potency on KenPom, they have got held 12 regular-season warring parties to beneath 60 issues. The group that misplaced Dalton Knecht, final season’s SEC Participant of the Yr who led UT to the Elite 8, discovered a method to leap again due to Zakai Zeigler’s progressed efficiency (13.1 PPG, 7.5 APG, 1.9 SPG) and the addition of transfers Chaz Lanier (17.9 PPG, 41% from past the arc) and Igor Milicic Jr. (10.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG). There are retirement rumors floating round about trainer Rick Barnes. If that is the top for him, he may writer a paranormal end with this staff.

Area: West
Report: 30-4
Event ceiling: Nationwide championship (Odds: 25-1)

Previous this month, St. John’s made an look on “The This night Display” with Jimmy Fallon after taking pictures the Giant East regular-season championship for the primary time since 1992. Rick Pitino, who has been adopted all 12 months by way of Vice TV cameras for a truth display, has helped flip a group anchored by way of 6-foot-7 ahead RJ Luis Jr. (18.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG) into a countrywide name danger. The Typhoon do not need the entire characteristics of a standard nationwide name contender, with a subpar offense that shoots simply 29.9% from 3. That stated, the Johnnies have a top-three protection nationally. Their profile is very similar to that of Louisville’s in 2012 (31.8% from the 3-point line, ultimate protection in The usa) and 2013 (33% from the 3-point line, ultimate protection in The usa) — coincidentally, groups that Pitino ended in the Ultimate 4 and nationwide championship, respectively.

3-seeds

Area: South
Report: 24-9
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +185)

The most productive model of Iowa State began the season 15-1, with a 5-0 tally in Giant 12 motion. Curtis Jones (17.0 PPG, 37% from past the arc), Keshon Gilbert (13.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG) and Milan Momcilovic (11.0 PPG, 40.2% from 3) have been having breakout seasons and Tamin Lipsey, an all-Giant 12 first-team variety a 12 months in the past, lent a gentle veteran presence. However issues have modified. Gilbert is coping with a muscle pressure that might affect him within the postseason. The Cyclones, who as soon as owned a top-15 mark in adjusted offensive potency, slipped to 69th total after Jan. 15 and throughout the finish of the steady season. They ended the steady season 8-7 whilst additionally committing turnovers on one-fifth in their possessions. That is so much. In fact, projecting the ceiling for the present model of Iowa State, which exited the Giant 12 event within the quarterfinal, is a big gamble.

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Area: East
Report: 26-9
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: 10-1)

A 12 months in the past, John Tonje suffered a foot damage that price him the vast majority of his unmarried season at Missouri. It contributed to the Tigers’ 19-game dropping streak to finish the 2023-24 marketing campaign. Then he transferred to Wisconsin. And this season, the 6-5 celebrity has publish numbers (18.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 38% from the 3-point line) to earn All-The usa attention on a Wisconsin squad that has performed the quickest tempo (153rd in adjusted pace on KenPom) of the Greg Gard generation whilst keeping up its poise (Seventeenth nationally in turnover fee). Granted, the Badgers had a very simple time table, going through peak Giant Ten groups Michigan and Michigan State simply as soon as, and in spite of wins over Purdue, Arizona and Illinois they completed the steady season dropping 3 of 5 video games. They are able to jump within the postseason, however provided that Tonje can take them there. He shot simply 38% from within the arc in Wisconsin’s regular-season losses.

Area: Midwest
Report: 22-11
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +300)

Getting into the SEC event, Kentucky had defeated 8 AP top-15 groups this season, tied for a program file. It is a exceptional accomplishment for Mark Pope — the previous group captain of the 1996 nationwide championship Wildcats — in his first season as head trainer of the similar Wildcats. Additionally it is noteworthy as a result of Kentucky’s 12 months has been marred by way of accidents, together with a season-ending wrist damage for Jaxson Robinson. Handiest 4 avid gamers have participated in all 31 regular-season video games. However the go back of Lamont Butler (11.9 PPG, 4.4 APG) from a shoulder damage past due within the season modified the group’s trajectory. The Wildcats, who’d been shaky defensively all 12 months, changed into a top-40 group in that appreciate along with his go back (he is ranked the Seventeenth-most-impactful participant within the nation by way of EvanMiya), which is why the damage he suffered that sidelined him once more within the SEC event is so regarding. Otega Oweh (16.2 PPG) stays a competent danger and Koby Brea (44% from 3) is a sharpshooter. Kentucky could be short-handed, nevertheless it nonetheless has a excessive ceiling.

Area: West
Report: 25-8
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: +500)

Texas Tech has had probably the most ultimate seasons in The usa. The Crimson Raiders completed moment within the Giant 12. They have been additionally the one Giant 12 squad to overcome Houston (82-81 in time beyond regulation) at the highway. From Jan. 1 throughout the finish of the steady season, they have been ranked tenth in adjusted offensive potency and twenty first in adjusted defensive potency, in step with BartTorvik.com. In addition they made 37% in their photographs from past the arc. They are legitimate. And JT Toppin (18.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG) is their celebrity, who hasn’t gotten the similar consideration as one of the most different All-The usa contenders in school basketball. Lubbock’s brightest ability may rather well cross viral if he leads Texas Tech to its moment Ultimate 4 in six years.

4-seeds

Area: South
Report: 22-10
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +550)

The Aggies are evidence of the SEC’s historical power. Competing in a league that broke the Giant East’s earlier file for bids (11) on Variety Sunday, Buzz Williams guided his squad to an 11-7 SEC file, which incorporated 4 immediately losses but in addition wins in opposition to Auburn and LSU to finish the steady season. The country’s peak offensive rebounding group has been excellent in opposition to nonconference warring parties, too, with wins over Ohio State, Creighton, Texas Tech and Purdue. Even though lukewarm offensive teams just like the Aggies (sub-40 in adjusted offensive potency) fight to make deep runs within the NCAA event, it is helping that Wade Taylor IV (15.2 PPG) & Co. also are a top-10 defensive group.

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Area: East
Report: 22-12
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +400)

Welcome to university basketball’s maximum complicated miniseries. At the start of the 12 months, the Wildcats have been 4-5 — even supposing the ones 5 losses got here in opposition to NCAA event groups (Wisconsin, West Virginia, Oklahoma, UCLA, Duke). They discovered themselves once more and rattled off 13 wins in 14 video games to sail to the highest in their new convention, the Giant 12. It did not final. Caleb Love (16.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.5 APG) and his teammates misplaced 5 in their ultimate 8 regular-season video games. In that hunch, they have been probably the most worst defensive groups from a big convention (92nd in adjusted defensive potency) and so they additionally made simply 29% in their 3s, according to BartTorvik.com. The ones late-season struggles have price Arizona the momentum it craved getting into the dance.

