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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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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Sagaba Konate #50 of the West Virginia Mountaineers dunks the ball during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Sagaba Konate #50 of the West Virginia Mountaineers dunks the ball during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

7. West Virginia Mountaineers

Highest program finish: National Championship game in 1959

Bob Huggins has taken the team to three Sweet Sixteen appearances in four years and could make it another trip based on the returning talent. The top two scorers are gone yet five more key players will return, including one of the best set of frontcourt players.

Why West Virginia can win it all

It’s not just that there are players returning for the Mountaineers, it’s the potential that could make them become superstars. Sagaba Konate was second in the country in total blocks with 112, with an improving offensive game. Esa Ahmad has the ability to be an excellent offensive player, while James Bolden and Lamont West will be tasked with upping their production on both ends of the court.

Why West Virginia can’t win it all

Next season for this team will depend on whether or not they can replace Jevon Carter, the four-year point guard leader for the Mountaineers. He was the face of “Press Virginia” and a three-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. There isn’t a clear-cut replacement for him at that position, which will have a tremendous impact on offense and defense. The team is set everywhere else, but point guard is even more important at West Virginia.

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