The Pure Hoops Quick Hitters

Saint Mary’s is heating up at the right time and if they get the lead in a game, they rarely give it up. They shocked Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament, avenging a 48 point loss earlier in the season. Jordan Ford is an exciting ball handler and scorer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cincinnati is a solid defensive team that controls tempo and likes a slower pace. Last season as a number 2 seed they flamed out in the second round, but this year’s team has been very efficient on offense as well. They have two senior point guards but their front court performers can be inconsistent at times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oregon has had an up and down season, but they’re responded well down the stretch. Although they lost star 7-3 freshman Bol Bol to injury earlier in the season, they have continued to play great defense. Payton Pritchard provides experience and leadership at the guard position. And Kenny Wooten is an intimidating shot blocker. Their “D” rarely has an off night and that could spell trouble for their opponents. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buffalo is an experienced team with a win over Syracuse and the potential for a long run in the tournament. Last season they beat fourth seeded Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They are led by CJ Massinburg, Nick Perkins, and Jeremy Harris. They’re among the leaders in offensive efficiency and they play at a blazing pace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Florida State plays as hard as any team in the country, but their athleticism and talent only takes them so far. Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s nephew Mfiondu Kabengele is a 6-10 force and Terance Mann is a 6-7 guard who can light it up. If Trent Forrest heats up, the Seminoles can go far. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Florida no longer plays at a blazing pace, but the slower tempo has helped them become a vastly improved defensive team. KeVaughn Allen is the veteran on this team that has a true mix of seniors and freshmen. If Jalen Hudson can regain his old scoring touch, it would be a major boost for coach Mike White. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Auburn has one of the best backcourts in the tournament. Jared Harper runs the show and averages 15 points and 6 assists. Bryce Brown also averages 15 and has deep shooting range. Both are solid free throw shooters. 6-8 forward Chuma Okeke is a future NBA talent and an outstanding defender. His dunks are also spectacular. Expect a deep run from the Tigers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duke has the top player in the nation in Zion Williamson. But he is more than just an incredible talent, he plays with a level of energy that drives the entire team. And there is lots of other NBA ready talent on this team with Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett, and Tre Jones. If Zion is healthy, this team could simply overwhelm the field. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wofford represents the Southern Conference and they feature sharpshooter Fletcher Magee, who has over 500 three pointers in his career and is on the verge of breaking the all time NCAA record for threes. They play at a slow pace but are among the leaders in points and scoring margin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kentucky is loaded with future NBA talent. PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Ashton Hagens, EJ Montgomery, and 6-11 Nick Richards all seemed destined for “The Association.” Coach John Calipari is still working out which rotations will work best, but it’s a good problem to have. Leadership is provided by senior forward Reid Travis. The ‘Cats are a legitimate threat to make the Final Four. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Villanova is the defending NCAA champ and has won it all in two of the past three years. Coach Jay Wright won’t be repeating this year, but senior Phil Booth has both championship experience and a multi-talented skill set. He leads a crew that includes Eric Paschall and Collin Gillespie. They’ll need to draw on all of their championship experience if they expect a deep run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Central Florida is coached by former Duke star Johnny Dawkins and they feature 7-6 center Tacko Fall, who is a defensive force in the paint and the leading field goal shooter in the country. He has an 8 foot wide wing span and is the tallest players in college basketball or the NBA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Northeastern is smoking hot approaching the tournament behind Vasa Pusica a 6’5” senior from Serbia leads who the Huskies. Jordan Roland is a threat from downtown and they have gotten great play from Bolden Brace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bradley is back in the tournament for the first time since 2006. Their record isn’t great and they play at a slow pace, but they heated up late in the season and are ready for the tournament. They beat SMU and Penn State in non-conference games and they are relentless competitors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michigan State is led by Cassius Winston and Matt McQuaid in the backcourt. Junior forward Nick Ward is recovering from a broken hand and this team is efficient at both ends. They are a matchup nightmare and behind coach Tom Izzo they have been playing their best ball 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.