Arguably one of the best sporting events of the year is upon us. Yes, March Madness is here and this year, it is anybody’s crown to steal this year. For the first time since 2016 there is no dominant powerhouse and favorite to win the title. There are several team’s to look out for in this year’s competition. Here is an inside look into what some of those teams will bring to the table.
Maryland Terrapins
Maryland is certainly one team to look out for this year. The Terrapins, who are led by senior guard Anthony Cowan Jr., are a team who can consistently play lockdown defense, and shoot the ball lights out as they average 71.6 points per game. The Terrapins are likely going to be a two seed in the tournament. Maryland is fourth in the country when it comes to handling the basketball as they rarely turn it over. College basketball enthusiast and freshman Braden Fracassi said, “I would not be surprised if we see Maryland in the final four. They are always competing and have a veteran team.” Keep an eye out for the Terps this March.
Duke Blue Devils
Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his Blue Devils are once again in the tournament for the 25th straight season. Led by their 6’3 sophomore guard Tre Jones, the Blue Devils are hoping to come back for revenge after losing to Michigan State in the Elite 8. Duke averages 82.3 points per game, which is third in the country. Projected top 10 pick Vernon Carey is going to assist the Blue Devil’s defense throughout the tournament. Carey is leading the American Coastal Conference (ACC) in rebounds and blocks. Senior Joey Kinjorski said, “Duke is always winning the big games. Although they have encountered a few stepbacks this year, I really can’t see them losing when it comes to the final games.”
Kansas Jayhawks
Are the Jayhakws for real this year? It is never easy to predict where they will end up when the season ends, but the Jayhawks are showing true signs of life this year and they are intimidating their opponents. Sophomore guard Devon Dotson has really stepped up this season and has not taken his foot off the gas pedal. Dotson is shooting 47.2% from the field which leads all BIG 12 players. Kansas has remained the number one team for almost all of the season and are the favorite to win the tournament. Although Kansas does not always have the best reputation off the court, they really are clicking on all cylinders this year on the court.
Dayton Flyers
Nobody expected the Dayton Flyers to compete at such a high level this year, but they have shocked all the viewers. The flyers finished 29-2 and the regular season and won the Atlantic 10 conference tournament. Obi Toppin is a projected top five pick that has been leading the Flyers to a historic season. Toppin is 6’9 and is positioned at forward for the Flyers. He is averaging 19.8 points per game and 7.8 rebounds which leads all of the Atalntic 10. Although the Flyers play in a weaker conference, that does not seem to affect their everyday effort on the court. “It is great to see the Flyers making a run this year, if they keep playing at this high level I can not see a team preventing them from victory.” said Senior Brenden Lach.
March Madness certainly will not disappoint college hoops fans this years. It will be a time of thrills and tears as we will watch our favorite teams rise and fall. There is nothing better than March Madness.
Photo courtesy of usatoday.com
Lyon Life 