For the first time since 2007, the Mountaineers are looking for a head coach. It is going to be very difficult to replace such an icon, but there are some potential candidates that Mountaineer fans could be excited about. 

Potential Replacements for Bob Huggins at West Virginia

Dusty May, Florida Atlantic Head Coach

One name you will hear a ton when talking about coaching searches is Dusty May. May took his Florida Atlantic team to the final four in 2023 as a nine seed and proved that he can coach against the best of the best. Dusty May was adamant that he wanted to stay at FAU even though many major schools were considering him. This would be a very interesting fit but one that could pay off in the long run.

Chris Beard, Ole Miss Head Coach

If you want a guy that knows how to win and has a Big 12 background, Chris Beard is your guy. Beard has had an interesting past, but he has already landed another big-time job. I think this would be a home run hire for West Virginia. Beard took Texas Tech to the final four in 2019 and had a top-five Texas team a year ago before being let go. If West Virginia gave Chris Beard a chance I believe they would be a top team in the Big 12 for years to come.

READ MORE: NIL is saving College Basketball

Jamie Dixon, TCU Head Coach

West Virginia fans know a thing or two about Jamie Dixon. Dixon coached for the Mountaineers’ bitter rival Pitt before he eventually went to TCU. Dixon led a Pittsburgh program to highs that they have never seen before, and has led a TCU program that is consistently good every year and improving. Dixon has Big 12 experience and has proven he can recruit the West Virginia area. Jamie Dixon would be a perfect fit for West Virginia in my opinion. 

Bryce Drew, Grand Canyon Head Coach

This one is kind of out of left field, but Bryce Drew has a ton of potential to be a great head coach at the top level. Bryce Drew is the brother of Baylor head coach, Scott Drew. Bryce Drew lead his Grand Canyon team to a WAC Championship and a March Madness berth in 2023. This is a longshot but if the Mountaineers were willing to take a chance on Drew, I believe he would succeed at West Virginia.

Jerrod Calhoun, Youngstown State Head Coach

Jerrod Calhoun could be a great fit at West Virginia because he is a part of the Bob Huggins coaching tree. He was a graduate assistant for Huggins at Cincinnati, then was on Huggins’ staff at West Virginia. Calhoun has really excited Youngstown State’s fanbase and earned an NIT berth a year ago. Calhoun would definitely energize this mountaineer fanbase, and he too can recruit the West Virginia area.

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Ever since Love de-committed from Michigan, his recruiting process has been very quiet. Many believed that Indiana and Missouri would be the favorites to land the talented guard, however, Love has been very quiet with his recruiting process making it very tough to figure out his top schools. He is the No. 16 overall player in the transfer portal and any team would be thrilled to land him.

After weeks of waiting, reports of potential landing spots for Love were released per Eric Bossi and 247 Sports, here are Love’s top three potential landing spots:

Top Caleb Love Landing Spots

Texas Longhorns

Texas has been in on Love since he originally entered the portal, but the Longhorns had no serious traction until now. They have already added the number nine overall transfer, Max Abmas from Oral Roberts. The Longhorns also announce that starting guard Tyrese Hunter will return to Austin for the 2023 season. If Texas was able to bring in Love, the Longhorns would have one of the best backcourts in the country.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Zags are notorious for having great guards over the years and they are hoping to add another top guard in Love. Gonzaga recently picked up a commitment from the No. 10 overall transfer, and one of the best point guards in college basketball, Ryan Nembhard from Creighton. Gonzaga has been on fire this offseason and they have put together a really solid roster via the transfer portal. The Bulldogs have brought in numerous transfer guards over the years and turned them into superstars, will Love be the next?

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona has lost some production at the guard spot and Love would be a great late addition to this roster. The Wildcats already added transfer guard Jaden Bradley from Alabama. Arizona was a late team to show interest in Love, but Love seems to really like the program and things could pick up rather quickly with his recruitment. 

Prediction

In my opinion, the best fit for Love is easily Arizona. Starting point guard Kerr Kriisa transferred to West Virginia and they lost starting guard Courtney Ramey to the NBA draft. Point guard Kylan Boswell, who had a great freshman year, is ready to take control at the point for this team in 2023, but the Wildcats still need another ball-dominant guard like Love. With talented guards like Boswell and Bradley already on the roster, Arizona is looking to have one of the deepest backcourts in the country with the addition of the former North Carolina product. With that being said, I believe Caleb Love will be on the Wildcat roster in 2023.

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NCAA Tournament: Preview of the Final Four Teams

Florida Atlantic (9 Seed)

Out of the Final Four teams, nine-seeded Florida Atlantic is by far the most surprising to be left standing. In fact, they weren’t even expected to make it out of the first round but here we are. They went through eight-seed Memphis in the Round of 64, sixteen-seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the Round of 32, four-seed Tennessee in the Sweet 16, and their latest victory against three-seed Kansas State in the Elite Eight. These weren’t cakewalk wins, they were against pretty tough opponents, and that includes Fairleigh Dickinson who knocked off the one-seed Purdue.

