Another round of March Madness is officially here. Friday marks the flip of the calendar from February to March, setting the stage for college basketball over the next month (and some change).
10. We’re still at 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament (for now)
There’s been talks of expanding the field to 96, 80, 72, 105, 259, or any number imaginable. As always, it has to do with money, or as they NCAA President Charlie Baker will tell you – “access.” Just don’t bring that up to Jay Bilas.
While expansion seems eminent given the always changing landscape of college athletics, it’s still the same 68 team field it has been since 2011. Enjoy it while you can, because it might not be this way for much longer.
9. Dalton Knecht is the most lethal player in men’s college basketball
In a year with no true superstars, Dalton Knecht might be the closest. The Northern Colorado transfer has been an instant hit at Tennessee, where he leads the Volunteers in scoring (20.8 PPG). Knecht has scored 30+ points six times including a career-high 39 on Jan. 16 against Florida and again on Feb. 28 vs. Auburn. Knecht can stroke it from deep, but as a 6-foot-6 guard, can be a matchup nightmare, and also plays with a lot of energy and athleticism. If there’s one player who can take his team on his shoulders to the Final Four, it’s Dalton Knecht.
8. Robbie Avila could be the face of March Madness
Who said rec-specs are for nerds? Robbie Avila wears them and he’s cool as the other side of the pillow. The Indiana State big man has the Sycamores on the bubble of receiving an at-large bid even if they don’t win the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. And if the Sycamores make it to March Madness, you can bet Avila will bask in the limelight.
7. Villanova, Syracuse, UCLA, and Indiana might all miss the NCAA Tournament
Four of college basketball’s greatest all-time programs might not be a part of the 2024 Big Dance. Villanova has the best chance, but are still squarely on the bubble, followed by Syracuse, who would need a strong finish to impress the committee. UCLA and Indiana would likely need to win their conference tournaments to make it to March Madness. Even the best programs aren’t perfect!
6. Mid-major darlings are everywhere
As of Mar. 1, there are 10 mid-major teams with six losses or fewer. If you’re counting, that would be South Florida (21-5), Dayton (22-5), Cornell (20-5), Princeton (21-3), Indiana State (25-5), Utah State (23-5), Samford (25-5), McNeese (25-3), App State (25-5), James Madison (27-3), and Grand Canyon (24-4). I don’t have the record book next to me, but I’d bet that’s close to a record. Not all of them will play in March Madness, but there are plenty of talented “nobodies” that will ruin your bracket on day one of the tournament. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
5. The Big 12 is outstanding and overrated
15 of the 14 teams in the Big 12 are in position to make the NCAA Tournament and I wish I was lying.
Okay, obviously that’s not true, but with four teams in the top 15 of the AP Poll, and nine teams consistently showing up in most bracketologies, the Big 12 is running college basketball. There’s an argument that they cheated the system, due to many Big 12 teams playing underwhelming non-conference schedules and thus giving themselves a foolproof way to show up near the top of the NET Rankings. But that’s likely a rumor made up by ACC fans.
Again, I’m just kidding, but also probably not, due to the lack of respect the ACC is getting.
4. It’s Power 7, not Power 6
Not only are Power 6 conferences forming rivalries, but this year, the Mountain West has made it the Power 7 in college hoops. San Diego State, Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State, New Mexico, and Nevada are all in great positions to make the field of 68, which would be a record six bids for the conference. Is it the new “Conference of Champions?” I’m pretty sure I heard Bill Walton shudder at the thought of that, but it’s worth the thought. These are basketball schools and they’ve been playing at elite levels all season.
3. The bubble is massive
If there’s any year where expansion could come in handy, 2024 would be it. You can fault the transfer portal for this. Never before have I seen the bubble be so volatile where a single win or loss, whether against a top 10 team or a conference bottom feeder, can knock you down a whole seed line this late in the season. The statement “just win” applies now more than ever for teams on the bubble. It doesn’t matter who it’s against, as long as you’re improving that record, because it is TIGHT on the bubble.
2. UConn can be the first program since Florida (2006-07) to repeat as National Champs
6th straight week as the top ranked team but this time it’s unanimous! pic.twitter.com/8xziRQCBmi
— Step Back Cardiac Review (@CardiacCTReview) February 19, 2024
The Huskies are the #3 team in the AP Poll and were number one for most of January and February. A loss to Creighton knocked them down two spots but don’t let that fool you. They’ve arguably been the most dominant team throughout the season and will be one of the most popular picks to cut down the nets again in April.
1. Caitlin Clark is worth every penny of a ticket
Men’s college basketball might still be the main event, but Caitlin Clark is the top touring artist in the game right now. The Iowa women’s basketball star is breaking all of the records, but is doing so in a style we’ve never seen before. Her game mirrors Steph Curry, her pull mirrors the Beatles at the height of their fame, and her fame is a cross between Mia Hamm and Ice Spice. If you don’t know who Caitlin Clark is by now, you might need to go outside more. Or stop going inside and turn on a TV for once.
And yes, like Ice Spice, Clark too has her own food, a cereal called “Caitlin’s Crunch Time.”