ATS Sports Blog

The field of 65 teams for this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been set. While the debate can rage on as to whether teams like Weber State should out and teams like Virginia Tech or Mississippi State should be in, the reality is only a handful of teams have a legitimate shot at winning it all.

The following is a preview of the top teams in this year’s tournament along with their current odds to bring home a National Championship.

Kansas       2-1
As one of the best teams in the country all season long it is no wonder that the Jayhawks are the odds-on-favorite to win it all. They ended the regular season ranked #1 in the country in every major poll, compiled an overall record of 32-2, went 15-1 in conference play, and won the Big 12 Tournament in convincing fashion by beating Kansas State 72-64, their third win of the season over the #7 ranked Wildcats. It is hard to find a weakness on this team and the only potential roadblock in their bracket to keep them from the final four is Georgetown.

Kentucky   7-2
Entering this tournament, the Wildcats are clearly the second best team in the country. They are ranked #2 in the country, have an overall record of 32-2, were 14-2 in conference play, and won the SEC Tournament in an exciting 75-74 overtime win over Mississippi State. Led by two dynamic freshmen, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, this team plays fearless but because of their overall youth sometimes plays a bit reckless. In looking at the East bracket, they appeared headed for a showdown with West Virginia in the Elite Eight.

Syracuse     7-2
Despite a 68-78 loss to Louisville in their regular season finale and the uncertainty of C Arinze Onuaku, who suffered a quad injury in the Orange’s first round loss (84-91) to Georgetown in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals, Syracuse (28-4) remains a fairly high favorite. No team has ever won a National Championship having lost their final two games before the tournament, but this team still has the talent to buck the trend. Coming out of the West, a potential trap game for them could be Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16.

Duke   8-1
The Blue Devils have already exceeded everyone’s expectations for this season but there is still much work left to be done. They finished the pre-tournament Coaches Poll ranked #3 with an overall record of 29-5, tied Maryland at 13-3 for a share of the conference regular season title, and battled past Georgia Tech 65-61 to win the ACC Tournament. They are led by a couple of tournament seasoned veterans; senior G Jon Scheyer and junior F Kyle Singler, who have what it takes to lead them to another national title. Coming out of the South, a potential stumbling block could be Villanova, who demolished them 77-54 in last year’s Sweet 16.

West Virginia      10-1
The Mountaineers (27-6) are peaking at the right time after their recent march through the conference tournament. They are battle tested and ready to go after surviving three close calls to bring home their first Big East Tournament title in school history. With players like senior F Da’Sean Butler and sophomore F’s Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks they have a lineup that is built to go deep in this tournament as well. Their shot at playing for national title will most likely hinge of the outcome of an Elite 8 showdown with Kentucky.

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