Overview: The Seminoles came up short in the ACC tournament final but might nevertheless be the league representative best constructed to make a deep run. Last appearance: 2019, lost to Gonzaga in Sweet 16.Ĭoach: Leonard Hamilton (12-10 in 10 appearances). Projected starters: G Andrew Jones, 6-4, Jr. The key question: Are the Longhorns consistent enough shooting the ball to avoid a bad game and premature exit? Blessed with a veteran three-guard lineup that makes up its top three scorers, Texas has the potential to knock off anyone. In between, they won 11 of their first 12 games, then slumped at the same time Smart tested positive for COVID-19. Overview: It was a crazy year for the Longhorns, who started with coach Shaka Smart on the hot seat and ended by winning the school’s first Big 12 tournament championship. Last appearance: 2018, lost to Nevada in the first round.Ĭoach: Shaka Smart (7-7 in seven appearances). Projected starters: F Herbert Jones, 6-8, Sr. Alabama has not advanced past the second round since 2004, when it made the Elite Eight, the best showing in its NCAA history. UA does not have a strong shot-blocking presence at the rim and opposing teams can score inside if patient. Streak-shooter John Petty was also All-SEC and Jahvon Quinerly, a transfer from Villanova, is an offensive threat who has blossomed in a sixth-man role. Senior forward Herbert Jones was SEC Player of the Year despite being the No. Eight different Crimson Tide players have 48 or more 3-point attempts this season. 12) but can also win when percentages are down. Alabama can make 3-pointers by the bushel when it is on (it set the SEC record with 23 at LSU Jan. 1 team in the nation in defensive efficiency. Overview: While the prevailing impression of Alabama in its second season under Oats is that of a fast-tempo, 3-point shooting team, the Crimson Tide is the No.
Last appearance: 2018, lost to Villanova in second round.Ĭoach: Nate Oats (2-3 in three appearances). Projected starters: G Mike Smith, 5-11, Sr. The loss of forward Isaiah Livers to a stress fracture in his right foot will hurt the Wolverines' chances. What makes this team special is their efficiency on the offensive and defensive end. While there is a veteran presence on the roster, the team is led by Big Ten freshman of the year Hunter Dickinson. Overview: In his second year, Juwan Howard has elevated his alma mater to one of the best teams in the country after winning the Big Ten regular-season title. Last appearance: 2019, lost to Texas Tech in Sweet 16. OPINION: 700 days later, March Madness is finally back, and how we missed it PRINTABLE BRACKET: The entire 68-team field for the 2021 NCAA Tournament START UP YOUR POOL!: Create a pool, invite your friends and dominate the bracket. There’s sure to be some nail-biters but Nate Oats gets his team to its first Final Four. The Tide are reliant on the three-point shot as much as any team in the field, but cold shooting streaks haven't been an issue because they defend so well. Alabama has been so consistent all season. 3 Texas are coming off winning their conference tournaments, which makes their potential showdown in the Sweet 16 mouth-watering and possibly decisive in making it out of the bracket. Each has a good opportunity to make the Final Four because there isn’t much difference among them. In a region this balanced, it’s hard to pick among any of the four seeds. From there, it’s just one more win between Hamilton and the milestone.ĬAPSULES FOR EVERY TEAM: East | Midwest | South | West Florida State has the size, athletic ability and three-point shooting to take them out.
1 seed in the field with three losses in their last five games and second-leading scorer Isaiah Livers out indefinitely with a food injury. That would likely bring a matchup with Michigan. The Seminoles are seeded fourth and look to be in good shape to get to the Sweet 16. And while he has had better teams, this might be his best shot. Leonard Hamilton has never been to a Final Four.
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