Area: Midwest
Report: 22-11
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +525)

The Boilermakers misplaced two-time Wood Award winner Zach Edey off a squad that misplaced to Connecticut within the nationwide championship recreation final season. Few groups straight away leap again beneath the ones instances. However the Boilermakers could be provided for it — if they may be able to erase the reminiscence of a late-season slide. Braden Smith, the Giant Ten Participant of the Yr, is among the ultimate guards within the nation and Trey Kaufman-Renn (19.7 PPG) has carried out an admirable activity filling the void created by way of Edey’s absence. And but, Purdue’s protection has suffered. What used to be probably the most ultimate defenses within the nation final 12 months ended the 2024-25 steady season profitable simply two of 7 video games and fell to 159th in adjusted defensive potency according to BartTorvik.com. The sloppy end has decreased one of the most optimism concerning the Boilermakers’ goals, however their early-season victory over Alabama has additionally proved the Boilermakers can play with any group within the nation.

Area: West
Report: 25-8
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: +850)

In case you are searching for a Ultimate 4 sleeper, you may have discovered one. Freshman Derik Queen (15.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG), a projected lottery draft choose with an old-school recreation, and Julian Reese (13.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG), the brother of WNBA standout Angel Reese, lead a group that gained 11 of 13 video games to finish the steady season. The Terps additionally went 39% from 3 in that reach. They are a powerful squad that discovered a rhythm past due, which is not bizarre whilst you imagine they have been beginning a real freshman and 3 transfers. If level guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie can restrict his turnovers, he can lend a hand the group with the ninth-best adjusted defensive potency make its first Ultimate 4 look since 2002, the 12 months the Terps additionally gained their first and most effective nationwide championship.

5-seeds

Area: South
Report: 25-9
Event ceiling: Ultimate 4 (Odds: 22-1)

Even Vladislav Goldin (16.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG) and Danny Wolf (12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG) didn’t assume a pairing of 2 7-footers — who in combination run pick-and-roll motion and lead the Michigan offense — would paintings to start with. The Wolverines temporarily changed into probably the most balanced groups within the nation and a Giant Ten name contender, sitting at 20-5 total and 12-2 in convention play Feb. 16, earlier than their season took a flip within the ultimate 3 weeks of the steady season and so they went from peak 40 to sub-230 in adjusted offensive potency, making simply 22% in their 3-point makes an attempt. Nonetheless, they performed like a group able to profitable a couple of video games in March for far of the season. And they have got a novel scheme with Wolf and Goldin — each All-Giant Ten second-team choices — who will create issues for many warring parties.

Area: East
Report: 24-9
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +225)

Dana Altman’s group had an unusual first season within the Giant Ten, completing tenth in offensive potency and 9th in defensive potency throughout the league, however nonetheless managing to complete 12-8 in convention play. The Geese’ creation did include a couple of privileges: They performed Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Maryland just one time each and every, serving to them lift a seven-game profitable streak into the Giant Ten event. And whilst the Geese do not need many attractive metrics, they did have the wins to warrant a cast seed, together with over Alabama and Texas A&M. In the end, the Geese effectively navigated probably the most nation’s ultimate meetings and rallied down the stretch — do what you wish to have with that knowledge.

Area: Midwest
Report: 27-6
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +650)

Brad Brownell is now the ACC’s elder statesman, with Leonard Hamilton saying his resignation previous this season. For years, Brownell used to be on the middle of scorching seat rumors, however he signed a five-year contract value $20 million after taking the Tigers to the Elite 8 final season. He now not has veterans Joe Girard III and PJ Corridor (now within the G League), however effectively hit the reset button thru larger roles for returnees Chase Hunter (16.0 PPG, 41% capturing from past the arc) and Ian Schieffelin (12.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG) in addition to key contributions from transfers Viktor Lakhin (11.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 38% from 3) and Jaeden Zackery (11.3 PPG). Clemson gained 14 of its ultimate 15 regular-season video games, together with a win over Duke.

Area: West
Report: 29-5
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +500)

Penny Hardaway had an eventful preseason — he constructed a brand new workforce after disregarding a couple of assistants, an nameless letter alleging important NCAA violations used to be despatched to the varsity and custom designed sneakers have been stolen from his porch — however the drama did not practice the Tigers into the season. Led by way of American Athletic Convention Participant of the Yr PJ Haggerty and all-AAC first-team variety Tyrese Hunter, this staff has given Hardaway his ultimate likelihood in seven seasons on the helm to guide this program to the second one weekend of the NCAA event for the primary time since 2009. (However erase all of this if Hunter, who used to be in a boot after struggling an damage within the AAC event semifinals, is unavailable to play this week.) As a participant, Hardaway used to be the chief of a Memphis group that reached the Elite 8 — and this squad arguably has that doable. The Tigers have celebrity chronic, a decent top-50 protection and a number of shooters (39% from past the arc, No. 6 within the nation). They may once more make historical past with Hardaway, the AAC’s Trainer of the Yr.

6-seeds

Area: South
Report: 22-11
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +275)

The Rebels are peak 30 in offense and protection getting into their first NCAA event look since 2019. However there are considerations. They’ve probably the most smaller groups within the box. And “there are not sufficient ball-dominant avid gamers on this lineup,” in step with EvanMiya.com. “This lineup would possibly fight to create offense.” The 84th-ranked group in scoring (77.8 PPG) has handled offensive droughts, nevertheless it has additionally compensated with a cautious solution to each ownership. Ole Omit is ranked 1/3 nationally in turnover share (8.9 according to recreation). It has wins over BYU, Louisville, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee this season. And Chris Beard’s beginning lineup of Jaylen Murray, Matthew Murrell, Dre Davis, Malik Dia and Sean Pedulla has an “A-minus” grade on protection, and a “B-plus” grade total, on EvanMiya.com.

