It’s that season again where we make brackets, sweat out our picks, and pray for the best. Just like the rest of America, I’ve already started creating brackets and looking at who I want to win it all. While many of us (including myself) normally don’t do too well, I have 3 teams to look out for during bracket season.
From McNeese State Athletics
1. McNeese State
McNeese State is a sneaky team to look out for come tournament time. Not being in a Power 6 conference or even a big Group of 5 conference, many people will overlook them purely because of their seed. However, they gained a favorable matchup in the Round of 64, facing a weaker Gonzaga team that struggled some this season (25-7 record with notable losses to San Diego St, UConn, twice to Saint Mary’s, and Washington). After serving a 10 game suspension, former LSU coach led the Cowboys to a 23-1 record to end the season with a big win against Michigan in Ann Arbor. They have an elite defense with a +6.7 turnover margin and allowed the 4th lowest opponent points per game (61.5oppg). They have a good offense with the 9th highest 3pt% and score the 38th most points per game. Shahada Wells is McNeese’s star guard who has averaged 17.8ppg this season and scored 27 points in the Southland semifinal and final. McNeese looks to play a slower paced game causing their opponents lots of turnovers.
From KLTV7
2. Texas
Texas has struggled some this season, but I think the tournament did them a favor. They will have to play the winner of the Virginia v. Colorado St game allowing for longer rest compared to their opponent. Side Note, Indiana State was robbed of a tourney spot and should have taken Virginia’s spot. If Texas plays Virginia, I have no doubt Texas will win. In the second round, Texas will more than likely play Tennessee, but their coach, Rick Barnes, is notorious for collapsing in March (as seen in the SEC tournament). This Texas team lost key players from their Elite Eight run last season but still have tourney veterans like Dylan Disu and Max Abmas. 2nd year coach Rodney Terry helped take this team to another tournament, and I believe they can make it through to the Sweet Sixteen.
From NC State Athletics
3. NC State
This Wolfpack team shocked the college basketball world this past week. They won 5 games in 5 days taking home the ACC Championship and getting an automatic bid to the tourney. They have a Kobe and Shaq type duo in guard DJ Horne and forward DJ Burns Jr. Burns Jr plays with a Hakeem Olajuwon style of play and has stated he grew up watching Olajuwon. They have what it takes to beat big teams, knocking out UNC, Virginia, and Duke in the ACC Tournament. I’ve been high on this NC State team, but will they keep this hot streak in the NCAA Tournament?
From The Clarion Ledger
Honorable Mention: Mississippi State
I might be a little bit bias, but this Mississippi State team can beat just about everyone. Problem is they have the Cinderella Achille’s heel in the fact they can’t make free throws and also face Tom Izzo and Michigan State first round. This Michigan State team is nothing special, but Izzo is. Mississippi State would need to play lights out defense while relying on 1st Team All SEC forward Tolu Smith and freshman Josh Hubbard to get hot. If Mississippi State can get out of the Round of 64, then I think they draw a favorable matchup against UNC who has been struggling recently, hopefully propelling the 8th seeded Dawgs to the Sweet Sixteen.
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