There is always an aura surrounding the closing few weeks of the NCAA regular season ahead of the much anticipated March Madness tournament that is set to get underway on the 19th of March with the First Four games.
Throughout the course of the NCAA regular season there have been plenty of sublime encounters featuring some of the very best prospects in the collegiate scene as well as numerous marquee matchups that showcased several of the best programs in the game today.
There is plenty of updates and latest news to unravel surrounding some of the speculation heading into the closing weeks of the 2023/24 season as fans remain hyped of the always spectacular March Madness tournament.
These are some of the latest headlines that have dominated the NCAA basketball landscape during the finals stages of the regular campaign.
Purdue and Houston remain sleeper teams to watch out for ahead of MM
Fans are spoilt for choice when browsing for the latest college basketball news surrounding which programs are likely to emerge as the monumental favorites to win the National Championship later this year.
Many outlets have already placed their predictions in play as to which teams should be widely viewed as the best in the NCAA this season, with the Kansas Jayhawks and UConn Huskies quickly announcing themselves as the quintessential favorites for this year’s upcoming tournament.
Leading a potent Jayhawks offense is 22 year old senior SG Kevin McCullar who has enjoyed a tremendous second season with the Jayhawks after transferring from Texas Tech back in 2022.
McCullar is also flanked by 7’2 C Hunter Dickinson and PF K.J. Adams Jr. who are both averaging double figures in scoring which has allowed the Jayhawks to emerge as a front runner to claim National title glory.
Meanwhile, the UConn Huskies also possess several notable collegiate talents that has allowed the reigning National Champions to sit atop the Big East standings and as the number one ranked team in the entire NCAA.
Their most prominent talents includes 6’6 G Stephon Castle, 7’2 C Donovan Clingan, Sophomore F Alex Karaban and Senior G Cam Spencer who is currently leading the team in scoring with 15 points per game.
The Huskies remain as a major threat heading into March Madness due to their fierce interior defense as well as posing one of the best offenses with five different players averaging double digits in scoring.
Both teams will face stiff competition from the likes of the Marquette Golden Eagles, Kentucky Wildcats, Creighton Bluejays, Tennessee Volunteers, Duke Blue Devils and Baylor Bears who are within the running to compete for a championship this year.
However, many college basketball news sites and experts have pitted the Huskies and Jayhawks as the top two teams to keep an eye on throughout the tournament due to their sublime roster, championship experience and excellent play on the hardwood.
Ja’Kobe Walter and Reed Sheppard are the top two prospects heading into MM
There are many elite NCAA prospects who are viewed as likely early picks during the opening stages of the impending 2024 NBA draft, however many college fans will be quick to point out two elite stars that are expected to impress during the tournament.
Standing atop the NCAA and most mock draft picks as the top two players that are likely to feature in this year’s March Madness is Baylor SG Ja’Kobe Walter and PG Reed Sheppard from Kentucky.
Both Freshmen guards have delighted fans with their highlight plays and effortless scoring abilities that has contributed towards both programs ranking in the upper tier of lively contenders to challenge for the National Championship.
Many draft analysts and experts alike are already proclaiming that both young collegiate stars will be selected within the early stages of the first round of this year’s NBA draft should they declare, meaning NBA fans could gain an early prelude of some of the top young talents that could soon be making the bold transition to the big leagues.
Purdue and Houston remain sleeper teams to watch out for ahead of MM
While many teams do usually step up their game to another level when advancing into the playoffs, fans should not count out some of the NCAA’s best pace setters from this regular season who could prove to be a nightmare matchup for anyone at March Madness.
The Purdue Boilermakers are arguably the NCAA’s most lethal three-point shooting team as they rank fourth nationally this season at 40% average shooting compared to last season’s figures of just 32.2%.
The Houston Cougars have also proven to be a feared team at home as they are undefeated when hosting a game as well as improving in their defensive numbers.
Both squads should be considered as sleeper contenders for the national title for these factors alone as well as their placement in the power rankings, with fans already expressing their excitement surrounding the opening few contests of what is sure to be a remarkable March Madness tournament.
Go to Source
Author: Team Dunkest
February 29, 2024 | 3:00 am
