The 2023-2024 college basketball season has been filled with unpredictable wins and new potential contenders, as it is every year, with top teams dropping like flies to unranked and new powerhouses surpassing the “blue bloods” of college basketball at the top of the rankings.
This year has had so many storylines and standout players that make March Madness a complete toss-up. However, one of the most interesting stories is the defending champs, the University of Connecticut Huskies, looking as strong as ever and hoping to be the first time since the ‘07 and ‘08 University of Florida Gators to repeat as champions.
Years past have proven that no matter the seed and no matter the record, anyone can fall in the tournament. Sixteen seeds have beaten one seeds, which shows the unpredictability of the sport.
More major headlines this season have been Purdue University’s attempt to redeem themselves after their tournament woes last year, and they have looked incredibly strong at times, but that has not stopped them from losing to unranked programs throughout the year. Their success as a team is a big thanks to 7’4” center Zach Edey, who is the reigning Naismith College Player of the Year and looks to add another to his resume.
Edey is not the only standout player that is hoping to take home the award. University of North Carolina star guard RJ Davis, the University of Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and plenty of other players have been standouts that have taken over games at times and have helped push their team to numerous wins.
“We aren’t ranked that high because they have been lacking defensively, but our starting core is great, and they complement each other well,” said Madeline Castor, a junior biology major and Auburn University Tigers fan.
All the true contenders for the title have a player with the same impact Davis has on UNC, but in recent years, it appears that a team filled with good players can pay better rewards than a one-man show every night.
If the season was to conclude today, there are obvious favorites to take the title due to the depth and strength of their team, and according to bracketology, the top-seeded teams would be the University of Arizona, UConn, Purdue and the University of Houston. However, there are a few teams that are ranked lower that can take anyone down if they get hot enough.
“The Tide has proven we can win in any way,” said JD Caulley, a sophomore English major and University of Alabama basketball fan. “Sure, we have lost to some of the top teams, but I know they don’t want to see us down the road. We’re talented, and our current ranking just shows it. Nobody wants to play us in March.”
As the season ends, it is evident that March Madness will be as crazy as ever, and fans will get to see how these standout players perform.
