Every March, college basketball fans get excited for one of the biggest basketball events of the year, the NCAA Basketball Championships, Better known as March Madness. Obsessed fans are excited for the thrill, drama, and turns that are guaranteed every March. Each year, an underdog school manages to capture the hearts of millions as they face some of the best basketball prospects of the year. Here is who we believe can turn the heads of the whole nation.
Drake University has been catching the NCAA’s eye by winning the MVC championship for a second year in a row. Drake had a close win against Indiana State 84-80 on Sunday, securing them a spot in the tournament. Drake also has one of the premiere stars in Tucker Devries averaging a great 21.8 points per game which is 5th in all of college basketball. To add on, Devries has 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.The NCAA recognized Drake University as the team of the week, leading into selection Sunday. Drake could definitely be a contender for this year’s dark horse.
Wisconsin is a team we find interesting seeing they have no clear star player and still have one of the best records in the Big Ten Conference. With their Big Ten All-Freshman Team player John Blackell playing decently as of late their future is very good but for this tournament we see him having a real impact due to him being a big guard which is great for defense which is what they need in the tournament. But, when we talk about defense we have to talk about their guard Chucky Hepburn who averages an astonishing 2.2 steals and can be a ball handler with 116 assists this season. Combined with the seven-footer on their team the defense looks pretty promising. This Wisconsin’s team is the most well-balanced team out there and we wouldn’t be surprised if they make a deep run or even win it all.
With 3 players in the CBS top 100 the UConn Huskies should be a favorite as they won last year and have not slowed down. With a top 10 Strength of schedule (11.5) and are 28-3. Showing they can do it against the worst and best, home and not. With championship experience and an elite level coach in Dan Hurley they should be the clear favorites to win it all in March. However when i asked sophomore Donato DeMunda-Lopes his opinions and he said “ Uconn are one of the best teams but i would not be surprised if Iowa State, Illinois or Auburn knocks them out.”
As March Madness sweeps the nation for another year, brackets fill and mixes of emotions cross through every fan’s head. These three teams are sure to make headlines, no matter the outcomes of their upcoming games. Each team brings its own unique strengths to the hardwood, setting the stage for what could be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling tournaments to date.
