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NCAA Tournament 2023: 5 teams with most pressure to make a Final 4 run

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 25, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) drives to the basket during the first half against Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Furst (1) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) drives to the basket during the first half against Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Furst (1) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Tournament
NCAA Tournament Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats talks with forward Brandon Miller Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

With the four “play in” games out of the way, we’re now down to 64 teams in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. That includes a number of big-time programs looking to win either another national championship or even their first.

That creates a lot of pressure for certain teams, with some having expectations to make at least a Final Four run. Some programs have generational talent that doesn’t come by that often, while others are needing to take advantage of senior-laden rosters.

While all teams hope to make a Final Four appearance, there are some that have to this season. Here are the five clear candidates that fit that description, along with a few honorable mentions.

Honorable Mention: Alabama Crimson Tide

Being the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament is automatically going to bring pressure. Plus, having an All-American and easily the best freshman in the country in Brandon Miller also gives you a prime opportunity to make some noise. Alabama has yet to make a Final Four in program history and this is its best chance to do it. Still, Coach Nate Oats has built a juggernaut so it won’t be their last.

HM: Memphis Tigers

As an 8 seed, there isn’t a ton of pressure really. But the path for the Tigers to make a run is there. They have a mid-major in Florida Atlantic up first followed by the most vulnerable 1 seed out there, Purdue. With seniors Kendric Davis and Deandre Williams on the roster, combined with the AAC getting weaker in the future (which could affect their ability to get good seeds), they’ll need to find a way to beat the Boilermakers and make a run.

HM: Indiana Hoosiers

The 4-seed Hoosiers have to find a way to not waste the final year of All-American big man Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has played like a top-3 player in the country. Freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino is also likely leaving after this year as well. Coach Mike Woodson has the chance to get to the second weekend for Indiana for the first time in nearly a decade but admittedly, they’ll have to likely get past Houston in the Sweet 16 in order to make a deep run.

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