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NCAA Basketball: Ranking of the only 12 teams that can win a national title in 2024-25

By Tristan Freeman

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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We’re over a month into the NCAA Basketball season, and the latest AP top-25 poll has been released. This one, in particular, has a big meaning due to the history of those ranked at the top. For the last 20 seasons, only teams ranked in the top 12 of the Week 6 AP poll have won a national title.

If you’re into trends, we don’t need a bracket of 64 teams. Just 12 remain with a chance to win it all. But which of them has the best odds of being a national champion? Here’s a look at each team's biggest strengths and weaknesses at this point, ranking their odds of cutting down the final nets. 

12. Oregon Ducks - 9-1 

The Ducks started the season unranked but got on the national radar by winning the Players Era Tournament, beating San Diego State, Texas A&M, and Alabama. They’re a fairly balanced squad, led by senior big man Nathan Bittle (14.4 ppg and 9.1 rpg). Sophomore guard Jackson Sheldstad (11.3 ppg and 3.4 apg) hasn’t had the breakout season as expected but has been clutch for the team when it matters.

Oregon has had a great start, and they can win most close games, but the home loss to UCLA over the weekend is a reminder that their ceiling is fairly low compared to the top contenders in the country. This team will be a threat in the Big Ten but will they have a shot at winning it all? No.

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