2024 NCAA Tournament Bracket Predictions and Expert Analysis
If your bracket is busted, don't worry! Expert analysts share their insights and predictions for the remaining teams in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Gary Parrish: Betting on Purdue's Redemption Story
If you're feeling down about your bracket, take heart - Gary Parrish believes in redemption stories. While UConn may be the favorite, Parrish is putting his faith in the Boilermakers to make a comeback. Despite their past struggles, he sees Purdue as a strong contender for the championship title this year. With players like Zach Edey leading the charge, Parrish envisions a triumphant journey for Purdue to the Final Four and beyond, cutting nets on the second Monday in April.
Matt Norlander: UConn's Dominance and Repeat Potential
When it comes to dominance, UConn stands out as a force to be reckoned with in this year's tournament. Led by All-American guard Tristen Newton and formidable defender Donvan Clingan, the Huskies boast an efficient offense that overwhelms opponents. With a strong lineup of shooters like Alex Karaban and Cam Spencer, UConn is a top contender for the national title, aiming to become the first repeat champion since Florida in 2007.
Kyle Boone: UConn's Unstoppable Momentum
While some may doubt UConn's ability to repeat as champions, Kyle Boone sees them as the team to beat. With a combination of electric offense, guard depth, and size advantage, UConn has all the makings of a championship team. Boone believes that no other team in the tournament can match UConn's top gear, making them a formidable force to watch out for in the final games.
David Cobb: Purdue's Shot at Redemption
After a disappointing loss in 2023, Purdue is hungry for redemption in this year's tournament. With improved 3-point shooting and a favorable path ahead, the Boilermakers are poised to make a strong comeback. While UConn may be the favorite, Cobb sees Purdue as a contender ready to prove themselves on the national stage.
Jerry Palm: Purdue's Transformation
Don't underestimate Purdue this year - according to Jerry Palm, they're not the same team from previous seasons. With key players like Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Lance Jones, and Zach Edey stepping up their game, Purdue has evolved into a formidable opponent. As they navigate through the tournament, Purdue's growth and improvement will be key factors to watch out for.
This is a team on a mission. This is the year they accomplish it.
What is there not to like? The Heels won the ACC regular season. They beat Tennessee and swept Duke. RJ Davis is an elite guard and ACC Player of the Year. Hubert Davis has settled in after going to the national championship game in his first season and missing the tournament in his second. This is his best team. There will be/and always is pressure to win it all.
Armando Bacot is not as dominating as previous. Harrison Ingram (Stanford) and Cormac Ryan (Notre Dame) have been big additions in the portal. The West Region is friendly, assuming here that Alabama and Michigan State don't get in the way before the regional in L.A. An interesting regional final against Arizona looms. In the end, sometimes you go with chalk. UNC has been to the most Final Fours (21) and No. 1 seeds (18) all-time. It is tied with Kentucky for the most tournament wins ever (131). This is what the Heels do.
The selection committee set up plenty of stumbling blocks for the reigning champs
The selection committee set up plenty of stumbling blocks for the reigning champs, placing what I believe to be the best No. 1 seed, the best No. 2 seed (Iowa State), the best No. 3 seed (Illinois), and the best No. 4 seed (Auburn) in the Huskies bracket. And if accomplishing a historic feat like the first back-to-back title runs since 2007 is going to require that kind of epic journey, UConn has every skill and tool needed to make it back to the top of the mountain. UConn can win in all different ways, overwhelming teams with their offense in high-scoring track meets or out-executing the opponent in low-possession grinders, and it has a handful of key contributors who could each step up as needed during a title run.
Defense wins championships
Defense wins championships. That is part of the reason why I'm picking Houston to win it all. The Cougars have the top-ranked scoring defense in the country and terrific guard play on offense to complement it. Jamal Shead is arguably the best point guard in the nation, and J'wan Roberts is an X-Factor on both ends of the floor. Houston's path to the Final Four is favorable. The Cougars weren't able to reach the Final Four in their home state last spring, but this will be the year they run the table and win their first national championship in program history.
Hey, I'm Hamza Ilyas, Dubai's very own sports and entertainment guru. Started off at The Aquila School and kicked it at Ajman Academy too. Now, I'm all about bringing you the hottest takes and coolest news from the world of sports and entertainment. Buckle up, it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Connect With Me