Five Favorite Picks to Cut Down the Nets: 2024 March Madness

The best time in sports is finally here, March Madness! The air is filled with anticipation as fans eagerly await the thrilling spectacle of college basketball's most exhilarating tournament. In a flurry of buzzer-beaters, upsets, and Cinderella stories, March Madness captivates audiences across the globe, drawing them in to witness the heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments that define the madness of March.

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, every game is a high-stakes battle where the margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin. No team is truly safe in the field of 68.

Let's dive into our five favorite picks for this year's tournament, where we discuss which teams possess the right blend of talent, chemistry, and coaching to cut down the nets.

PICK #1: The UConn Huskies (+400 on DraftKings, +370 on FanDuel)

I'd be remiss not to include UConn on this list. The reigning champs were the best team all season long, finishing with 31 wins and only three losses, boasting an impressive 18-2 record in Big East play. Despite losing key players to the NBA and the transfer portal, they've strengthened their roster with both returning talent and skilled newcomers, possibly making them even stronger than last year.

Leading the charge is senior guard Tristen Newton, the cornerstone for the Huskies as they go as he goes. Averaging 15.2 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game this season, he shines brightest in the big games. Alongside Newton is senior transfer Cam Spencer from Rutgers, who's made a significant impact with 14.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, ranking fourth in all of Division I. As they say, guard play is what often propels a team to championship potential, and UConn features two of the nation's best in Spencer and Newton. Highlighting their performance this season, Spencer was recognized as the Associate Press' Newcomer of the Year, while Newton claimed AP's Big East Player of the Year award.

The talent doesn't end there. Big East Freshman of the Year and potential lottery pick Stephon Castle, alongside the Sixth Man of the Year Hasson Diarra, both played big significant roles for the Huskies. Sophomore Alex Karaban, who averaged 13.9 points per game this season, is also projected to be selected in this year's NBA draft. Add 7'2" Sophomore Donovan Clingan to the mix, otherwise known as "Cling Kong", and it goes to show the depth of talent UConn possesses, setting the stage for another potential championship run. Additionally, they are led by one of the best coaches in the country, who knows exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of college basketball success. The only thing holding them back is a tough east region that includes Iowa State, Illinois, Auburn, San Diego State, and BYU.

PICK #2: The Houston Cougars (+500 on DraftKings, +600 on FanDuel)

The Houston Cougars were the best team in the best conference this season. With eight Big 12 teams securing spots in the tournament, the Cougars showcased their dominance in a league filled with challenging opponents. Despite a surprising loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 Conference Championship, Houston concluded the season with 30 wins and only four losses, including a 15-3 record in conference play. Their roster displays abundant talent, and similarly to UConn, they have two exceptional guards leading the charge.

Jamal Shead, named both Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, emerged as one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season. Averaging 13.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game in his senior campaign, Shead's prowess was unmatched. Alongside him is senior transfer LJ Cryer from Baylor, who averaged a team-high 15.3 points per game, including 12 games with 20 points or more. With these two experienced players at the helm, the Cougars are poised for a deep tournament run.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson, with two final-four appearances under his belt, including one just three years ago, is resolute in his pursuit of a National Championship for Houston. This will be his 19th March Madness appearance, and I believe that the talent is there for him to finally get over the hump and bring home the trophy. Moreover, Houston benefits from a relatively favorable path to the Final Four compared to the other top seeds. The primary challengers in their region include an injury-plagued Marquette team, a youthful Kentucky team, and a Duke team that poses some uncertainties.

PICK #3: The Tennessee Volunteers (+1600 on DraftKings, +1700 on FanDuel)

The Volunteers possess two key elements crucial for success in March: a strong defense and a star player in Dalton Knecht. While Knecht's offensive prowess earned him the SEC Player of the Year award this season, the team's stout defense and ability to slow down their opponents played a pivotal role in clinching the SEC regular-season title. With an average of 21.1 points per game, ranking 14th in Division I, Knecht exemplifies the player with big-game potential necessary for a deep March run. His seven games of 30 points or more, including a recent 40-point performance against Kentucky, highlights his ability to break out offensively.

