Every March, millions of fans fill out brackets hoping to achieve a perfect bracket. The odds of that happening? About 1 in 9.2 quintillion. While perfection is out of reach, making smarter picks can at least help you dominate your family and friends bracket competition. So when you fill out your bracket during spring break, remember to trust the numbers over the hype and this might finally be the year you beat your uncle who only picks teams based on how cool their mascot is.
The Best Player You Haven’t Heard Of Yet
Michigan is a dangerous team, and Danny Wolf is the reason why. The Yale transfer has stepped in as the Wolverines’ leader, bringing a unique skill set as a power forward who handles the ball like a guard. He is putting up Nikola Jokic-level numbers, with 12.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, showing his pro-level skill set. With Wolf bringing up the ball like a point guard and posting up defenders with his 7 foot frame, Michigan isn’t just a contender, they are on track to be a top-four seed, and he will be the main reason why they make a deep run.
Why The Favorite Is Not My Favorite
On paper, Auburn looks like the team to beat. The Tigers have racked up wins over many ranked opponents, taking down the No. 6, No. 4, No. 21, No. 13, No. 15, and No. 8 teams (at the time). They’re led by Johni Broome, the Naismith favorite, who dominates with 18.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
But here’s the problem: Auburn struggles with size and physicality in the front court. They have just two players over 6’10” which will be a major issue against teams with dominant bigs. Compare them to a true blue blood like Duke who has an average height of six feet nine inches. They will stand no chance against a team like the Blue Devils.
Let’s not forget their history of tournament heartbreaks. Last year, as a No. 4 seed, they were stunned by No. 13 Yale. The year before that, they ended their run in the second round to Houston. Auburn has the talent, but history and matchup concerns in the front court make me hesitant to trust them.
My Champion
Houston has been tested all season, but still winning games against the No. 19, No. 9, and No. 23 ranked teams at the time. But what really sets them apart from pretenders like Auburn is their dominance away from home. The Cougars are undefeated on the road, a crucial advantage in March, where every game is played on a neutral court.
While other top teams rely on a single superstar to carry them, Houston’s strength lies in their depth. They can rely on many different players to have a big night. L.J. Cryer leads the way with 14.3 points per game, but Emanuel Sharp, J’Wan Roberts, and Milos Uzan all average double digits too, making it nearly impossible for defenses to focus on one player.
With a deep roster and road-tested toughness, Houston has everything needed to win the NCAA Championship. L.J. Cryer and the Houston Cougars will rise above the chaos and win the 2024-2025 NCAA National Championship.
