For the following couple of nights, 68 groups will go to mattress with visions of profitable the NCAA Event.
For a overwhelming majority, it’s solely a dream.
And for a couple of, a definite chance.
Listed below are 5 groups (listed alphabetically) whose likelihood of lifting the trophy on Monday, April 7, on the Alamodome in San Antonio falls into the latter class.
Auburn (+350)
Massive man Johni Broome is in an in depth contest with Duke’s Cooper Flagg for participant of the yr, and the Tigers have 4 different gamers averaging between 10.7 and 12.6 factors per sport. Auburn may not have any lottery picks within the NBA draft, but it surely has an skilled group with all 5 starters in not less than their fourth season of eligibility. The Tigers have the highest offense within the nation primarily based on the KenPom rankings (their protection is twelfth). Auburn misplaced 70-65 to Tennessee within the Southeastern Convention semifinals, giving the Tigers an additional day of relaxation this week. That they had 16 Quad 1 victories on the season, probably the most within the nation. Coach Bruce Pearl seems to return to the Closing 4 for the primary time since 2019.
Duke (+350)
Feb 5, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer talks with guard Cooper Flagg (2) in opposition to the Syracuse Orange in the course of the first half on the JMA Wi-fi Dome. Obligatory Credit score: Wealthy Barnes-Imagn Photographs The Blue Devils received each the Atlantic Coast Convention regular-season and match titles, doubling up for the primary time since 2006. And so they received their closing two tourney video games with out freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined by an ankle damage. Flagg is predicted again for the NCAAs, although they might in all probability make the second weekend with out him. The Blue Devils have one of many youngest rotations within the nation, however they’re brimming with expertise. In accordance with the KenPom rankings, their offense is the second-best within the nation and their protection is fourth. Two of Duke’s veteran gamers are coping with accidents, with ahead Maliq Brown out with a dislocated shoulder and guard Tyrese Proctor lately returned from a bone bruise in his knee. Coach Jon Scheyer, in his third season, is searching for his first journey to the Closing 4 since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski.
Florida (+380)
Mar 15, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) reacts after a made three level basket in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the course of the second half at Bridgestone Area. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Photographs Coach Todd Golden continues to be searching for his first NCAA Event victory, however that shouldn’t take lengthy. The Gators have the nation’s third-best offense and No. 7 protection, in keeping with the KenPom rankings. Florida begins two massive males — Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu — and all three of its beginning guards shoot 35% or higher from 3-point vary. Walter Clayton Jr. leads the staff with 17.4 factors per sport, with three others averaging in double figures. The Gators received 90-81 at Auburn in early February and blew out Alabama 104-82 within the Southeastern Convention semifinals, so there’s loads on their résumé that means a deep run is feasible.
Gonzaga (+5000)
Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) celebrates after a timeout is named by the Connecticut Huskies within the second half at Madison Sq. Backyard. Obligatory Credit score: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Photographs Everybody’s favourite mid-major has had a surprisingly down season and enters the tourney unranked regardless of having one of many deepest and most athletic rosters of coach Mark Few’s tenure. Level guard Ryan Nembhard leads the nation in assists, and Graham Ike is a power inside, however the Zags have come up quick in quite a few shut video games — their eight losses have all been by eight factors or fewer, with three of these going to extra time. They bought previous Saint Mary’s 58-51 within the West Coast Convention championship sport, avenging a pair of regular-season defeats, and rank ninth offensively and twenty eighth defensively by KenPom. Gonzaga has made the Candy 16 9 straight occasions and reached the title sport in 2017 and 2021. Overlook the Zags at your individual peril.
Houston (+600)
Jan 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars ahead J’Wan Roberts (13) dribbles in opposition to West Virginia Mountaineers ahead Amani Hansberry (13) within the first half at Fertitta Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photographs The Cougars have reached not less than the Candy 16 in every of the previous 5 tournaments however have been bitten by accidents. They’re wholesome now with a protection that’s second nationally to St. John’s within the KenPom rankings (Houston’s offense is eleventh).
The Cougars received their first Massive 12 match championship, beating Arizona 72-64 within the title sport. Houston closed that sport with an 11-2 run, holding the Wildcats with no subject purpose within the closing 5:32. Level guard Milos Uzan, a switch from Oklahoma, has settled into the position and scored a career-high 25 factors within the Massive 12 finale. So long as the Cougars can preserve chugging offensively, they’re primed for a deep NCAA run. They shoot almost 40% from 3-point vary and are good at gaining further possessions because of their offensive rebounding.