March Madness is the pinnacle of college basketball. Every year 68 teams compete to be crowned NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Champions. The tournament begins with Selection Sunday, when the tournament field and brackets are announced, and continues for three weeks until a champion is crowned. As the 2019 edition of March Madness draws near, let us take a look at some teams expected to make deep runs in this year’s tournament and analyze their chances of winning it all.
The Duke Blue Devils enter this season as one of the top contenders to cut down the nets in April. They boast another talented recruiting class headlined by freshman Zion Williamson, who has already become one of college basketball’s most dynamic players. Additionally, they have plenty of veteran leadership from upperclassmen such as R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish, Tre Jones and Marques Bolden who will be crucial for any postseason success that Duke has this year. With their depth and talent Duke is primed to make a deep run in the tournament come March and capture their sixth national championship title since 1991 — but they must avoid early exits like last season when they were upset by Kansas in the Elite Eight round if they are to realize their potential as title favorites this time around.
Another team capable of making a case for itself as National Champions this March are Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans. Despite losing Miles Bridges to the NBA Draft after last season, Michigan State appears just as dangerous with Cassius Winston leading an experienced core consisting of Joshua Langford and Nick Ward who have both been key contributors since joining Izzo’s squad back in 2016-17 season. Quicken Loans Arena (where 2018 Final Four was held) could potentially host them again should Michigan State reach that point for second consecutive year — which is certainly within reach considering how well these guys have performed so far throughout regular season campaign. Moreover, Spartan fans can also draw confidence from fact that head coach Tom Izzo carries quite impressive track record into tournaments he takes part in — something only adds even more legitimacy MSUs candidacy for becoming national champs next month.
The Virginia Cavaliers may not be seen by many people as favorites due to how poorly they performed last NCAA Tournament game when UMBC made history upsetting them 1st ever 16 seed knocking off a top seed but Tony Bennett revamped his roster throughout offseason adding quality big man transfer Braxton Key couple other important pieces turning Cavs into once again formidable program which highly competitive ACC conference proves every week now. One thing that definitely benefits UVA here coming out regular season unscathed with 28-2 record reinforcing notion (bolstered prior performances 2017 and 2018) that having excellent defense alongside efficient offense puts you right amongst favorites win entire thing come March Madness time, especially given fact amount pressure on Virginia rebound back strong showing earlier years.
Lastly, Gonzaga Bulldogs surprisingly get often overlooked discussion surrounding contenders 2019 March Madness tournament mostly because mid-major status intrinsically means lack exposure compared rest university programs whose playing style matches up well against others during course game play however talent wise Mark Few assembled squad which looks threatening enough meet demands Final Four / Championship level performance expectations regardless competition pool present day context. Experience factor works favor Zags here key guys like Josh Perkins, Rui Hachimura and Zach Norvell Jr being cornerstone components lineup gains additional support each passing contest forcing individuals bear brunt load while collectively improving efficiency together across board go hand in glove respective ambitions aim secure trophy end road, which makes Gonzaga definite dark horse option choose ready put up fight even bigger names chase same ultimate reward.
Overall it will be interesting see what happens over next few weeks we march towards main event brackets become official selection Sunday concludes. All signs seem to point to either Duke, Spartans, Virginia or Bulldogs taking the Championship title home after grueling 3-week long journey filled upsets buzzer beaters memorable moments. However only way find out true answer lies actually watching games attempting predict outcomes ourselves instead waiting results dictate narrative no matter odds predictions remain do hope — whomever occur ultimately going worth wait!