Area: East
Report: 24-9
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +600)

The Cougars are not looking forward to the coming of A.J. Dybantsa — the No. 1 recruit of the 2025 magnificence, who reportedly signed an $8.5 million NIL deal — to pursue a countrywide name. In Kevin Younger’s first season on the helm, the previous Phoenix Suns assistant has effectively molded a program that has emerged as probably the most nation’s ultimate over the last month: Between Feb. 11 and Thursday, when BYU beat Iowa State within the Giant 12 event quarterfinals, the Cougars had the No. 1 offense at BartTorvik.com with 61.2% capturing from within the arc and 39.2% from past it. All-Giant 12 first-team honoree Richie Saunders (16.0 PPG, 44% from 3) led this late-season surge, whilst the 6-9 Egor Demin (10.8 PPG, 5.6 APG) has grown extra comfy operating level.

Area: Midwest
Report: 21-12
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +350)

Illinois misplaced each key participant from a gaggle that made a run to the Elite 8 final season, together with AP All-The usa third-team variety Terrence Shannon Jr. But, Brad Underwood put in combination any other top-15 offensive unit that still if truth be told performs higher protection (fortieth in adjusted defensive potency on KenPom). This 12 months’s celebrity is Kasparas Jakucionis (15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.7 APG), a 6-6 guard who’s a projected lottery draft choose. Will Riley, a 6-8 ahead, is a projected first-round choose, too. A late-season four-game profitable streak that ended within the Giant Ten quarterfinal has coincided with the go back of Morez Johnson Jr. (7.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG) from a wrist damage that sidelined him for 5 video games in February and March. However Underwood’s squad is wholesome and hooked up on the proper time.

Area: West
Report: 22-11
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +500)

Missouri’s 19-game dropping streak to finish the 2023-24 season now makes extra sense. John Tonje, who’s an All-The usa candidate at Wisconsin, used to be injured for many of his one season at Missouri. Caleb Grill (13.8 PPG, 40% from the arc) additionally overlooked maximum of final season because of damage. He is again, the remainder of the group has been wholesome, and Dennis Gates has orchestrated probably the most largest turnarounds in contemporary school basketball historical past. Grill, Duke switch Mark Mitchell (14.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG) and Iowa switch Tony Perkins (8.6 PPG) have anchored one in all The usa’s ultimate offensive groups (5th in adjusted offensive potency) and helped this squad succeed in the NCAA event for the second one time in 3 years. Wins over Kansas, Alabama and Florida have been pivotal. Grill, Anthony Robinson and Tamar Bates all persisted the dropping streak a 12 months in the past and may have left however they did not. And they have got been rewarded for that call.

7-seeds

Area: South
Report: 23-10
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +300)

You’ll take a look at Marquette’s 4-6 file during the last 10 regular-season video games from one in all two views: Both the Golden Eagles hit a wall getting into the hardest stretch in their time table, with 4 matchups in opposition to St. John’s and UConn — or their weaknesses that might affect them within the NCAA event have been uncovered. This staff is analogous to the Marquette groups that captured No. 2 seeds up to now two NCAA tournaments: It forces a large number of turnovers whilst now not committing many itself, and it’s environment friendly on offense (55% from within the arc). It additionally does not harm that the Golden Eagles are led by way of an All-The usa candidate in Kam Jones (19.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG). However it is value noting that, getting into the Giant East event, this model of the Golden Eagles hadn’t defeated a top-50 KenPom group since Jan. 3 — and previous remark wins over Wisconsin, Purdue and Maryland took place earlier than Christmas.

Area: East
Report: 28-5
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +300)

Now in his twenty fourth season, West Coast Convention Trainer of the Yr Randy Bennett will purpose to guide the WCC regular-season champions to the second one weekend of the NCAA event for the primary time since 2010. The Gaels’ top-15 protection will lend a hand, as will the trio that carried them to a 17-1 convention file: WCC Participant of the Yr Augustas Marciulionis (14.3 PPG, 6.1 APG), WCC Defensive Participant of the Yr Mitchell Saxen (10.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG) and WCC 6th Guy of the Yr Mikey Lewis (8.5 PPG, 39% from past the arc).

Area: Midwest
Report: 22-10
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +300)

After falling to Michigan State at house en path to a 2-4 begin to its first season within the Giant Ten, Mick Cronin controversially known as his group “comfortable.” However the Bruins spoke back with the resilience Cronin craved after a four-game dropping streak in early January, profitable 11 in their subsequent 14 video games to near the steady season and play their means into the NCAA event. Their résumé comprises wins over Oregon, Arizona, Wisconsin, Gonzaga and Michigan State. And the Bruins rank within the peak 20 in adjusted defensive potency, forcing turnovers on just about one-quarter in their warring parties’ possessions this season. Tyler Bilodeau leads the group in scoring with 41% capturing from past the arc, whilst Kobe Johnson — brother of Atlanta Hawks standout Jalen Johnson — is the Bruins’ defensive celebrity (1.7 SPG).

Area: West
Report: 21-12
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +185)

This is among the maximum perplexing groups Invoice Self has coached in Lawrence. The Jayhawks have the entire ability any trainer would covet. Hunter Dickinson (17.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.3 BPG) will have to earn his 1/3 AP All-The usa spot. Veterans Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams Jr. have been contributors of the 2022 nationwide name group. Zeke Mayo, AJ Storr and Rylan Griffen have been 3 of the highest to be had transfers within the offseason. The preseason No. 1 group picked to win the Giant 12 had a promising get started that includes wins over Duke and Michigan State. However Kansas (sixtieth in adjusted offensive potency since Feb. 1) in the end completed 6th within the standings and misplaced to Arizona within the Giant 12 event quarterfinals, falling wanting its ceiling. On paper, it is a nationwide championship contender. However in case you’ve watched Kansas in any respect this season, the Jayhawks glance as disconnected as any version out of Lawrence in contemporary reminiscence.

8-seeds

Area: South
Report: 27-7
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +900)

After Kenny Payne used to be fired following final season’s 8-24 end, Louisville brass sought a brand new trainer with the power to revive this system and impress the fan base. It discovered the correct individual in Pat Kelsey, who spent the summer season roaming the campus and urging scholars to return again to the YUM! Heart to toughen the group. By way of the top of the 12 months, the world used to be packed, backing a Louisville group that entered the ACC event with a 19-1 file in its earlier 20 video games. Superstar Chucky Hepburn, an all-ACC first group variety this season, has additionally loved a turnaround (9.2 PPG at Wisconsin final season; 16.4 PPG at Louisville this 12 months), whilst the Cardinals have sported a top-30 offense and protection all season — steadiness that has fueled a tie for moment position within the ACC standings in the back of Duke, only a 12 months once they completed final.

