Now that schools are relatively deep into conference play, the college basketball picture is becoming more clear.
There have been quite a few surprises this year, including Duke’s and Kentucky’s struggles as both teams are on the verge of falling out of the AP Top 25 Poll. Other surprises include the Xavier Musketeers’ strong start to the season, the Oklahoma Sooners’ rise to become the top team in the country and the Providence Friars’ ascension into the top 10.
With perennial national powers struggling and several lesser known schools currently in the top 10, basketball enthusiasts should possibly expect more upsets than normal when March Madness arrives. Below are a few predictions for the upcoming 2016 NCAA Tournament.
Predicted powerhouse
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The Tar Heels are solid at the point guard position with senior Marcus Paige handling point duties. As a team, North Carolina might be the best we’ve seen at finishing at the rim in recent years.
Predicted Cinderella-esque team that could make a run: Utah Utes
Every year, the NCAA Tournament has a few teams that have fitted Cinderella’s glass slipper. In 2006, we saw the 11th-seeded George Mason Patriots advance to the Final Four before losing to the eventual champion Florida Gators. In 2014, the 11th-seeded Dayton Flyers jetted to a regional final before also falling to the Gators. The 2014 Tournament also showcased a National Championship game featuring lower ranked storied programs. That year, the 7th-seeded Connecticut Huskies defeated the 8th-seeded Kentucky Wildcats to win the National Championship.
This year, the Utah Utes could be that Cinderella team that could make a run. Utah, which is currently unranked, should have a spot in the Top 25. The Utes handed the Duke Blue Devils their second loss of the season, which was the first of several surprise losses for the Dukies this year. Utah’s strong presence down low with sophomore forward Jakob Poeltl could help the Utes make a