The Most Anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Predictions

The eagerly awaited men’s college basketball season is just a few days away, but that doesn’t stop us from making our championship predictions for the Final Four in early April. Our esteemed senior basketball writers, Seth Davis and Jeff Goodman, have carefully selected the teams they believe will make it to the Arizona desert and emerge as the winners of it all.

Jeff Goodman’s Final Four

Duke

The Duke Blue Devils possess all the necessary ingredients for success: experience, talent, balance, shooting prowess, quality point guard play, and ample size. With legitimate All-American candidates Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor returning, along with the experienced Jeremy Roach and reserve big man Ryan Young, Duke has a strong foundation. Additionally, the team’s talented freshmen class, consisting of four top-50 players, ensures that coach Jon Scheyer has all the tools he needs at his disposal. Maintaining Filipowski’s health will be crucial for their success.

Michigan State

When veteran perimeter players under the guidance of Coach Tom Izzo showcase their talent and continuity, they become a formidable threat to the rest of the country. Tyson Walker emerged as a go-to player last season, and the addition of tough freshman point guard Jeremy Fears gives Izzo the option to sit A.J. Hoggard if needed. The healthy return of Jaden Akins, coupled with Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, and talented freshman Xavier Booker in the middle, ensures a solid lineup for the Spartans.

Villanova

While Jay Wright may not be coaching the team anymore, envisioning him leading this group brings about exciting possibilities. Given the team’s talent, it would not be surprising if many had picked Villanova as Final Four contenders. The Wildcats welcome back a healthy Justin Moore and veteran big man Eric Dixon, while adding three productive veteran transfers in TJ Bamba, Tyler Burton, and Hakim Hart. The key to their success may lie in Mark Armstrong establishing himself as a reliable point guard, which would allow Moore to focus on scoring.

Saint Mary’s

Under the leadership of Randy Bennett, Saint Mary’s brings a formidable backcourt of Aidan Mahaney and Augustus Marciolionis, supported by veterans Alex Ducas and Mitchell Saxen in the frontcourt. Mahaney had an impressive freshman campaign, and Marciolionis is poised for a breakout year. Saxen, who averaged 11.6 points and 7.6 rebounds last season, and Ducas, an experienced stretch forward, provide valuable depth. The supporting cast will play a pivotal role, but with their experience, this group has the potential to secure victory in the WCC.

National Champion

In my view, Duke will emerge victorious in Scheyer’s second season as head coach. Proctor is set to become one of the best all-around players in the country, Filipowski presents a tough matchup, and the Blue Devils have a well-rounded roster with few weaknesses. Even on off-nights, they have enough depth to compensate, making them a potent force to be reckoned with.

Seth Davis’s Final Four

Kansas

If it weren’t for Bill Self’s heart issue that kept him from coaching in the postseason, we might be discussing the possibility of the Jayhawks repeating as NCAA champions. While they couldn’t claim the trophy, Self did secure two significant wins during the offseason by acquiring Hunter Dickinson and retaining Kevin McCullar Jr., who is an exceptional glue player. Dajuan Harris adds an astute presence at point guard, and Nick Timberlake, a sharp-shooting transfer, bolsters their lineup. With this combination of talent, Kansas is poised to end their season in Phoenix. The long-standing NCAA infractions case no longer haunts Self and the team, allowing them to approach the business with a free spirit, which spells trouble for the Big 12 and beyond.

Duke

Jon Scheyer’s recruiting has rightly attracted much attention, but let’s not forget that Duke also boasts a seasoned core and valuable reserve in Ryan Young. While many top players withdrew from the NBA draft due to lower chances of being picked, Kyle Filipowski turned down the opportunity to be a first-rounder, demonstrating his commitment to the team. With the exceptional Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor forming one of the country’s best backcourt tandems, Scheyer’s top-ranked recruiting class won’t have to carry the load initially. This blend of talent and experience bodes well for Duke.

Michigan State

When it’s March, you can count on Tom Izzo to deliver. Like Duke, the Spartans possess a fantastic mix of young talent and seasoned players. Jaden Akins, now healthy, promises an exciting performance, while Tyson Walker provides experienced leadership at the point. Mady Sissoko is a reliable big man, and the freshmen will eventually step up, contributing major minutes to the team’s success. Expect plenty of highlights from Coen Carr on your social media feeds!

Tennessee

Perhaps my assessment is influenced by Tennessee’s impressive win against Michigan State, but they truly looked like a Final Four contender. Despite missing their starting backcourt of Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi, the team showcased their potential. Dalton Knecht, known for his scoring prowess at Northern Colorado, demonstrated his ability to be a high-scoring force in the SEC. While Rick Barnes’ teams are known for their solid defense and offensive struggles, this Tennessee squad is capable of putting up big numbers. Barnes hasn’t reached the Final Four since 2003 with Texas, but after 21 years, he may make a triumphant return.

National Champion

My pick for the national champion is Duke. Unfortunately, with both Goodman and I selecting them, the Blue Devils’ championship hopes are now officially extinguished. However, as I mentioned earlier, no team in the country matches the combination of talent and experience possessed by Duke. Although Scheyer is only 36 and his coaching career is just beginning, he has already demonstrated wisdom beyond his years. I’m not suggesting he will surpass Coach K’s five championships, but he is well-positioned to secure his first title this season.

Reference