Area: East
Report: 21-12
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: -130)

Chris Jans has led Mississippi State to its 1/3 consecutive NCAA event for the primary time for the reason that early 2000s, when this system earned a call for participation once a year between the 2001-2002 and 2004-05 seasons. The Bulldogs do not need any impressive wins on their résumé, however they have got All-SEC second-team variety Josh Hubbard, from whom they are going to want a important effort after completing 8-10 in SEC play. He proved he’s provided for a starring function, averaging 17.3 PPG in the ones 8 SEC victories. Some other remarkable efficiency from Hubbard, who has scored 25 or extra issues in six video games this season, may place the Bulldogs for his or her first NCAA event win since 2008.

Area: Midwest
Report: 25-8
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +400)

Numerous that is acquainted for the Zags. They gained their twentieth WCC event championship beneath Mark Few. They did it in opposition to rival Saint Mary’s — which had swept them within the steady season. What isn’t acquainted is their trail to the NCAA event. The Bulldogs have been simply 4-6 in opposition to top-50 KenPom groups this season. 3 of the ones victories, in opposition to Baylor, Indiana and San Diego State, took place in November. The Zags have had few spectacular moments since. Gonzaga simply hasn’t resembled a valid nationwide name contender. Operating in its want then again are 58% 2-point capturing (a top-15 mark nationally) and a top-30 protection. It obviously has the group of workers — Nolan Hickman, Graham Ike and Ryan Nembhard are all-WCC first-team choices — however hasn’t loved the dominance of previous iterations. That is, frankly, a hard group to evaluate.

Area: West
Report: 23-10
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: 11-1)

UConn has been probably the most wildest TV dramas of the season. The back-to-back nationwide champions persisted sudden losses, accidents and outbursts from head trainer Dan Hurley — and that used to be all simply all the way through November’s Maui Invitational. The Huskies’ pursuit of a 3rd consecutive name, which no group has gained since John Wood’s UCLA squads within the Nineteen Sixties and Seventies, has been difficult by way of a large drop in defensive potency: UConn fell from within the peak 10 in championship seasons into the 80s after dropping a couple of avid gamers to the 2024 NBA draft. It has observed growth for the reason that go back of NBA draft prospect Liam McNeeley (14.5 PPG) from damage Feb. 7, with warring parties connecting on simply 46% in their photographs within the arc over the last 5 weeks (thirty fifth within the nation). With sophomore Solo Ball (14.7 PPG) and veteran Alex Karaban (14.6 PPG) additionally within the combine, UConn’s three-peat dream has now not died but.

9-seeds

Area: South
Report: 24-10
Event ceiling: Elite 8 (Odds: +900)

Giant East Defensive Participant of the Yr Ryan Kalkbrenner (19.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.7 BPG) matched Patrick Ewing as the one different participant to win the award 4 instances, additionally passing the previous Georgetown celebrity in occupation blocks in convention play (248 to 247). After the group misplaced Pop Isaacs to a season-ending knee damage hours after he had scored 27 issues in a Dec. 4 win over Kansas, Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth (16.5 PPG, 7.0 APG) stabilized a Creighton group that regrouped to protected Greg McDermott’s 5th consecutive NCAA event look. Rick Pitino deserved his Giant East Trainer of the Yr honors, however McDermott’s rally — a 12 months after dropping his top-two scorers from a Candy 16 group and months after his maximum promising switch suffered a big damage 8 video games into this season — may be noteworthy.

Area: East
Report: 19-14
Event ceiling: 2d Spherical (Odds: +110)

On paper, the Bears have all of it this season. It simply hasn’t labored as anticipated. VJ Edgecombe is a projected top-five choose within the upcoming NBA draft; the freshman simply hasn’t been in a position to raise this group out of its valley. Jeremy Roach transferred to Baylor after a powerful run with Duke; he has handled accidents and has additionally been inconsistent. (Now not a starter, he scored simply seven issues within the Bears’ ultimate two regular-season video games.) The Bears have an abundance of ability on their roster. Norchad Omier (15.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG) is an all-Giant 12 first-team variety, and Robert Wright III (11.7 PPG, 4.5 APG) joins Edgecombe at the all-Giant 12 freshman squad. In addition they have an early-season victory over St. John’s. Nonetheless, they completed 10-10 within the Giant 12 and snuck into the Dance.

Area: Midwest
Report: 20-12
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +220)

Asa Newell (15.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG) is solely 19 years previous, however he has displayed a adulthood that has allowed him to excel in The usa’s hardest convention. The 6-11 ahead is a projected first-round draft choose for a reason why. He is a succesful finisher in any respect spots at the courtroom and he is rated as an “Superb” offensive performer (in opposition to guy, in opposition to zone, in transition) and a “Superb” defender, according to Synergy Sports activities knowledge. He has been the catalyst for a Georgia group that beat St. John’s, Kentucky and Florida this season and gained its ultimate 4 video games earlier than falling to Oklahoma within the first around of the SEC event. Throughout that profitable streak, the Bulldogs have been the No. 2 group in The usa on BartTorvik.com. Apparently Georgia has peaked on the proper time to protected its first NCAA event look in a decade.

Area: West
Report: 20-13
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +165)

Oklahoma picked a difficult 12 months to sign up for the SEC, nevertheless it has nonetheless discovered a method to stay aggressive, due to Jeremiah Fears, a projected top-10 draft choose. But, in spite of the presence of a lottery choose and high quality nonconference wins over Arizona, Louisville and Michigan, the Sooners completed 6-12 within the SEC and wanted their season-ending victory over rival (and fellow bubble group) Texas to seal this system’s first NCAA event look since 2021. That is how difficult the SEC has been this season: The Sooners had a protection that used to be ranked 14th within the 16-team SEC. Is Oklahoma a excellent group in a super convention or simply a mean group that were given a couple of excellent wins previous this 12 months? We would possibly to find out quickly.

10-seeds

Area: South
Report: 26-7
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +650)

Rick Pitino wasn’t the one member of his circle of relatives to win an award this season — his son, Richard Pitino, gained Mountain West Trainer of the Yr after main the Lobos to their first regular-season convention name since 2013 and primary NCAA event look in a decade. And he did it in spite of dropping Jamal Mashburn Jr. (22.0 PPG at Temple) and JT Toppin (18.4 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG at Texas Tech) to the switch portal within the offseason. Mountain West Participant of the Yr Donovan Dent (20.2 PPG) and Nelly Junior Joseph (13.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.6 BPG) have been the returning sparks the Lobos wanted for a 26-7 marketing campaign that featured six wins in opposition to top-50 KenPom groups. In addition they personal the convention’s peak protection and are peak 20 in adjusted defensive potency nationally.

