Top 10 College Basketball National Championship Picks for 2017-18
It's college basketball time once again, which means March will be here before we know it, and a champion will be crowned. Here's who I'm picking, which is different from ESPN in case you're wondering about that. These teams are just my predictions. Also, keep in mind that it's November, so expect this to be way off in March.
The obvious favorite of the two teams left. If they shoot like they did against Kansas, then you can start making those championship shirts now because this game is over. But I'm expecting a worse shooting day for Nova, so it should be close.
February Update: I still agree here. They will likely be a #1-#2 seed. They could absolutely win it all.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, the Blue Devils are part of the ACC. They are renowned for their men's basketball program, which has won multiple NCAA championships. Their team colors are Duke blue and white. February Update: This team is likely second in the ACC, but I think they can beat anyone in the tournament. I still think they are a good pick.
Duke is loaded with talent, including Trevon Duval, with a returning, more mature Grayson Allen led by Coach K. And they look poised for a championship run.
Welp, not anymore. I guess Grayson Allen's team got tripped up by Kansas. (Sorry, I just had to make one last Grayson Allen tripping joke.)
The Kansas Jayhawks, commonly referred to as KU, are the teams of the athletic department at the University of Kansas. They are currently a member of the Big 12 Conference February Update: I'm actually unsure about this Jayhawks team. This team is so Jekyll and Hyde that I really don't know how they will do. They could beat anyone or be beaten by anyone.
Of course, I think my Jayhawks have a chance. They lost Josh Jackson and Frank Mason, but knowing Bill Self's recruiting skills, they absolutely have a chance. Devonte Graham leads a solid backcourt, and Udoka Azubuike could be a good center.
Now that they got over the Elite Eight hump, I think they can do it. If they can survive Villanova, they should win.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Vanderbilt Commodores are the athletic teams of Vanderbilt University. They compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and are known for their strong baseball and women's tennis programs. The team's mascot is named Mr. Commodore, and their colors are black and gold. February Update: Okay, Kentucky is somewhat decent, but they are looking at being in the middle of a loaded SEC conference and likely be a 6 seed. This team is nowhere close to championship caliber. I think this team is too young and inexperienced, even with the coaching skills of Calipari.
A very young team, but they had arguably one of the best offseasons recruiting 7 top 100 players. This is an extremely young team, even by Kentucky standards. We've seen young talent succeed before. With Calipari, Kentucky is always good.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, United States. They lost to the Tar Heels in the championship last year. We've seen losers come back to win it the next year before. Can Gonzaga pull it off?
The Michigan Wolverines comprise 27 varsity sports teams at the University of Michigan. These teams compete in the NCAA's Division I and in the Big Ten Conference in all sports except women's water polo, which competes in the NCAA inter-divisional Collegiate Water Polo Association. RIP Michigan. Came up short of Nova in the championship game. Still a good season.
I think they have a good chance.
February Update: Another pick that I somewhat agree with. Sparty is likely the Big 10 regular season champion. They have won 11 straight games, so they are getting into a groove at the right time.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, the Duke Blue Devils are the athletic teams of Duke University. They compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and are particularly known for their men's basketball program, which has won multiple NCAA championships. Their mascot is the Blue Devil, and they sport royal blue and white colors. February Update: I feel like Arizona is still a good pick. They are looking to be PAC 12 regular season champions and likely a 3 seed. They are definitely a team to watch. However, they do have a lot of drama at the moment with Trier being ineligible due to a team violation, and Sean Miller facing the FBI over a recruiting scandal involving Deandre Ayton. So, depending on how that plays out, they might be in trouble down the stretch if they are without their head coach for multiple games.
The West Virginia Mountaineers are the athletic teams that represent the West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers have been part of the Big 12 conference since 2012. February Update: Honestly, I disagree with West Virginia now. They have lost several games and are trending downward. I expect a 4-5 seed. They are an Elite Eight team at best. They are aggressive, but they are too aggressive, as seen against Kansas where they lost by letting the Jayhawks shoot 35 total free throws.
Press Virginia is an undeniably aggressive team. Jevon Carter leads a great team with talent on offense and defense.
The Virginia Cavaliers football team represents the University of Virginia in the sport of American football. The Cavaliers compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Wichita State Shockers are the athletic teams that represent Wichita State University. They compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the American Athletic Conference. A bit obscure, but a move to the American Conference really helps the Shockers. They now have the resume they lacked before. Definitely a team to watch. Gregg Marshall has done a phenomenal job turning the program around.
A good team, in all honesty. They have potential; however, being defending champions, they have to overcome a hangover though.
The Illinois Fighting Illini represent the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, they are known for their strong wrestling and men's basketball programs. Their colors are navy blue and orange, and their mascot is the Chief Illiniwek, although the mascot is retired and now considered controversial.
They have made some noise in the tournament before. You just never know with Wisconsin. They could surprise us all.
February Update: Why the hell are they ranked #9? They are 14-16 and not even going to make the tournament!
The Clemson Tigers are the athletic teams representing Clemson University. They compete as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level (Football Bowl Subdivision, primarily competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference for all sports since the 1953-54 season.
Situated in Tempe, Arizona, the Sun Devils compete in the Pac-12 Conference. Known for sports like wrestling and baseball, they have a long history of athletic achievements. Maroon and gold are their official colors. One of three unbeaten teams left. Definitely a team to watch.
The athletic teams for the University of Cincinnati, located in Ohio, are part of the American Athletic Conference. Known for their football and basketball programs, they have also been successful in other sports. The team's primary colors are red and black. February Update: I kind of agree with Cincinnati; however, they could lose to someone like Xavier or Wichita State. They have also had some really close wins against teams they should have beaten by a lot. I don't know if they are a national championship team or even a Final Four team.
They are the favorite to win the American Conference. Who knows? They're bound to be good.
The Auburn Tigers football program represents Auburn University in the sport of American college football.
If they can make it to the Final Four, they have a chance.