The Volunteers have a highly favorable path to winning their region, with plenty of question marks surrounding the other top seeds. While the number one seed Purdue boasts talent, their recent track record in March makes them hard to trust. Creighton, seeded third, is likely their biggest concern, yet their inconsistency throughout the regular season raises doubts. To round out the top five seeds, you have an injury-plagued Kansas team and a Gonzaga team that is not nearly as talented as in previous years, and they face a 30-win McNeese team that could present a challenge.

PICK #4: The Iowa State Cyclones (+2000 on both DraftKings and FanDuel)

This is my top bet heading into March Madness. The Cyclones may not have flashy big-name players like UConn or Houston, but they just continue to win games at a high level. Heading into the tournament, they are playing their best basketball of the season, highlighted by a statement win against Houston in the Big 12 Championship, 69-41. Their confidence is soaring, and despite facing a tough region in the bracket, I firmly believe they have what it takes to defy the odds and win a national championship.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships. Iowa State boasts the number one rated defense, according to KenPom, forcing opponents to work tirelessly for every basket. Offensively, they're not reliant on just one star player; instead, they distribute the ball effectively, with multiple contributors on any given day. When I watch them play, they exude a sense of cohesion and understanding of what works best for them. Their defensive prowess, coupled with unselfish play on offense, is a winning basketball formula. Additionally, their defensive strengths play in their favor against predominantly offensive-minded teams on their side of the region, such as BYU, Illinois, and potentially UConn in the Elite Eight, who haven't faced a defense nearly as formidable as the Cyclones'.

I believe that the Cyclones' head coach, TJ Otzelberger, is one of the more underrated coaches in the country. With a notable track record of success in his young head coaching career, Otzelberger is primed to ascend to household name status soon. While the Cyclones face a challenging road ahead, sticking to their recent form will pave the way for success.

PICK #5: The Baylor Bears (+3000 on DraftKings, +3500 on FanDuel)

Baylor isn't exactly hogging the spotlight as we head into the tournament, and that might suit head coach Scott Drew just fine. Sure, they'd had their ups and downs this season, but don't write off the Bears just yet. Remember, this is a team that kicked off the season with a stellar 14-2 record. They've got the talent and the coaching prowess to go toe-to-toe with anyone; they just need to put it all together at the right time. Luckily, their early matchups could provide the perfect opportunity to regain their rhythm.

In the first round, they'll be facing the 14th-seeded Colgate Raiders. Now, Colgate's been to the big dance for the past three seasons, but they've yet to notch a win, sitting at an uninspiring 0-6 overall. If Baylor can get past the Raiders, their next opponents will either be sixth-seeded Clemson or eleventh-seeded New Mexico. Clemson started strong this season but stumbled into the tournament playing their worst basketball yet, while New Mexico wasn't even going to make the big dance had they not won the Mountain West tournament. Famous last words, but neither team really scares me that much if I'm Baylor. If they can chalk up a couple of victories and rediscover their confidence, there's no telling how far the Bears could go.

Taking a closer look at their roster, it's evident that Baylor's guards are top-notch, per usual. Freshman sensation Ja'Kobe Walter is a potential lottery pick, after averaging 14.2 points per game this season. Senior guard RayJ Dennis, a transfer from Toledo, is an outstanding facilitator as well as a scorer when he needs to be, averaging 13.3 points per game and 6.8 assists. Then there's senior forward Jalen Bridges, a threat from beyond the arc, shooting 40 percent from three-point land this season. Another key piece is 7-foot freshman center Yves Missi, who's turning heads as a potential NBA prospect in the making. The talent is undeniable; now it's just a matter of bringing it all together when it counts the most.

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