As Selection Sunday looms only 53 days away, the college basketball landscape might witness some extraordinary scenarios that could reshape the upcoming March Madness. While the season is still in a speculative phase, intriguing possibilities emerge as potential game-changers by March 17:
1. Gonzaga’s Uncertain Fate: The perennial powerhouse Gonzaga, currently at 13-5, finds itself in an unusual position, teetering on the bubble. The last time the Zags missed March Madness was in 1998, showcasing the unpredictability of the current season.
2. Big Ten’s Limited Representation: Surprisingly, only six teams from the usually formidable Big Ten might secure spots in the tournament, including less traditional contenders like Nebraska and Northwestern, while established teams like Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, or Indiana face uncertain prospects.
3. ACC’s Reduced Presence: The mighty ACC, known for its dominance, might see only three teams receiving bids if late surges don’t materialize. North Carolina, Duke, and Clemson are currently predicted, potentially marking the smallest ACC contingent in over two decades.
4. UCLA and USC’s Absence: Powerhouses UCLA and USC, both struggling at 8-11, face challenges making the tournament. Barring a significant turnaround, this would be only the fifth time in 35 years that March Madness excludes both teams.
5. Samford’s Cinderella Run: The 17-2 Samford Bulldogs are making an undeniable case for inclusion, boasting a 17-game winning streak and the nation’s highest scoring average. Their last appearance in the NCAA tournament was in 2000.
6. Louisville’s Drought Continues: The once-dominant Louisville Cardinals, currently at 6-13, risk missing the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, marking their longest dry spell since 1958.
7. Syracuse’s Struggle: Syracuse, with a 13-6 record, faces a potential third consecutive miss, a rare occurrence for the perennial contender. The last time this happened was in 1972, adding pressure to Jim Boeheim’s squad.
8. South Carolina’s Resurgence: South Carolina, at 16-3, emerges as a potential invitee after beating Kentucky. A happy return to the Final Four in 2017 remains the highlight, and the Gamecocks aim to make a significant postseason impact this year.
9. McNeese’s Historic Turnaround: McNeese, absent from the NCAA tournament for 20 years, is on a remarkable 17-2 run. Former LSU coach Will Wade leads the revival, putting the Cowboys at the forefront of potential bracket surprises.
10. Oakland’s Long-Awaited Return: Leading the Horizon League, the 12-8 Oakland Golden Grizzlies could secure a tournament spot, marking a significant achievement for a team that has been to only three NCAA tournaments in its history.
11. Princeton’s At-Large Bid Chance: The 15-1 Princeton Tigers, boasting an impressive record, metrics, and a Sweet 16 appearance last year, might secure an at-large bid, defying the norm of needing Quad I wins.
12. DePaul’s Continued Struggle: With a 3-15 record, DePaul faces slim chances of breaking its prolonged hibernation from the NCAA tournament. Once a powerhouse, DePaul last appeared in 2004 and has struggled in recent years.
13. Indiana State’s Resurgence: The 16-3 Indiana State Sycamores share the Missouri Valley Conference lead and aim to make a tournament appearance with their stellar 3-point shooting, reminiscent of Larry Bird’s historic run 45 years ago.
14. Delaware State’s MEAC Leadership: Leading the MEAC, the 10-9 Delaware State Hornets seek to end their 19-year NCAA tournament absence, representing a significant turnaround for a team with a challenging recent history.
15. Miami’s Bubble Trouble: Both Florida and Ohio’s Miami teams face potential exclusion from March Madness. The Florida Hurricanes, last year’s Final Four participants, and the Ohio RedHawks are in precarious positions with 12-6 and 9-10 records, respectively.
16. Newcomers in the Mix: UMass Lowell, High Point, Quinnipiac, and Western Illinois, currently leading their leagues, could be poised to make their inaugural NCAA tournament appearances, adding fresh faces to the bracket.
As the countdown to Selection Sunday continues, these rare scenarios underscore the unpredictability and excitement that March Madness brings to college basketball enthusiasts. The next eight weeks could redefine the tournament landscape and create memorable moments on the road to the College Basketball and NCAA championship.
Comments