How is everybody doing filling out their brackets? Have you ever consulted each superior metrics web site you may pay for and reached out to your native clairvoyant?
The predictions beneath gained’t make it easier to along with your bracket, essentially, however there’s a way behind the (March) insanity. I’ll cowl my Remaining 4 picks in a later column, however for now, listed here are three daring predictions for the NCAA Event.
Solely 4 SEC groups make the second weekend
The factor about naming a document 14 faculties from the identical convention to the match is that these faculties are about to begin dropping in bunches.
It’ll immediate retroactive arguments about every workforce’s worthiness, although it actually shouldn’t. A No. 10 seed isn’t abruptly undeserving as a result of it misplaced to a No. 7. That being mentioned, this qualifies as a daring prediction due to the sheer numbers — it could require 10 SEC groups to lose within the first or second spherical.
I like Auburn and Florida to sail by way of fairly simply. Then you may choose two of Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Finish of record. I defined Monday why No. 4 seed Texas A&M was ripe for an upset, and Missouri was a terrific story this season however has a very robust draw with Drake and Texas Tech in its path. Perhaps Ole Miss will get by Iowa State within the second spherical as a result of the Cyclones are down one key participant? However at that time, we’re actually stretching.
Cooper Flagg gained’t be Duke’s main scorer within the match
Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) dribbles the ball in opposition to ahead Mason Gillis (18) with the ball throughout Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Pictures Even accounting for Flagg’s ankle harm — ought to that trigger him to overlook a recreation or two — I don’t assume he’ll lead the Dukies in scoring per recreation.
- When he returns, he’ll get labored again in progressively, and he wasn’t a very overused participant to start with — Duke has different weapons.
- The Blue Devils have one other freshman firing up threes, and his identify is Kon Knueppel.
This match would be the Wisconsinite’s coming-out social gathering on the extent of Jack Gohlke final yr. Knueppel has averaged 18.1 factors per recreation and shot 44.2% from deep in his previous 9 video games, a lot increased than his already respectable season averages. Two of the three worst 3-point defenses within the tourney subject occur to be Mississippi State and Baylor. A kind of groups will likely be Duke’s second-round opponent.
A high-major faculty undergoes a training change after elimination
Feb 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts through the second half in opposition to the Illinois Combating Illini at State Farm Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Ron Johnson-Imagn Pictures There are a number of big-boy teaching jobs open to begin the week, together with Indiana, Villanova, Virginia and NC State. However it’s been all quiet on the Western entrance for a while now — possible as a result of some or all of those faculties are about to lure away a head coach at the moment within the dance.
Brad Brownell of Clemson and Buzz Williams of Texas A&M have been linked to the Indiana job in latest days. Didn’t UCLA coach Mick Cronin sound fairly sick of the California life when complaining about journey again in January? May he be one to seize a seat on the carousel?
If and when a transfer like this occurs, it can set off a series of dominoes that might rival final yr’s craziness, when John Calipari decamped Kentucky for Arkansas.