Area: East
Report: 20-12
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +150)

Mark Byington’s group didn’t do itself any favors with its loss to Texas within the first around of the SEC event. The Commodores additionally lacked any signature nonconference wins, although their league slate gave them alternatives to spice up their résumé with victories (in opposition to Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri) that few bubble groups may fit to earn a shuttle to their first NCAA event since 2017. However their probabilities to advance past the outlet weekend rely on a couple of components. Can they make stronger their SEC-worst protection? Can they win if they do not get prolific output from Jason Edwards (17.0 PPG)? And can turnovers proceed to be an issue, with AJ Hoggard committing one on one-fifth of his possessions this season? There appear to be extra questions than solutions.

Area: Midwest
Report: 26-7
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (+200)

Each and every group within the nation has been pressured to rebuild its program 12 months after 12 months within the turbulent local weather created by way of the switch portal and NIL. It is a harder job for the mid-majors, which frequently lose their ultimate avid gamers to the ability meetings. Jerrod Calhoun has discovered a method to stay succeeding. He has led Utah State to its 1/3 consecutive NCAA event look in his first season in Logan. It is a fast restoration for a gaggle that misplaced former head trainer Danny Sprinkle and 2023-24 Mountain West Participant of the Yr Nice Osobor, amongst others, from the ones event groups. However returnees Ian Martinez (16.9 PPG, 38% from 3) and Mason Falslev (14.7 PPG, 41.5% from 3) helped this group win its first 10 video games as probably the most peak offensive devices in The usa (sixteenth in adjusted offensive potency on KenPom). Taking into consideration the demanding situations maximum first-year coaches face, Utah State’s adventure to the Giant Dance has inspired.

Area: West
Report: 20-13
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +170)

John Calipari’s transfer from Kentucky to Arkansas used to be, by way of some distance, the largest offseason tale in school basketball. Provided with probably the most greatest NIL budgets within the nation, he assembled a group stuffed with five-star possibilities and elite transfers similar to Johnell Davis, who led Florida Atlantic to the Ultimate 4 in 2023. However early accidents decimated the roster to the purpose the group could not cling complete practices earlier than the season started. It misplaced Boogie Fland to a season-ending thumb damage in January (even supposing Fland will reportedly attempt to play within the NCAA event after a miraculous restoration), and Adou Thiero has been coping with a knee damage (they’re the Hogs’ peak two scorers). Consequently, the Razorbacks had a bumpy trip, going 8-10 within the SEC — simply enough to stay them in bubble territory. Regardless of making the event, the consensus is that Arkansas has, so far, failed to fulfill expectancies after probably the most peak coaches of the generation authorised this activity.

11-seeds

Area: South
Report: 21-9
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +400)

In a 73-70 time beyond regulation loss to San Diego State within the Gamers Generation Competition in Las Vegas in November, Houston made 46% of its 3-point makes an attempt and picked up 41% of its second-chance alternatives. Generally, the ones varieties of numbers paintings in a group’s want. Now not that point. San Diego State pressured 12 turnovers and corralled the Cougars, permitting them simply 32% capturing from within the arc, their lowest mark of this season. That is how excellent this Aztecs protection will also be. In the back of peak scorer Nick Boyd (13.2 PPG), one in all Florida Atlantic’s Ultimate 4 heroes from 2023, the Aztecs have pressured turnovers on one-fifth in their Mountain West warring parties’ possessions this season. However Brian Dutcher’s squad used to be additionally a middle-of-the-pack offensive group in league play, which can be a downside for the Aztecs.

Area: South
Report: 22-13
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32

From 1975 to 2009, North Carolina went to all however two NCAA tournaments. However the Tar Heels entered this 12 months’s ACC event going through the chance that they could pass over the Dance for a moment time in 3 years — an extraordinary second for a program in their status. Those Tar Heels have now not lived as much as preseason expectancies, even with RJ Davis (17.3 PPG), the country’s most effective returning AP first-team All-American. They’ve been most commonly reasonable since five-year standout Armando Bacot graduated, and Hubert Davis did not signal any other elite large guy from the switch portal within the offseason to switch him. They did win six in their final seven convention video games and two ACC event video games — which additionally is not announcing a lot as this is among the worst years for the ACC in contemporary reminiscence. It doesn’t matter what occurs subsequent, North Carolina seems to be at a crossroads.

Area: East
Report: 28-6
Event ceiling: 2d around (Odds: +135)

Seven years in the past, Ryan Odom’s lifestyles modified when he led UMBC to an disenchanted over Virginia, the primary time a 16-seed defeated a 1-seed — the No. 1 total seed, too — in NCAA event historical past. The 50-year-old head trainer has had the Midas contact since. VCU is the 1/3 Department I and fourth collegiate program (together with Department II Lenoir Rhyne) he has ended in the NCAA event. The Rams, who personal the Atlantic 10’s ultimate offense and protection, gained their moment convention event championship since 2015. Getting into the Atlantic 10 event name recreation, the group held its warring parties to a 44.7% clip within the arc (eleventh within the nation, according to BartTorvik.com) since Luke Bamgboye (2.1 BPG) entered the beginning lineup in past due December.

Area: Midwest
Report: 19-15
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32

Very similar to Oklahoma, Texas entered the SEC in a historical 12 months for the league. The Longhorns had a 6-12 file in SEC play and gained simply 5 of 18 video games in opposition to top-50 KenPom groups within the steady season. They lacked the standard wins the Sooners had gathered. And the loss to their opponents within the ultimate recreation of the steady season used to be billed as an removal recreation within the NCAA event dialog. But, they did sufficient within the SEC event to persuade the choice committee to supply up a call for participation. A sub-50 group in adjusted offensive and defensive potency, Texas does have Tre Johnson (20.2 PPG, 40% from past the arc), a 6-6 guard who’s a projected lottery draft choose and will likely be a handful for any opponent.

