Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Tournament: Ranking all 68 teams in the Big Dance

By Lukas Harkins

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: The Cameron Crazies taunt Ty Jerome #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: The Cameron Crazies taunt Ty Jerome #11 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 15
Next
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

Surprise! We’re really good.

31. VCU Rams (25-7, 16-2 A10) – No. 8 seed

One of the best defensive teams in the nation, VCU is a dangerous No. 8 seed in this tournament. Thanks to strong perimeter defenders and shot-blockers inside, the Rams do an incredible job preventing their opponents from finding any rhythm offensively. In addition to boasting top-10 marks in several key defensive stars, the Rams also force teams to spend 18.7 seconds per possession (11th-longest nationally). On the offensive end of the floor, the Rams are not tremendous but they can finish well around the basket and move the ball nicely. A healthy Marcus Evans is necessary for them to make a run.

30. Ole Miss Rebels (20-12, 10-8 SEC) – No. 8 seed

Ole Miss has massively overachieved in Year 1 under head coach Kermit Davis. After being picked to finish near the bottom of the SEC, the Rebels showed out in a big way by not only reaching the NCAA Tournament but doing so safely. One of the best free throw shooting teams in the nation, Ole Miss does a great job closing while they have the lead. They feature two terrific upperclassmen guards in Breein Tyree and Terence Davis as well to pace the squad.

29. Utah State Aggies (25-6, 15-3 MWC) – No. 8 seed

Arguably the most surprising team in the entire nation this season, Utah State put together a great year. Behind a balanced attack on both ends of the floor, the team secured a share of the MWC regular-season title and then backed that up by winning the conference tournament as well. Sam Merrill, an unsung scorer and playmaker nationally, is their star player and he will definitely cause opponents problems in the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies do a superb job on the glass as a team and their offense dishes out assists at the sixth-highest rate in the land (62.0% A/FGM).

28. Seton Hall (20-13, 9-9 BE) – No. 10 seed

Seton Hall is one of the more inconsistent teams in the field. They have gone on several long winning streaks this year but they have also gone through their ruts. With regards to the NCAA Tournament, though, Myles Powell is a player that nobody wants to see in their bracket. An electrifying guard who can score seemingly no matter the coverage, he is the guiding force of the Pirates team and he has enough talent to carry this team to at least a win or two on his own. That will be a challenge, though, as they were perhaps underseeded by a bit.

27. Wofford Terriers (29-4, 18-0 SC) – No. 7 seed

Wofford is the hottest team in the country and that has to count for something. Of course, they do not boast a ton of great wins and their SOS was not phenomenal but they have won 20 straight games. Because of this, it is relatively easy to see why the Terriers are so highly rated. Additionally, Cameron Jackson and Fletcher Magee are matchup nightmares as players who can fill up the basket quickly and consistently. They are scorching hot and therefore a very dangerous team.

26. Cincinnati Bearcats (28-6, 14-4 AAC) – No. 7 seed

After losing a ton of talent in the offseason, many expected that Cincinnati would take a significant step back. And while they might not be the No. 2 seed that they were a year ago, the Bearcats still posted a really strong record. Jarron Cumberland is the undisputed star of the team this season and his supporting cast has played quite well too. Cincinnati’s defense might not be quite as good as it has been in the past but its offense is quite strong thanks to elite-level ball security and offensive rebounding.

25. Buffalo Bulls (31-3, 16-2 MAC) – No. 6 seed

Buffalo exceeded all expectations this season en route to returning to the NCAA Tournament. With only three losses, the team was certainly deserving of a high seed and that is exactly what they got. With CJ Massinburg and Jeremy Harris leading the way, this team is not only extremely talented but also quite experienced. Head coach Nate Oats has to be happy with the way his team is playing at the moment as well. The Bulls enter the NCAA Tournament as winners of 12 straight games.

Home/March Madness