It’s once again that time of the year that every collegiate sports fan loves… March! College basketball is staring to heat up as teams seasons are coming to an end and a new one begins. Teams all across the country are gearing up for another postseason run in what is known as March Madness. This years NCAA tournament is going to look a little different, as unlike last year they will not be cancelling the tourney but hosting it with a limited amount of fans and it will all be centered in one city of Indianapolis, Indiana.
There are many championship contenders but not the ones fans are used to seeing. Blue bloods and perennial college powerhouse programs Duke, North Caroline, Kentucky, and Michigan State have all struggled to meet expectations. So much so that at one period during the season Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky were all unranked for the first time in 59 years, and no; lack of talent is not the problem. The teams to watch the most that I believe have a legitimate shot at winning it all this year are Gonzaga, Baylor, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. All are currently top five in college basketball AP rankings.
From this list you may have noticed three teams from the same conference. The Big Ten has been loaded this year and by far the best conference in basketball. They have a lead total of six teams in the AP rankings and many could argue for more but due to everyone being so good they’ve started the cannibal effect by beating up on each other. Two players are up for college player of the year, Iowa center Luka Garza and Illinois point guard Ayo Dosunmu.
I’d bet my money on Gonzaga to be this year’s national champion. Undefeated at 26-0, they have one of the most talented rosters throughout. Their starters and bench are led by projected top ten draft picks Jalen Suggs and Drew Timme. They have beaten many top teams including Iowa, Kansas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The best part of March Madness and what fans look most forward to is the Cinderella storied small school team who shocks the nation and makes a run in tourney when no one expected. There are a couple in this years tourney including the most recent Cinderella team Loyola Chicago who made a Final Four run in 2018, who is currently ranked 20 in the AP rankings. The team that I am most surprised to see make a run is actually a top 10 team that no one is talking about… Houston. Houston has been one of this years best teams throughout the entirety of the season with one of the best defenses in the country. As the last national champions Virginia showed defense wins championships.
This could be one of the best years for March Madness and one of the worst for bracket makers. The tourney is deep this year with tons of talented teams. I know fans and I are excited to see what will happen this year and who will be crowned this year’s winner. 