Area: Midwest
Report: 21-11
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: 14-1)

From Jan. 28, 2023, to Nov. 4, 2024, 6-9 standout Zach Freemantle did not play school basketball on account of a lingering foot damage. “It will get lovely darkish,” Freemantle instructed journalists at Giant East media day within the preseason. “You are observing your group each day. You are observing them lose. You are figuring out each day, however you might be now not doing what you wish to have to do. It will get onerous.” However he has been wholesome this season, which has been nice information for Xavier. Freemantle averaged 19.8 PPG all the way through the Musketeers’ seven-game profitable streak to finish the steady season. And the X-men at the moment are making their moment shuttle to the NCAA event in 3 years beneath Sean Miller. They’ve additionally been one in all The usa’s peak 3-point capturing groups (39%). This staff beat UConn and Marquette in league play, and because Feb. 1 has additionally performed top-25 protection.

Area: West
Report: 30-3
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: 12-1)

Similar to the man beefing with Kendrick Lamar, this Drake group has encountered adversity, with each head trainer Darian DeVries (two-time Trainer of the Yr within the MVC) and his son Tucker (back-to-back MVC Participant of the Yr) leaving for West Virginia within the offseason. And but, in contrast to the Canadian rapper, the Bulldogs discovered a method to be triumphant. Underneath first-year head trainer Ben McCollum — who came visiting from D-II and used to be named MVC Trainer of the Yr this season — the Bulldogs gained 30 video games and earned legitimate Cinderella standing forward of the NCAA event. They have got been a top-40ish defensive group since early January. They have got additionally pressured turnovers on 22% in their warring parties’ possessions over the last two months. Bennett Stirtz, who adopted McCollum from D-II Northwest Missouri State, is a celebrity. And they have got a double-digit win over Vanderbilt, evidence that they may be able to compete with power-conference foes.

12-seeds

Area: South
Report: 30-4
Event ceiling: First around

On Jan. 19, Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards within the Philadelphia Eagles’ 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams within the NFL playoffs. That used to be additionally the final time UC San Diego misplaced a recreation. The Tritons input the NCAA event on a 15-game profitable streak, tied for the country’s longest, after defeating UC Irvine within the Giant West event championship. Picked to complete 1/3 within the league’s preseason ballot, they as an alternative gained the Giant West regular-season and convention event championships. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (19.7 PPG), a 6-6 guard from New Zealand, is the Giant West Participant of the Yr and the chief of a group that completed with the league’s peak offense (57.1% capturing within the arc) and protection (forcing turnovers on 23.7% of warring parties’ possessions in league play).

Area: East
Report: 28-6
Event ceiling: First around

Ritchie McKay’s training occupation started as an assistant at Washington in 1988. Just about 40 years later, he is playing his maximum fruitful bankruptcy but, in his moment stint at Liberty (he used to be head trainer from 2007 to 2009, too). The Flames on Saturday sealed their 6th convention regular-season championship in seven seasons with a 79-67 victory over Jacksonville State, with Kaden Metheny and Taelon Peter combining to attain 41 issues. Saturday’s recreation used to be behind schedule for almost an hour after a leaky roof all the way through a big hurricane in Huntsville, Alabama, left officers scrambling. As soon as the groups returned to the ground, then again, Liberty (No. 5 in 3-point capturing at 40%) completed 12-for-20 from past the arc.

Area: Midwest
Report: 27-6
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +700)

3 years in the past, Will Wade used to be ostracized from the game after LSU fired him following allegations of important NCAA violations. He has restored his occupation at McNeese, the place he has led this system to 57 wins over two years and its moment consecutive Southland event championship and NCAA event berth. McNeese swept the entire convention awards once more, too: Trainer of the Yr (Wade), Participant of the Yr (Javohn Garcia, averaging 13.0 PPG and 1.5 SPG) and Defensive Participant of the Yr (Christian Shumate, averaging 1.3 BPG). In league play, McNeese had the most efficient offense (39% from past the arc) and protection (pressured turnovers on 22.4% of its warring parties’ possessions, according to KenPom), too. All of this might result in any other high-major activity be offering for Wade, and shortly.

Area: West
Report: 25-9
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: +350)

After dropping to New Mexico on Dec. 28, Colorado State misplaced simply 3 video games — all to top-60 KenPom groups at the highway — and challenged the Lobos for the Mountain West regular-season championship. Niko Medved’s group has additionally had probably the most ultimate offenses since New Yr’s Eve, capturing 58% from within the arc (Seventeenth nationally) and 40% from 3 (6th nationally). It used to be the third-best defensive group within the Mountain West, spectacular bearing in mind the 2 ultimate groups — UNM and San Diego State — are each top-20 nationally in adjusted defensive potency. If Colorado State continues to excel within the postseason, Nique Clifford, a 6-6 wing who is averaging 18.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG and four.4 APG whilst connecting on 39% of his 3-point makes an attempt, may turn out to be a family identify.

13-seeds

Area: South
Report: 22-7
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +270)

In 2017, the Ivy League made up our minds to make the transfer from awarding its regular-season champion the automated berth to webhosting its personal event to decide its NCAA event consultant. Since then, Princeton and Yale have gained each season, excluding one (Penn, 2018). Which is why it is no wonder that Yale, the Ivy League regular-season champion, has secured its 1/3 NCAA event berth over the last 4 seasons beneath James Jones. Remaining season, the Bulldogs beat Auburn within the first around. And even supposing the celebrity of that group, Danny Wolf, transferred to Michigan, Bez Mbeng (13.4 PPG,. 5.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG) used to be named Ivy League Participant of the Yr — and he is not even their peak scorer. Guard John Poulakidas (19.3 PPG) and ahead Nick Townsend (15.4 PPG) also are averaging double figures this season.

Area: East
Report: 28-6
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +700)

For the 1/3 time in 4 years, Akron trainer John Groce has led his group to the NCAA event. However this shuttle could be bittersweet for the 53-year-old trainer, who needed to outduel his brother, Miami (Ohio) trainer Travis Steele — sure, his precise brother — to win the MAC’s automated bid. Circle of relatives drama apart, Akron has misplaced just one recreation since Dec. 30. Throughout that 21-1 rally, the Zips have made 60% in their photographs within the arc (a top-three mark in The usa) and 38% in their 3-point makes an attempt. In addition they gained 11 convention video games by way of double digits. With Nate Johnson — the MAC Participant of the Yr who has scored 19 issues or extra in 8 video games this season — Akron will likely be a difficult matchup for any opponent within the box.

