NCAA Tournament 2023: Top 10 most likely 1st round upsets to happen

1. 12 Drake over 5 Miami

Coach Darian DeVries won his first MVC Tournament this season but it’s not his first rodeo, getting the Bulldogs to the Big Dance in the First Four just two seasons ago. We’re not focused on the past, though there are several playmakers still around two years later with that Tournament experience, including Roman Penn, a First Team All-MVC player who averaged 12.6 points a game this year but isn’t Drake’s top weapon.

The Bulldogs lean heavily on Tucker DeVries, the talented sophomore guard who averaged 19 points a game, made 39% of his 3-pointers, was MVC Player of the Year, and just happens to be the son of the head coach. He wasn’t around two years ago but he’s the type of talent who can ignite Drake on a run in this Tournament. Senior starters Garrett Sturtz, Darnell Brodie, and D. J. Wilkins were also on that Tournament squad; this Drake team is experienced and talented and play good defense too.

Drake drew headlines for handing Mississippi State their first loss just before Christmas and also won 13 of their last 14 games to end the regular season. This Drake team is potent and has a major advantage heading into their game against the Hurricanes. Miami looks to be without talented center Norchad Omier, who was injured during the ACC Tournament, and without whom this game looks even more winnable for the Bulldogs. If Drake can limit these talented Miami guards, then the Bulldogs can win this game and start a run of their own. After all, it was 5 years ago that Loyola-Chicago’s Final Four run began with a close win over Miami in the first round.

Do you agree with the selections we made or is there potential for another upset out there? Either way, we’re going to find out in the days to come in what should be another exciting NCAA Tournament.