NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking all remaining Sweet 16 teams

Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs bench players including center Efton Reid III (15) and guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrate with forward Anton Watson (22) during the first half against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Tournament Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kansas State Wildcats – 25-9 (11-7 Big 12)

Wins over Montana State and Kentucky

First-year head coach Jerome Tang has done one of the best jobs in all of college basketball, taking the Wildcats from the bottom of the Big 12 to one of the final 16 teams left to play for a national title. They have arguably the best duo in the NCAA Tournament as well, led by veterans, Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell.

They shined in the first-round matchup against Montana State, with Johnson leading the team with 18 points, while Nowell went for 17 points and 14 assists, a high so far for this NCAA Tournament. They got some help in the 77-65 victory, as Nae’Quan Tomlin and David N’Guessan each were in double figures as well.

The big game was against Kentucky, which turned into an instant thriller toward the end. The Wildcats looked to be in control at multiple points towards the end until some incredible shot-making by Nowell kept the team in it before eventually taking over for the 75-69 win Nowell finished with 27 points and nine assists in one of the top individual performances in this event.

The next opponent for Coach Tang is an all-time great in Tom Izzo and Michigan State, coming off an upset over Kentucky. They’ve far surpassed any and all preseason expectations and the win over the Wildcats validated their ability to make noise in this tournament. And honestly, they’re the most talented team left in the East Region too.

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