The 2015 March Madness tournament is right around the corner and today officially marks the start of championship week where each team will compete in their conference tournaments. Throughout this article this writer will take you through the top contenders and top pretenders list.
#3 Contender Virginia Cavaliers: The Cavs had a stellar regular season being the outright ACC champions. Led by their junior guard Malcolm Brogdon who averaged 32.3 minutes per game, if he doesn’t have a good game, Virginia won’t have a good game. Overall the team shoots at a .463 team field goal percentage which is 56th in the nation, another huge part in the success of Virginia. If the Cavaliers can remain as hot as they were in the regular season, look for them to make it to at least the Elite 8.
#2 Contender Duke Blue Devils: Led by their freshman starters, the Duke Blue Devils come into championship weekend ranked 3rd and coming off a huge win against rival North Carolina. Obviously all eyes are on freshman Jahlil Okafor projected to be this year’s #1 NBA Draft Pick. The young man averages 17.6 PPG and 9.2 RPG, which are stats out of this world considering he’s only a freshman. Should Duke make a run for the title it will be behind great shooting and getting out in front early, the Blue Devils average 81.3 Points per Game, which is third in the nation. If everything is clicking for Coach K and his boys, Duke should make it to at least the Final Four.
#1 Contender Kentucky Wildcats: This should come as no surprise to anyone as Kentucky finished the regular season #1 and undefeated. The Wildcats played amazing defense in a week SEC conference but even did it against premier shooting teams like North Carolina, Kansas, Texas, and Louisville. Kentucky is 3rd in the nation in points allowed per game with 53.4 and is 2nd in blocks with 6.9 per game. There are 4 wildcats who constantly grab at least 5 rebounds per game. If Kentucky continues to bully teams defensively they should make it to at least the Final 4.
#3 Pretender Wichita St: Only playing one AP top 25 team, the Shockers are easily no match for any team outside of the Missouri Valley Conference. With only average numbers on offense the Shockers are 114th in the nation in points per game and 109th in rebounds per game. Overall the Shockers have had another successful regular season but come the tournament they aren’t a real threat. Wichita State should at most make it to the Elite 8.
#2 Pretender Kansas Jayhawks: To many the Kansas Jayhawks are probably the most consistent tournament team every year making it to at least the sweet 16. This year the Jayhawks will do just that, Sweet 16 max. Losing to almost every one of their ranked opponents the Jayhawks struggle boxing out and cutting down on unforced turnovers. Another huge loss against Temple by 25 shows the Jayhawks are either ice cold or hot.
#1 Pretender Gonzaga Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are the top pretender because in their regular season they only played 1 ranked opponent and lost. The Bulldogs have little to no experience coming into the tournament and will struggle against top of the line teams. They only had two losses the entire season which is impressive but one came from powerhouse Arizona and the other, BYU. The Bulldogs are 100% Pretender and will be lucky to make it past the sweet 16