Tuesday, March 12th marks the opening round of the 2019 Men’s College Basketball Championship. Otherwise known as March Madness. Like every year there are surprises. Last season, for example, Virginia lost in the first round to Wofford. This season the Cavaliers are ranked number one and hope to redeem themselves this season. In this post, we will examine the final eight team in this year’s tournament.
Sizing Up the 2019 Men’s March Madness Contenders
No. Eight Tennessee; The Volunteers have been one of the most surprising teams this season. Coming on strong the past two weeks they find themselves a number 2 seed in the East
The strengths of the Volunteers is their experience. The starters are mostly all upperclassman led by junior guard Admiral Schofield. Schofield’s strengths are his defense and three _point shooting. Other players to watch are Grant Williams, Jordan Bove, and Lamont Turner. Defensively and rebounding wise the Volunteers are one of the best in the country in these categories.
No.7 Virginia; Learning from experience may be the theme of this year’s Cavalier squad. Last season, the Cavaliers were out in the first round by Wofford after finishing 2018 at number one.
If the Cavaliers are going to make a statement, it will have to be done with their defense. Overall, the team was number one on defense give up 54 points per game. With a deep shooting group of De”Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy, and Ty Jerome are one of the best three _point shooting groups in the nation. If the Cavaliers can hit the three_ pointer consistently, they will be in the fight.
No 6 Wisconsin: The Badgers have a history of getting out in front of the tournament early but fall to the stronger teams. This year’s team had a successful season finishing 21-9. Wisconsin is led by one of the best big men in the country in Ethan Happ. Another strong characteristic is their three_ point shooting.
Guards Brad Davison, Nate Reuvers, Brevin Prezi, and Tal Strickland are the best three_ point shooting group in the Tournament.
No 6 Texas Tech; Texas Tech 26-5 is another team that jumps out early and loses in the mid_ round. Outside of Guards Matt Mooney,Jarrett Clarke, Davide Marretti, Texas Tech will not make to much noise.
No. 5 Kansas State; Kansas State finished up the regular season with an impressive 69-58- win over Oklahoma St. Some argue that Oklahoma is the better team but the fact is Kansas State finished the year with a win.
A solid defensive team Kansas State is led by a strong group of Kamu Stoker, Xavier Speed, and Barry Brown. This team had a successful campaign finishing 14-4 in the competitive Big Ten.
No. 4 North Carolina; The Tar Heels finished the regular season at 25-5. Unlike, other team’s North Carolina is in it until the end. This season will be no exception. A young group led by guard Cameron Johnson, Colby White, and Luke Maye. Do not be surprised if they make it to the championship.
No 3 Kentucky; Despite an up and down season the Wildcats finished 26-5 and are a number one seed going into the tournament. One of the youngest team’s in the country we will see how serious they are.
No.2 Gonzaga; Like, every season the Zags are always in the competition. The29-2 Zags are a real threat to win the whole tournament This year the club is led by Rul Hachimura and his 46%three point shooting. Guards Brandon Clarke and Josh Perkins are outstanding shooters.
No 1 Duke; Even if All American Zion Williamson does not return because injury, they are loaded. The Blue Devils have one of the most talented backcourts in the nation in Tre’ Jones, RJ Barrett, Cameron Reddish, and Marques Bolden. Look for Duke to be National Champions for 2019.