Area: Midwest
Report: 29-5
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: 13-1)

That is the type of bad double-digit seed that may give opposing coaches nightmares. After profitable the Giant South regular-season name a 12 months in the past, the Panthers fell wanting a berth with an time beyond regulation loss to Longwood within the convention event semifinals. This 12 months, then again, they completed the activity beneath second-year trainer Alan Huss (Giant South Trainer of the Yr) and gained each the convention’s regular-season championship and the event. Led by way of Kimani Hamilton (13.4 PPG) and Kezza Giffa (14.8 PPG), each all-Giant South first-team choices, Prime Level enters the NCAA event with the country’s longest profitable streak at 14 video games. Throughout the streak (they final misplaced two weeks earlier than the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis industry), the Panthers hooked up on 60% in their 2s and 37% in their 3s, according to BartTorvik.com.

Area: West
Report: 26-7
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: +425)

Bryce Drew has lived a couple of lives. He made a miraculous shot to guide Valparaiso to a win over Ole Omit within the 1998 NCAA event. He performed professionally within the NBA and in another country. Then he labored his means as much as earn the Vanderbilt head training activity in 2016-17 however used to be brushed aside 3 seasons later. These days, he is probably the most constant and a success non-power-conference coaches within the nation. With Grand Canyon’s win over Utah Valley within the WAC event championship recreation, Drew is now answerable for each WAC regular-season name (two) and WAC event championship (3) within the college’s historical past. After final season’s win over Saint Mary’s within the first around of the NCAA event, all-WAC first-team variety Tyon Grant-Foster (14.6 PPG, 1.5 BPG) and a Grand Canyon group with a top-60 protection hope to advance once more.

14-seeds

Area: South
Report: 25-9
Event ceiling: First around

Lennie Acuff, Lipscomb’s 60-year-old trainer, has discovered good fortune on the NAIA, Department II and Department I ranges. He is an eight-time Gulf South Convention (D-II) Trainer of the Yr. He has additionally made 3 journeys to the Candy 16 and two journeys to the Elite 8 on the Department II stage. This season, he has helped the Bisons — yep, with an “s” — succeed in the Department I NCAA event for simply the second one time in class historical past after profitable the Atlantic Solar event. If we are being truthful, there is not a large number of convincing proof to consider they are going to advance. Of their two matchups in opposition to power-conference groups this season, Arkansas and Kentucky, they misplaced by way of a blended 45 issues. On the other hand, they have got additionally been red-hot since Feb. 1 (11-1), making 57% in their photographs within the arc and 41% from past it.

Area: East
Report: 25-9
Event ceiling: Candy 16 (Odds: 75-1)

In case you are searching for conceivable Cinderellas, you will have to be aware of groups that not too long ago became a nook. Montana suits that invoice, profitable 14 of its previous 15 video games. Travis DeCuire, who used to be a celebrity for the Grizzlies within the early Nineteen Nineties, has led his group to its 1/3 NCAA event look since he used to be employed in 2014. His beginning lineup — All-Giant Sky first-team honoree Joe Pridgen, Brandon Whitney, Malik Moore, Kai Johnson and Te’Jon Sawyer — has registered 125.7 issues according to 100 possessions. (For distinction: The Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA’s peak offense, are at 121.8.) That output has flipped the Grizzlies into probably the most nation’s peak offensive devices getting into the event: Since Jan. 20, they have got been a top-40 offense, making 60.9% in their photographs within the arc and 42.1% from past it — each the No. 2 marks nationally at BartTorvik.com over that reach.

Area: Midwest
Report: 23-10
Event ceiling: First around

In 2018, UT Arlington fired Scott Go following a 12-year reign. The varsity stated it wanted new “power,” despite the fact that Go had gained 72 video games in his final 3 seasons with this system and led it to its most effective NCAA event look in class historical past. This 12 months, Go led Troy, his new group, to a proportion of the Solar Belt regular-season name and the 1/3 NCAA event look in that college’s historical past. Tayton Conerway, Solar Belt Participant of the Yr, has been Superman for a program that held its warring parties to a 42.3% clip within the arc (No. 5 in The usa) over the general month of the season. In the meantime, UT Arlington has had only one 20-win season since Go left. So it has all labored out for Go, who’s now with a Troy squad that has misplaced only one recreation since Feb. 8 and gained its convention event video games by way of a mean of 16 issues.

Area: West
Report: 27-7
Event ceiling: Spherical of 32 (Odds: 10-1)

At simply 38 years previous, Takayo Siddle has had a powerful begin to his head training occupation. He gained simply seven video games in his first 12 months (2020-21) at UNCW, however adopted that pandemic season with 4 consecutive campaigns of a minimum of 21 wins, for a 99-victory tally punctuated with this system’s first CAA event championship and NCAA event look in 8 years. The Seahawks had been a top-60 offensive group (56% clip within the arc) since Jan. 16, the beginning of a 15-2 stretch, in step with BartTorvik.com. This berth is a big success for guard Donovan Newby (14.6 PPG) and his teammates. It may be the final time Siddle coaches that roster: Be expecting gives this offseason for probably the most peak coaches within the nation beneath the age of 40.

15-seeds

Area: South
Report: 23-11
Event ceiling: First around

Thirty years in the past, Phil Martelli started his training adventure at St. Joseph’s, the place he led the Hawks to the Elite 8 (2004). In 2025, his son Phil Martelli Jr. will experience his first postseason run as Bryant’s head trainer. In simply his moment season in Smithfield, Martelli has led Bryant to the NCAA event for the second one time because it first changed into eligible as a Department I group in 2012-13. He used to be named The usa East’s Trainer of the Yr after the Bulldogs defeated warring parties by way of a mean of 12.8 issues, keeping them to 68.7 issues according to recreation (the league’s No. 1 scoring protection). Within the convention championship recreation, St. Bonaventure switch Barry Evans — The usa East Newcomer of the Yr — completed with 19 issues and 7 rebounds.

Area: East
Report: 26-8
Event ceiling: First around

Twelve years in the past, Andy Toole led Robert Morris to an NIT victory over Kentucky, a 12 months after the John Calipari-led Wildcats gained the nationwide name. This 12 months, the Horizon League Trainer of the Yr snapped this system’s 10-year NCAA event drought, with Alvaro Folgueiras, a 6-9 ahead and league Participant of the Yr (14.3 PPG, 42% from 3) anchoring the Colonials’ 10-game profitable streak getting into Variety Sunday. On EvanMiya.com, Folgueiras’ BPR — a size of a participant’s affect on offense and protection when he is at the courtroom — is upper than that of Georgia celebrity Asa Newell, Memphis celebrity PJ Haggerty and projected lottery draft choose Ace Bailey (Rutgers). Folgueiras may be the catalyst for any other Horizon League postseason victory: The convention has claimed an NCAA event win in two of the previous 3 editions.

