Last year, UConn made history by becoming the first team in 17 years to repeat as national champions. They also set a record for the largest average margin of victory in NCAA Tournament history, winning every game by double digits. As this year’s tournament approaches, the landscape looks different.
Duke, the top-ranked team, faces uncertainty due to an ankle injury to their star freshman, Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s injury kept him out of the ACC Tournament, but he is expected to play in the NCAA Tournament. Despite being a favorite for National Player of the Year and a likely No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, Flagg’s return does not guarantee success for Duke. The team has struggled in the past with top players, as the last four Blue Devils who were No. 1 seeds and drafted first overall all fell short of winning a national title.
Duke’s coach, Jon Scheyer, is aiming to become the youngest head coach to win a national championship in over four decades. He hopes to lead a freshmen-led team to victory, reminiscent of Duke’s last championship team, which featured players like Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones.
Meanwhile, Auburn, led by National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, entered March as a strong contender. They earned the No. 1 overall seed but have recently struggled, losing three games in two weeks. Last year, they were upset in the first round, raising questions about their ability to perform under pressure.
The SEC has made headlines this year, earning a record 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament, surpassing the previous record of 11 set by the Big East. Florida joins the fray as a No. 1 seed, boasting a balanced team but with a coach who has yet to win an NCAA Tournament game.
Houston, the Big 12 champion, is in the tournament as a No. 1 seed for the third consecutive year. However, they have faced disappointment in the past two tournaments, exiting in the Sweet 16.
Tennessee, a No. 2 seed, has a strong defense but is led by a coach known for underachieving in the tournament. Tom Izzo, another veteran coach at Michigan State, recently led his team to a surprising Big Ten title, but he has not won a national championship in 25 years.
Kansas, once a preseason favorite, has had a tough season, ending up with a No. 7 seed, their lowest in 25 years. UConn, now a No. 8 seed, faces a challenging path to a potential three-peat after losing four starters to the NBA draft. Coach Dan Hurley acknowledged that the team has flaws and is not at the same level as previous championship squads.
As the tournament begins, the competition is fierce, and many teams are vying for the title. Fans are eager to see if any of the top seeds can overcome their challenges and make a deep run in March Madness.