It’s so close you can almost hear the slam of the dunks and swish of the three-pointers. March Madness is one of the most exciting events on the sporting calendar in the United States, with people tuning in from all over the world.
There are 68 teams who compete in March Madness every year which no other sport in the United States can boast. With so many teams competing, the more chances for upsets and drama throughout the competition.
As the tournament games come fast and furious, every team has the chance to catch their opponent off-guard, no matter their reputation or their quality on paper. Some of these players could become the NBA stars of the future which is also a great reason why fans a drawn in and so passionate about college sports.
Sports bettors love to check out the March Madness odds with so many fans setting up their bracket and looking to work out who they think could cause an upset of even go all the way to glory. Let’s check out some of the sides who could have a big say in the final stages of March Madness this year.
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats are an absolute lock for those considering a potential champion, they will be around the top of the list for everyone tunning in. Coach Tommy Lloyd has got his team balling, and they are a projected 2nd seed going into March Madness.
College basketball lines are bullish on the Wildcats who have players like Caleb Love who is averaging 18.9 points per game right now. He has progressed year on year and is thriving since arriving from North Carolina. The new setting and playing under Lloyd have helped him prove doubters wrong and could make a big impression in March Madness next month.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke consistently has a strong basketball culture, and their performances will excite those tuning in to March Madness with this elite offensive unit which includes five players on the roster averaging double figures each game.
If you are going to bet on March Madness, then Duke scoring points is something that is hard ignore, their matches should be high scoring if their recent performances are anything to go by.
Sophomore Kyle Filipowski has led the way for the Blue Devils averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per games this season and will lead his side into March madness looking to force their opponents back and overwhelm them on the court.
The Blue Devils have reached the NCAA tournament 45 times and their .748 winning percentage in March Madness is the most impressive record of any other program in the United States. Could they improve on it further this year?
Baylor Bears
Could the Bears make the impact they are considered able to make? A cold-streak in February is not what they wanted from one of their star players in Ja’Kobe Walter, a realistic top 10 pick in this year’s draft. Their 6’5” star is known for his scoring versatility but has struggled to make a big impact on the court, making poor shooting decisions, and has often been due to the attention defenses put on him. But he will need to learn, as a step up to the NBA is all part of his plan.
A big impact in March Madness will be vital and Dave Aranda will be looking to get his highly skilled roster should be a real challenger going into the final stages of the tournament.
Purdue Boilermakers
Rising to the top of the bookmakers March Madness odds, Purdue Boilermakers are looking to take their dominance this season into the tournament. Purdue has been playing some exciting ball under head coach Matt Painter and their defeat over Northwestern Wildcats and Wisconsin Badgers in early February really boosted their swagger.
With reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey being dominant this season with 23.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, they are becoming hard to stop and full of confidence as March madness approaches.
It’s a redemption tournament for Purdue this time out after a disappointing exit in last year, and now a championship is all that’s in their thoughts as March approaches.
With the opening tip off rapidly approaching, fans around the country will have their brackets organised and pathing out who could meet who throughout the tournament to find the best bet on March Madness.
There are so many future NBA stars ready to step up onto the court and push their name to the top of the list for owners and coaches around the NBA with the Draft coming up April. It will be exciting to see who makes the most of the opportunity and which team will come out as champions in 2024.