Bracketology: Ranking the Bracket Preview teams

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

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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CHAPEL HILL, NC – FEBRUARY 09: Coach Williams of the Tar Heels reacts. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

8. Michigan State Spartans

Committee Ranking: No. 2 seed (No. 8 overall)

Michigan State may have dropped three games recently but nobody should count them out as a title contender. Head coach Tom Izzo has long been considered one of the best coaches when it comes to winning in March but he has not reached the second-weekend in each of the past three seasons. With this said, it is reasonable to assume that he will have the team ready to make a deep run. MSU made the Final Four in 2015 and they have that kind of potential once again.

Above all other contributors on the roster, point guard Cassius Winston is someone that no opponent will want to gameplan for in the postseason. Winston is an outstanding playmaker who also has no trouble scoring on his own. When he is at his best and Nick Ward is dominating the paint, this team is very difficult to stop. It will be difficult for them to compete for the title, though, now that Joshua Langford has been ruled out for the season.

7. North Carolina Tar Heels

Committee Ranking: No. 2 seed (No. 7 overall)

North Carolina has been feeling it as of late. Behind the stellar play of Coby White and Luke Maye, the Tar Heels have won seven consecutive games and have earned a spot near the top of the list of title contenders. They play at an incredibly fast pace and have one of the most efficient offenses in the entire nation. UNC might not attempt a ton of 3-pointers but they can definitely knock down shots from deep while also snagging their fair share of offensive rebounds.

North Carolina’s defense can be porous at times but it is important to mention that they can oftentimes simply outscore their opposition. Looking ahead, the Tar Heels still have to take on both Virginia and Duke (2x) down the stretch of this season but they should not be counted out as contenders in the ACC. Head coach Roy Williams seemingly always has his team playing at an elite level in March and we should assume they can make another deep run this time.

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