People say there's no better two words in sports than "Game Seven", but I disagree, it's March Madness, or "the first Thursday and Friday of the NCAA Tournament". Yeah, thats more than two words, sue me. Wanted to follow up Dr Data's East Region breakdown, and take on the West Region. I am still figuring out the details of my gambling card for tomorrow, I should have it posted around 9am EST tomorrow to be ready before the first game tip off. Here's what you need to know if you have already filled out your bracket.
No. 1 North Carolina (+1300 to win national title): 27-7 record. (This is just me providing odds, not a bet I have)
Gone is Caleb Love, who transferred to Arizona last offseason. The Tar Heels added former Stanford forward Harrison Ingram and Notre Dame guard Cormac Ryan last offseason, both of whom joined the starting lineup and have made a significant impact on a much-improved team.
In All-ACC center Armando Bacot and ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis, North Carolina returns two starters from the team that advanced to the 2022 national title game and then missed the 2023 NCAA tournament.
Best First Round Game
(8) Mississippi State vs. (9) Michigan State:
The 8-9 game is "always" the obvious pick as the best first-round matchup, but this game stands out. Josh Hubbard has been Mississippi State's best player this season, averaging 17.1 points per game as a freshman. On the flip side, you have a Michigan State team full of veteran guards with guys like Tyson Walker, A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins. Michigan State is a different animal in March. Time and time again, no matter how poorly Michigan State plays at the end of the season, coach Tom Izzo always gets his players ready for a tournament run. Riding with Wizard of March and Tommy Izzo.
Cinderella Team That Will Surprise:
(11) New Mexico: Based on the aftermath of Selection Sunday, it's clear New Mexico was going to be on the wrong side of the bubble had it lost to San Diego State in the Mountain West title game. The Lobos had to win four games in four days to secure the automatic bid. New Mexico is more than capable of parlaying that performance in Las Vegas to an NCAA tournament run. Jaelen House, the son of former NBA player Eddie House, is averaging 16.1 points this season. Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Donovan Dent are both key contributors from the backcourt, and JT Toppin is one of the top first-year players in the sport. Don't be surprised if the Lobos make a Sweet 16 run.
Team That Will Make A Far Too Early Exit:
(4) Alabama: The Crimson Tide's defense is an issue. Alabama ranks No. 346 in scoring defense at 81.1 points per game allowed. That mark is second-to-last among all teams in the Big Six conferences. Alabama's first-round opponent, Charleston, averages 80.5 points per game, good enough for 34th among all Division l teams. Alabama's offense is good enough to score with anyone in the country, but if it wants to avoid an early exit in the tournament the defense has to play better. However, I am a Ryder.
Players To Watch:
Mark Sears, Alabama: After averaging just under 13 points per game for the No. 1 overall seed last season, Sears saw a drastic increase in his production following the departures of Brandon Miller and Jahvon Quinerly. Sears is averaging 21.1 ppg and is on track to become an All-American. He is shooting an impressive 43.1% on just over five attempts per game. He's the head of the snake on the top-scoring offense in the country.
RJ Davis, North Carolina: No player on the North Carolina roster benefited more from Love's departure than Davis. The UNC star recently won ACC Player of the Year honors after averaging 21.4 points per game, which ranks 11th among all Division l players. Davis is one of the best pure scorers in the country, and his play style complements a veteran-led UNC team nicely.
PJ Hall, Clemson: Hall is coming off the best statistical season of his career after averaging 18.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. At 6-foot-10 and 238 pounds, Hall is a menace down low. He has also shown an ability that can stretch the floor. Hall is Clemson's X-factor if it wants to make a run in the tournament. I think how far Clemson goes in the tournament relies pretty heavily on how well Hall plays.
West Regional Winner:
(2) Arizona: Who doesn't love a good storyline in college basketball? It would be quite a story if Arizona ran the table and reached the program's first Final Four in 23 years in its home state. Purdue's first-round exit in 2023 has been a big talking point for the last 12 months, but the Wildcats are also seeking redemption after losing to No. 15 seed Princeton a year ago. Arizona has the talent and depth to take down anyone on this side of the bracket, and it's hard to see them laying another egg in March.