Every year, the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament brings unexpected surprises and thrilling underdog stories. Teams that were previously overlooked often rise to the occasion, smashing brackets and capturing the hearts of fans.
In this blog post, we will delve into five under-the-radar teams that could make a significant impact in this year’s tournament.
Whether you’re betting on futures from FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds or filling out your bracket pools, identifying these sleeper teams could be your key to success.
Gonzaga Bulldogs: A Serious Contender
One of the most talked-about teams on this list, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, are poised to make a serious run in the tournament.
Despite being underseeded, the Bulldogs rank ninth overall in KenPom. They are a popular pick to win a couple of games, with odds of +300 to reach the regional finals (final 16).
Gonzaga has fallen into a region with top defensive teams, including No. 1 Houston, No. 2 Tennessee, and No. 5 Clemson. However, the Bulldogs’ offensive prowess cannot be overlooked.
Key Strengths
Gonzaga boasts the following strengths:
- 9th in adjusted offensive efficiency
- 87th percentile for the quickest adjusted tempos
- Top 21 in KenPom’s offensive efficiency
- Top 31 in defensive efficiency
- Top 12 of Week 6’s AP Poll
These metrics indicate that Gonzaga meets several national title criteria, making them a formidable opponent.
BYU Cougars: A Scary Team
The BYU Cougars are another team that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Sitting eighth in adjusted offense at Bart Torvik since February, BYU is a team that lets it fly from three and has won 9 of its past 10 games. They are more than capable of reaching a regional final, listed at +590 odds.
Matchup Highlights
In the first round of the East region, BYU will face VCU, another underrated team. This matchup is highlighted in the best bets and player props for VCU vs. BYU. If the Rams fall short, BYU is well-positioned to make a deep run.
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Kansas Jayhawks: Preseason Favorites
Kansas was the No. 1 ranked team in the preseason AP Poll and spent five weeks as the nation’s top team.
The Jayhawks have the talent, with Hunter Dickinson being the 12th-most valuable player in the nation according to EvanMiya.
Kansas has a favorable path in the tournament, facing a beat-up Arkansas squad in the first round, likely without its leading scorer Adou Thiero (15.6 PPG).
Path to Success
Considering the preseason expectations and a favorable path, a regional semifinals appearance shouldn’t be overlooked. The Jayhawks are on the opposite end of the 0-37 stat for top-two seeds that began the season unranked and failed to reach the national semifinals.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Not Playing Like an 11 Seed
North Carolina has been impressive since February 15, ranking 12th in Bart Torvik and boasting the 8th-best adjusted offensive efficiency during this span.
The Tar Heels are 9-2 over their last 11 games, with both losses coming against Duke. In those nine wins, they have an average score margin of +18.1 points per game.
Potential Matchups
North Carolina is favored over Ole Miss in the first round and carries +300 odds to make the regional semifinals.
A second-round matchup would likely be against Iowa State, which will be without a key player in Keshon Gilbert. If the Tar Heels take out the Cyclones, they could face Michigan State, a team they are well-equipped to defeat.
Maryland Terrapins: Balanced and Dangerous
Maryland is a balanced team with five scorers averaging over 12.0 PPG. They rank 11th overall in KenPom, 28th in adjusted offensive efficiency, and 6th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Terrapins have a strong frontcourt led by Derik Queen (16.3 PPG) and Julian Reese (13.1 PPG), both of whom are outstanding on defense.
Defensive Prowess
Since February 17, Bart Torvik ranks Maryland as the ninth-best team with the top adjusted defensive efficiency.
A potential regional semifinals matchup with Florida could be challenging, but the Terrapins have the capability to keep it close.
A national semifinal appearance is certainly within the realm of possibility.
For more insights and detailed analysis, check out the full article on FanDuel’s research page.
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Remember, the advice provided does not guarantee a successful outcome, so use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.
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