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NCAA Basketball: 10 teams most likely to win their first National Championship in 2019

By Tristan Freeman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 31: Devon Hall #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers goes to the basket during Virginia's game againt the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena on December 31, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - DECEMBER 31: Devon Hall #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers goes to the basket during Virginia's game againt the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena on December 31, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 10: Tournament MVP Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates with teammates after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 71-63 during the championship game of the 2018 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 10: Tournament MVP Kyle Guy #5 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates with teammates after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 71-63 during the championship game of the 2018 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. Virginia Cavaliers

Highest program finish: Final Four in 1981 and 1984

If we can somehow forget the UMBC debacle for a minute, the Cavaliers had an incredible 2017-18 season. They had 31 wins while dominating an ACC that had both Duke and North Carolina in it. They bring back three of their four leading scorers, including junior guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome. That historically good defense will be around as well, as long as head coach Tony Bennett is still around.

Why Virginia can win it all

The No. 1 defense will take a hit with both Devon Hall and Isaiah Wilkins both graduating. But that statement has probably been said every season after players leave the program. It’s safe to assume that the new rotation players will fill in as great defenders under Bennett. The key will be the offense, which should get better with De’Andre Hunter returning for his sophomore season. The 6’7 forward averaged 9.7 ppg off the bench and that number could balloon as he becomes more of a focal point.

Why Virginia can’t win it all

Even before that first round game, there were many (including myself) that were concerned about how the Cavaliers’ slow-paced offense will work in the NCAA Tournament. If an opponent gets hot, Virginia can lose which ultimately happened. Will this team be haunted by that historical loss? Or can they rebound to give Bennett that elusive Final Four? Until then, skepticism remains.

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