The Pure Hoops Quick Hitters

VCU is one of the top defensive teams in the country. Marcus Evans is VCU’s best player, but his health is an issue after injuring his knee in the A-10 Tournament. De’Riante Jenkins and Isaac Vann provide balance on offense and Marcus Santos-Silva’s all around game complements those three well. But Evans’ health is paramount of the Rams expect to go far. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kansas has the talent to do well, even though its streak of consecutive Big 12 championships ended at 14 this season. Although they’ve had injury issues this season, they have a top coach in Bill Self and major talent in Dedric Lawson and Quentin Grimes. Devon Dotson and Marcus Garrett provide excellent balance for the Jayhawks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Houston had a great regular season with their stifling defense and solid wing play. Under coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars played well in last season’s NCAA Tournament and they expect to go even further this season. Galen Robinson, Corey Davis, and Armoni Brooks are solid and they have a future NBA talent in Dejon Jarreau. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baylor stumbles into the tournament on a four game losing streak. Star forward Tristan Clark was lost for the season with knee surgery back in January, but Makai Mason, a transfer from Yale has helped fill the void averaging 15 a game. If Mario Kegler and Jared Butler can regain their consistency, the Bears can make some noise in spite of their recent slump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Murray State beat Belmont in the OVC championship to punch their ticket. Ja Morant is a superstar talent with a bright NBA future. His explosiveness is incredible. Tevin Brown is a great three point shooter and this team moves the ball well and defends. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Louisville features a solid defensive team and Jordan Nwora, the ACC’s most improved player. Under coach Chris Mack, they are efficient on offense and feature good height in the front court. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Washington has been the class of the Pac 12 under Coach Mike Hopkins, the long time Syracuse assistant who brought the 2-3 zone to Seattle. Matisse Thyulle is a lock down defender so they can win even on nights where the shots aren’t falling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gardner-Webb is a surprise participant and this is their first trip to the NCAA Tournament. They rolled to victory over the top two Big South teams on the road and are playing their best ball at just the right time. David Efianayi, leads a starting lineup with four guards and forward DJ Laster. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virginia Tech is solid at both ends, but injuries have been a problem. All five of their starters have three point shooting skills, which has helped them stay afloat despite the injuries. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been outstanding and 6-10 Kerry Blackshear provides strong inside presence. If injured point guard Justin Robinson returns for the tournament, the Hokies are capable of doing damage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

North Dakota State will be the underdog against every other team in the tournament, but they rolled through their conference tournament and they’re playing with house money. Rocky Kreuser is a 6’10” forward who is athletic and can score from inside and outside. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Northern Kentucky shoots, passes, and spaces the floor. They also got on a roll late in the season. Drew McDonald is a strong inside presence and can also hit from outside. They can score and even though they are from a smaller conference, you can’t sleep on them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ole Miss has struggled late in the season, but has a talented backcourt with 6-2 junior Breein Tyree and Terence Davis combine to average over 33 points per game with 3 point range. While the Rebels have lacked consistency, they did beat a strong Auburn team twice this season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Texas Tech has gotten better as the season has progressed. They finished second in the Big 12 ahead of Kansas. They can shoot, defend, and they’re experienced. Behind future lottery pick Jarett Culver, they could be a Final Four team this season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iona comes out of the MAAC, but their pace gives other teams fits. Their overall record isn’t great, but they head into the tournament on a 9 game win streak. EJ Crawford, Rickey McGill, and Tajuan Agee give the Gaels good balance. They are a bit under the radar, but their late season play makes them a confident bunch. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Utah State comes out of the Mountain West Conference led by 6-5 Sam Merrill, who averages 21 points and 4 assists per game. The Aggies also feature 6-11 Neemias Queta, a future NBA talent who averages a double double and is a major presence on defense. They pass the ball well and have been one of the hottest teams in the country late in the season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.