Area: Midwest
Report: 19-15
Event ceiling: First around

A 51-point loss at Duke on Nov. 16 used to be Wofford’s worst of the season. However in that recreation, Corey Tripp, a 6-3 level guard, and Kyler Filewich, a 6-9 middle, blended to attain 24 issues (9-for-15) within the defeat to one in all The usa’s ultimate. In all probability the ones stats gave the duo self belief, as a result of Tripp earned all-Southern Convention second-team honors and Filewich all-Southern Convention third-team honors on the right way to main Wofford to its first convention event championship and NCAA event look since 2019. The Terriers have been cold and hot in convention motion and not gained greater than 3 video games in a row. Throughout the SoCon event, then again, they made 44% in their 3s — an growth from 34% in league play. They have been additionally dominant down the stretch, and gained their convention event video games by way of a mean of 13 issues.

Area: West
Report: 21-12
Event ceiling: First around

Omaha left surely about its standing because the Summit League’s consultant within the NCAA event with its 85-75 victory over St. Thomas-Minnesota within the convention championship recreation. Getting into the matchup, it had already earned the NCAA event berth as a result of St. Thomas continues to be going thru its four-year Department I transition and now not but eligible. Now that the Mavericks are within the box, they are going to be simple to root for of their first Department I NCAA event look. Picked to complete 8th within the nine-team Summit League, they have got Marquel Sutton, a 6-8 ahead who averaged 19.1 PPG and eight.0 RPG on the right way to being named the convention Participant of the Yr. Do not be stunned in case you see information of head trainer Chris Crutchfield, the Summit League Trainer of the Yr, being pursued by way of faculties with open jobs this offseason.

16-seeds

Area: South
Report: 16-17
Event ceiling: First around

Yearly the sphere is stacked with storylines worthy of a Disney film. However head trainer Rob Krimmel and his Crimson Flash are essentially the most fascinating. Allow us to provide an explanation for: Krimmel used to be a guard for St. Francis (1996-2000) who shot 40% from the 3-point line. Then he changed into an assistant trainer at his alma mater for the following 12 years. Then he used to be employed as head trainer in 2012. He has since labored to guide his group again to the NCAA event for the primary time since 1991. This season, after just about 3 a long time with this program, he has accomplished his dream. Riley Parker (13.6 PPG, 40% from 3) leads a gaggle that disenchanted the favourite to win the NEC event championship — extending a six-game profitable streak — after being picked to complete final within the convention getting into 2024-25.

Area: South
Report: 19-15
Event ceiling: First around

In conjunction with Penny Hardaway, any other member of Memphis’s 1992 Elite 8 staff will trainer on this season’s NCAA event. Tony Madlock averaged 9.4 issues and began all 34 video games for the ones Tigers, and, whilst his 2024-25 Hornets do not need the similar overwhelming ability, he guided them to an enormous season turnaround. The Hornets have been 9-14 total and 5-5 within the SWAC on Feb. 8, after which they gained 10 in their subsequent 11. Madlock will experience this event shuttle along with his son, starter and all-SWAC moment group variety TJ Madlock (12.0 issues, 7.0 rebounds according to recreation). This may be the Hornets’ first event look since 2011.

Area: East
Report: 22-12
Event ceiling: First around

Donny Lind used to be the video coordinator for VCU when the Rams made their miraculous run to the Ultimate 4 in 2011. The 38-year-old head trainer has now pulled off a couple of upsets of his personal in his first season in Frederick County, together with main the Mountaineers to their first convention name in 5 years. Mount St. Mary’s completed in a tie for fourth position within the steady season however defeated Marist and Merrimack within the convention event quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, earlier than taking down Iona within the name recreation. Arlandus Keyes, a 6-foot-2 guard, overlooked 3 video games previous to the MAAC event on account of damage. However he used to be the celebrity within the event, averaging 12.7 issues and capturing 47% from 3.

Area: East
Report: 22-12
Event ceiling: First around

Matt Rogers stored his ultimate for final. In his first two years at American, the 6-9 middle used to be a blended 2-for-24 from past the arc. Now, in his 5th season, he is an authorized sharpshooter (41%) who averaged 16.8 PPG and 5.5 RPG and used to be named to the all-Patriot League first group. He had 25 issues within the event championship victory over Military that earned the Eagles their fourth Department I NCAA event look, and their first since 2014. His emergence is among the nation’s largest tales for a participant. American’s good fortune may be vital for trainer Duane Simpkins, who arrived in D.C. final season and has his staff capturing 76.1% from the unfastened throw line.

Area: Midwest
Report: 22-11
Event ceiling: First around

There are a large number of tales about this one. Trainer Brian Barone hung a couple of scissors above the group’s locker room when he used to be employed in 2019, in anticipation of the instant he and his group skilled final week after they gained the Ohio Valley Convention event championship and made historical past. On peak of that, SIUE’s good fortune has been a circle of relatives affair: 6-1 guard Ray’Sean Taylor used to be named OVC Participant of the Yr and completed with 20 issues, 7 rebounds and four assists within the 69-48 victory over Southeast Missouri within the convention event name recreation. His cousin, Brian Taylor II, earned a place at the all-OVC moment group after averaging 12.0 PPG. He’s additionally one in all The usa’s peak shooters (47% from 3). This has been a fantastic run for SIUE, which is making its first Department I NCAA event look, 17 years after it made the transition from Department II.

Area: West
Report: 24-10
Event ceiling: First around

It used to be a wild end in Norfolk State’s 66-65 win over South Carolina State for the MEAC event name: SC State’s Caleb McCarty tied the rating however did not understand it, then straight away dedicated a bad, hanging Norfolk State on the unfastened throw line within the ultimate seconds. That mustn’t diminish what Robert Jones III’s group has achieved this season. That is the Spartans’ 1/3 shuttle to the NCAA event up to now 5 years. Brian Moore Jr. (18.5 PPG, 41% from 3) is among the ultimate avid gamers Jones has had on his roster all the way through his 12-year tenure. This season by myself, Moore has had 8 video games with a minimum of 24 issues. Total, the group has shot 57% from within the arc all the way through MEAC play. It has additionally gained 12 of its previous 14 contests.