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Bracketology: Ranking the Bracket Preview teams – Duke, Gonzaga ahead

By Lukas Harkins

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 09: Cam Reddish #2, RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils hug in the second half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on February 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 09: Cam Reddish #2, RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils hug in the second half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on February 9, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 19: The Wisconsin Badgers bench celebrates. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 19: The Wisconsin Badgers bench celebrates. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

14. Wisconsin Badgers

Committee Ranking: No. 4 seed (No. 16 overall)

A quality metrics darling, Wisconsin was the last team to make the Bracket Preview as the No. 16 team. With that said, though, we have seen how dangerous they can be time and time again so far this season. The Badgers hold a ton of great wins and, while a bit inconsistent, can make a deep run. We have already seen Wisconsin rattle off win streaks of five and six so far this year as they have shown the ability to win big games repeatedly.

With Ethan Happ leading the way, the Badgers have the star power needed to make a run and their guard play is only improving as the year has moved on. Most notably, Brad Davison is playing at a really high level and he has the grit and determination needed to win games. He might be a bit polarizing as a “dirty” player but he gets the job done.

13. Iowa State Cyclones

Committee Ranking: No. 4 seed (No. 13 overall)

Iowa State may have lost its only game after the Bracket Preview but they are still a dangerous time. When completely healthy, the Cyclones are one of the favorites to win the Big 12 and quality metrics all believe that they are a better team than their seed. Iowa State is currently ranked at 12th in the nation by KenPom and that makes them a legit threat for a deep run.

They may have missed the NCAA Tournament a year ago but Iowa State had reached the Elite Eight in two of the prior four seasons. Will Steve Prohm finish what he started in 2015-16 and reach the final weekend of the Big Dance this time around? It will not be easy but the numbers say they can.

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