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NCAA Basketball: Evaluating “blue bloods” and “new bloods” heading into March

By Ryan Kay

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the Watsco Center on January 04, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the Watsco Center on January 04, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball Baylor Bears Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Baylor Bears Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

The New Bloods like Gonzaga, Baylor, and Villanova are thriving this season and all three have a legitimate chance of capturing an NCAA Basketball national championship in 2021. Villanova is currently ranked No. 8 and in first place in the Big East. Gonzaga is undefeated and No. 1 in the country and shows no signs of slowing down.

Baylor is doing very well as they are ranked No. 2 in the nation, first place in the Big 12, and are currently undrafted as well. Any of the three New Bloods have a good quality chance to win the national championship this season.

The Blue Bloods programs have had more adversity and obstacles this season. Some would argue that they were in disarray like Michigan State who struggled mightily in early Big Ten play. Another blue blood program Duke had lost six out of eight games in ACC play at one point this season. Kentucky a very well know blue blood struggled mightily, starting this season 1-6.

Another Blue Blood program was not in dire shape as the three mentioned above but  North Carolina struggled early this season going only 5-4 and struggling against ranked competition.  However, things are starting to look up for the Blue Bloods as of late.

Before an in-depth discussion begins about the possibilities of it not being a guarantee that one of New Bloods wins the NCAA tournament this season or that it is not a forgone conclusion that a Blue Blood program can’t qualify and make a run in the NCAA tournament this season, there are other teams in the mix.

There are schools that are playing very well that don’t necessarily fit the mold of a New or Blue Blood program. Teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Illinois who are currently ranked No. 3, 4, and 5 nationally have a legit opportunity to contend for a national championship in 2021.

Other programs playing well like Oklahoma and West Virginia have an outside shot as well as both teams are currently ranked in the top 10. However, let’s focus and take a look at the New and Blue Blood programs.

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