1. Duke Blue Devils
Even after a narrow escape from UCF, the Zion, RJ, and Cam trio remains on top. With a defender like Tre Jones at the point, and Javin down low doing a decent job replacing the injured star center Marques Bolden, the Blue Devils reign supreme.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels boast one of the best freshmen scorers in the nation in Coby White as well as an athletic freak Nassir Little. Luke Maye destroyed the Washington Huskies' defense with his vision and shooting abilities.
3. Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs absolutely ripped the Baylor Bears apart. Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke form the best big man duo in the NCAA and are leading this team to what could be an elite eight berth.
4. Virginia Cavaliers
This Cavaliers team has its ups and downs, but the squad as a whole knows how to find open looks and knock down shots.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky has one of the best defenses left in the tournament, but their offense remains in question. PJ Washington's status is such a major factor in whether this team could go all the way.
6. Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State's depth is what has pushed them this far in the tournament. Despite Cassius Winston playing out of his mind, the rest of the team has stepped up and gotten the job done.
7. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee's combo of Admiral Schofield and Grant Williams will help this offensively loaded Tennessee squad to get the ball in the basket repeatedly. If the Vols can get boards and start to clamp down on other teams, the sky's the limit.
8. Houston Cougars
One of the most underrated teams left in the tournament, the University of Houston men's basketball program has burst onto the scene this year. This team is talented and works hard. Quite the combination for a sweet 16 team.
9. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan's defense is what has propelled them this far in the tournament. While the team lacks the big names that schools like Duke, North Carolina, and Gonzaga all boast, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis lead this team offensively, and they will need to make a splash if this team wants to make a push for the title.
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is another school which boasts top-notch defense. In fact, they are the best defensive team left in the tournament. Jarrett Culver is really the Red Raiders entire offense. He leads the team in points (18.7), rebounds (6.3), and assists (3.7).
11. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State might be ranked too low here, but their ability to repeatedly turn the ball over makes them settle in at 11. However, their size and length ensure that they will not get beat on the boards which can make a huge impact, especially on the offensive end.
12. Louisiana State Tigers
Tremont Waters has used this season and this tournament to showcase his skills. He has proven that he is a phenomenal player, and he can make spectacular plays. If their is an issue with this LSU team, it is bouncing back after they lost their head coach Will Wade to a big NCAA scandal.
13. Auburn Tigers
This Auburn team is a classic run-and-gun squad. They will get after you defensively and force you to make quick, smart decisions with the ball. Then, after forcing a turnover or getting a rebound, they will push the floor and penetrate and kick. This team loves to shoot the deep ball. If they're feeling it, Auburn can beat any team in the NCAA.
14. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue has had a very good year with Carsen Edwards leading the charge. They've taken down Michigan State and Villanova this year. The question is do they have enough firepower on both ends to get the job done once more.
15. Oregon Ducks
Imagine if the Ducks still had Bol Bol. They could be serious title contenders right now. Unfortunately for Ducks faithful, Bol is done for the year with injury. However, Peyton Pritchard has done a phenomenal job stepping up on the offensive end and leading this team with his scoring and passing. Kenny Wooten has been an absolute force down low.
16. Virginia Tech Hokies
The combination of Justin Robinson and Kerry Blackshear Jr. is lethal, and the other teams left have a right to fear the Hokies. As a team, Virginia Tech shoots the 3-ball extremely well, but I think if VT has any hope at advancing towards that national championship, they're going to have to some big performances out of their two stars.
