Major conference schools nab top 4 seeds
1. Michigan
Overview: In his second year, Juwan Howard has elevated his alma mater to one of the best teams in the country after winning the Big Ten regular-season title. While there is a veteran presence on the roster, the team is led by Big Ten freshman of the year Hunter Dickinson. What makes this team special is their efficiency on the offensive and defensive end. The loss of forward Isaiah Livers to a stress fracture in his right foot will hurt their chances.
2. Alabama
Overview: While the prevailing impression of Alabama in its second season under Nate Oats is that of a fast-tempo, 3-point shooting team, the Crimson Tide are the No. 1 team in the nation in defensive efficiency. Alabama can make 3-pointers by the bushel when it is on (it set the SEC record with 23 at LSU Jan. 12) but can also win when percentages are down. Eight different Crimson Tide players have 48 or more 3-point attempts this season. Senior forward Herbert Jones was SEC Player of the Year despite being the No. 4 scorer on his own team. Streak-shooter John Petty was also All-SEC and Jahvon Quinerly, a transfer from Villanova, is an offensive threat who has blossomed in a sixth-man role.
3. Texas
Overview: It was a crazy year for the Longhorns, who started with coach Shaka Smart on the hot seat and ended by winning the school’s first Big 12 tournament championship. Blessed with a veteran three-guard lineup that makes up its top three scorers, Texas has the potential to knock off anyone. The key question: Are the Longhorns consistent enough shooting the ball?
4. Florida State
Overview: The Seminoles came up short in the ACC tournament final but might nevertheless be the league representative best constructed to make a deep run. They have a plethora of scoring options and a deep bench led by Scottie Barnes (10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg) and Anthony Polite (9.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg). They defend the paint well and generally take care of the ball.
5. Colorado
Overview: The Buffaloes have one of the nation’s best point guards in McKinley Wright, the first Pac-12 player to have 1,700 points, 600 assists and 600 rebounds. He led a team that finished the regular season ranked first nationally in free-throw shooting (83.4%).
6. BYU
Overview: The Cougars could be a tough out, especially if their hot shooting from the WCC tournament carries over. The addition of Matt Haarms as a grad transfer from Purdue gave BYU versatility at both ends with a rim protector and a true post scorer.
7. Connecticut
Overview: The Huskies had the typical fits and starts of this most atypical of seasons, but for the most part their return to the Big East has been successful. Guard James Bouknight is a legitimate takeover threat, though the team could benefit from having to play without him for a stretch while he recovered from an elbow injury. But ultimately the Huskies will likely need to exceed their season shooting average of 43.9% in order to advance.
8. LSU
Overview: LSU finished in the top three of the SEC for the third straight season. Guard Cameron Thomas averaged 23.1 points (fourth in the nation). The Tigers finished second in the SEC and No. 8 in the nation in scoring with 82.7 ppg. Defense can be a problem; the Tigers allowed 75.4 per game.
9. St. Bonaventure
Overview: The Bonnies space the floor well and – usually – choose good shots. Osun Osunniyi, the league defensive player of the year, is also a huge help to the offense facilitating from the post.
10. Maryland
Overview: Maryland was on the verge of missing the tournament after a slow start to conference play, but five consecutive wins to close February proved to be just enough to sneak into the tournament. The defense is what got the Terps back in the picture; they gave up no more than 60 points twice in their last nine wins of the regular season.
11. Michigan State
Overview: Just when it seemed like Michigan State would miss the tournament for the first time since 1997, Tom Izzo’s squad rose from the ashes and is now a dangerous team headed into March. They won five of their last seven regular-season games, three of which were against top-five teams.
11. UCLA
Overview: Star senior guard Chris Smith was lost for the season in late December, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang has stepped into the void.
12. Georgetown
Overview: Patrick Ewing put together a competent roster after last year’s spate of departures and transfers. The interior presence of Qudus Wahab and timely 3-point shooting will make them a dangerous draw.
13. UNC Greensboro
Overview: The Spartans’ formula largely revolves around their depth and defense and winning the turnover battle.
14. Abilene Christian
Overview: With the exception of AllSouthland first-team member and 7footer Kolton Kohl, they are one of the smallest teams. However, they are a defensive nightmare.
15. Iona
Overview: In less than one year, the decision to hire Rick Pitino paid off.
16. Mount St. Mary’s
Overview: The Mount relies on its size, led by conference defensive player of the year Nana Opoku, to hold opponents to just 62.3 points per game.
16. Texas Southern
Overview: The Tigers’ success starts with having a strong interior presence and consistently outrebounding opponents.