NCAA Tournament 2019: Reranking the teams remaining in the Sweet 16

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Brandon Clarke #15 and the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after their win against the Baylor Bears in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 23: Michigan Wolverines celebrate. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Michigan Wolverines

Results: Wins over Montana (74-55) and Florida (64-49)

Another well-rounded team, Michigan can win with either its offense or its defense. With regards to filling up the scoring column, the Wolverines can rely on a balanced attack to step up just about every single night. There might not be any offensive superstars on the roster but everyone in the rotation knows their role and can step up when it matters most. Perhaps above all others, though, underclassmen Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis can fill it up.

But it would also be a mistake to ignore the incredible upperclassmen leaders on the roster in Zavier Simpson and Charles Matthews. Both of these players are vital to the team’s success on both ends of the floor as strong individual defenders and scorers that function extremely well within the team dynamic. And while I could go on and on about detailing this roster, I think the teamwork of this unit is the most important reason for their success. Regardless of the situation, the team chemistry of the Wolverines is seemingly unwavering and that makes them dangerous.

Michigan has also been one of the few teams that has not struggled yet in the NCAA Tournament. They quickly dispatched both of their opponents in the opening weekend and seem to be completely locked in. Head coach John Beilein seems to always have his team ready to go for the Big Dance and that is clearly the case once again. Michigan was one win away from cutting down the nets a year ago. Could they take the title this time around?

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