The 2025 NCAA Tournament is upon us, and the race to cut down the nets in April is heating up. With a rich history of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories, March Madness never fails to deliver drama.
This year, several teams are making a strong case for why they can win it all. From the powerhouse Blue Devils to the surging Gators, let’s dive into the top contenders and what makes them standout candidates for the championship.
Duke Blue Devils: The Complete Package
The Duke Blue Devils have been a dominant force this season. They’ve only lost once since Thanksgiving and are riding an 11-game winning streak into the tournament.
They are the only team in college basketball with a top-five adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency ranking, according to KenPom. This balance makes them a formidable opponent on both ends of the court.
Offensive and Defensive Prowess
Offensively, Duke is a well-rounded team, ranking in the top-10 in 2-point percentage and top-20 in both 3-point and free-throw percentage.
Key players like Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, Sion James, and Isaiah Evans shoot better than 38 percent from deep. Additionally, 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach boasts the best offensive rating of any player in the tournament.
Defensively, Duke’s height is a significant advantage, with every rotation player standing at least 6 feet 5 inches tall. Their defense is anchored by Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward who ensures the ACC champions have the best player on the court every game.
Concerns
The primary concern for Duke is health. Both Flagg and Maliq Brown, Duke’s most versatile defender, suffered injuries in the ACC tournament opener.
While Flagg’s sprained ankle seems manageable, Brown’s shoulder sprain could sideline him until the Final Four.
Florida Gators: The Hottest Team in the Country
The Florida Gators have been on a tear, winning six straight games against Top 25 teams to clinch the SEC tournament title and earn a No. 1 seed. Their recent performance has been fueled by the nation’s most efficient offense, making them a dangerous team in the tournament.
Elite Offense and Defense
Florida’s offense is led by a stellar three-guard lineup featuring Will Richard, Alijah Martin, and Walter Clayton Jr., a first-team All-American.
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Clayton Jr. has been particularly impressive, averaging 19.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in March while shooting 41.5 percent from 3-point range.
On the defensive end, the Gators are top-10 in opposing 3-point percentage and top-15 in 2-point defense. Their ability to secure offensive rebounds and score second-chance points makes them a well-rounded team.
Concerns
Florida faces off-court distractions, including a Title IX investigation into head coach Todd Golden, which could impact the team’s focus.
Additionally, Golden has never won an NCAA Tournament game as a head coach, raising questions about his ability to lead the Gators deep into the tournament. Basketball-wise, their free-throw shooting is a concern, ranking outside the top 200 nationally.
Houston Cougars: The Stalwart
Houston enters the tournament with the longest high-major winning streak and a third consecutive No. 1 seed. Kelvin Sampson’s team is known for its staunch defense, but this year, they also boast the best 3-point shooting percentage among all NCAA Tournament teams.
Defensive Strength and Shooting Prowess
Houston ranks second nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, holding opponents to just 58.5 points per game. Offensively, they shoot 39.8 percent from beyond the arc, with three players — Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and L.J. Cryer — shooting above 42 percent from deep.
The Cougars also excel in offensive rebounding, ranking top-15 nationally, which complements their shooting prowess and defensive tenacity.
Concerns
Houston’s primary concern is frontcourt depth, especially if leading rebounder J’Wan Roberts isn’t fully healthy. The team’s tendency to over-foul could also pose problems against longer teams.
Auburn Tigers: The Resilient Contender
Auburn has had an impressive season, winning the SEC regular-season title by multiple games. They rank second nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 12th in adjusted defensive efficiency, making them one of the most balanced teams in the tournament.
Offensive Firepower
Johni Broome is the focal point of Auburn’s offense, averaging 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The Tigers also have a strong supporting cast, with four players shooting above 37.5 percent from 3-point range.
Head coach Bruce Pearl’s experience, including a previous Final Four appearance, adds to their credentials.
Concerns
Defensively, Auburn has struggled since Jones injured his ankle, ranking 54th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The grind of the SEC season may be catching up to them, and Chad Baker-Mazara’s unpredictability is another concern.
Tennessee Volunteers: The Defensive Juggernaut
Tennessee boasts a top-three defense in adjusted efficiency and is led by Hall of Fame coach Rick Barnes. They allow just 63 points per game, the 11th-fewest in Division I, and have a physical defense that can stifle opponents.
Offensive Potential
Perimeter scorers Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier have the potential to go off any given night. Jordan Gainey’s emergence as a consistent scorer adds another dimension to their offense.
Concerns
Tennessee’s offense lags behind its defense, and they can experience periods of stagnation. The physicality of their defense could also lead to foul trouble, which would be detrimental in a single-elimination tournament.
Alabama Crimson Tide: The Fast-Paced Offense
Alabama is known for its fast-paced offense, ranking fourth nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. They are the second-best 2-point shooting team in the tournament and excel in free-throw rate.
Depth and Versatility
First-team All-American Mark Sears leads a deep roster where ten players average at least 15 minutes per game. This depth allows head coach Nate Oats to ride the hot hand and adjust strategies as needed.
Concerns
Grant Nelson’s knee injury is a significant concern, as he is Alabama’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Additionally, their defense has allowed 90 points or more in five of their past nine games, and Oats’ late-game coaching has come into question.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: The Dark Horse
Texas Tech has been one of the best teams in the country since February, according to Bart Torvik. They have a strong resume, including a one-point overtime victory on the road against Houston.
Strengths
All-American JT Toppin has been sensational, averaging 23.4 points and 10.5 rebounds over the team’s past 11 games. The Red Raiders’ resilience and ability to win tough games make them a team to watch.
Concerns
The primary concern for Texas Tech is the health of key players Darrion Williams and Chance McMillian, who missed the Big 12 tournament loss to Arizona. Their defense also needs to step up to make a deep run.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable event. With several teams making strong cases for the championship, it’s anyone’s guess who will be cutting down the nets in April.
Whether it’s Duke’s balanced attack, Florida’s offensive firepower, or Houston’s defensive tenacity, each team has unique strengths and potential weaknesses. For more detailed analysis and up-to-date coverage, visit The Athletic’s live coverage of 2025 Men’s March Madness.
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