Florida Atlantic has had a handful of great performances throughout this tournament but Johnell Davis has probably been the best of them all. He’s had a 12-point performance, a 13-point performance, a 15-point performance, and above all a masterful 29-point performance against Fairleigh Dickinson that also saw him gather 12 rebounds with five assists and five steals. The Owls also got great games from the likes of Alijah Martin and Bryan Greenlee leading up to the Final Four.

This team has good depth and can put on pressure on both sides of the court. If Florida Atlantic can push its own pace, they have a real chance to be the first-ever nine-seed or worse to advance to the National Championship Game.

San Diego State (5 Seed)

In 2020, we saw a 30-2 San Diego State team and a likely number two seed get their unbelievable season cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fast forward three years later and the Aztecs have a chance to do what they didn’t get a chance to do in 2020 and that’s fight for a National Championship.

They are a game away from reaching the big game after defeating the likes the Charleston, Furman, Alabama, and Creighton to get to the Final Four. San Diego State has a few options to lean on, one of them being Darrion Trammell. He not only is probably their best player on the court but he’s come up big when needed, including scoring 21 huge points against Alabama to go along with five rebounds and two steals. Along with Trammell, San Diego State can look to Lamont Butler, who put together a couple of huge games in this tournament. Both of them together carried this team to a one-point win over Creighton in the Elite Eight.

San Diego State came into the NCAA Tournament with a distinct identity, defense. They’re not only great of that side of the ball but they’re elite and they’ve shown it. The Aztecs have held their opponents to average just 56.6 points per game since postseason play, including the Mountain West Tournament. A huge reason for this is their three-point defense, holding their four opponents in this tournament to just 17 percent shooting from behind the arc, and that’s with the opponents known for either shooting a lot of threes or making a lot of threes. The saying “defense wins championships” might very well still be a thing if San Diego State can keep up the stellar play.

Miami (5 Seed)

Out of the teams in the Final Four field, Miami has had the toughest test to get to this point. They beat 12-seed Drake in the first round, who many possibly saw as an upset, then four-seed Indiana, number one seed Houston, and number two Texas. Miami has had impressive performances out of many of their players throughout the NCAA Tournament. You can try to pick out their best player, but every game there’s a new contender for that honor.

Jordan Miller had by far the most impressive performance across the four games for Miami, scoring 27 points on 7 for 7 shooting and an impressive 13 for 13 at the free-throw line in the Elite Eight against Texas. He also scored 19 points in the round of 32 against Indiana. Miller wasn’t the only one putting up impressive numbers as throughout this tournament, Isiaah Wong also put up a 27-point performance in the Sweet 16 vs Indiana and also had a 20-point performance in the Elite Eight against Houston. His 20-point performance also was accompanied by a 26-point performance from Nijel Pack in the same game.

That’s not all, as the Hurricanes also have Wooga Poplar and Norchard Omier that are capable of taking over a game. This offense has been lethal and has shown why it’s been one of the best in the country, scoring 85 or more points over the last three games. The defensive end might be a liability and where they struggle the most, but their impressive offensive attack alone might be good enough to mask it the rest of the way. Miami will have another tough test in four-seed UCONN before they can think about a National Championship.

UCONN (4 Seed)

UCONN had dominated every team that has stepped in their way through the first four games, beating Iona, St. Mary’s, Arkansas, and Gonzaga by an average of 22.5 points per game. A big reason for that is Adama Sanogo, who has been the best player on the court for the Huskies. He’s scored 28 points, 24 points, 18 points, and 10 points in the four games played in this tournament. That combined for 80 points, the most of any player in the Final Four, while also shooting 66% from the field. Not only can he score but he makes an impact on the boards, averaging almost 10 rebounds a game.

There’s also Jordan Hawkins, who had a 24-point game and a 20-point game against Arkansas and Gonzaga. UCONN has the ability up and down this lineup and all around the court from playmaking, rebounding, defense, and more that makes this team the most complete of the Final Four teams. UCONN is by far the most experienced team left, making the Final Four for the sixth time in school history and winning four National Championships while the three other schools have never been to the Final Four before this year. They are the favorites to cut down the nets for the fifth time in program history but it will not be easy against Miami on Saturday.

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Now that we are almost two full years in, we are seeing a significant change in college sports, specifically in College Basketball. College Basketball has become a two-month sport, as opposed to days when certain conferences felt “must-watch” on a weekly basis. The tournament has always and likely will always be the crown gem of American tournaments. But, with a weak regular season supporting it, it doesn’t draw the viewership that it could. This is where NIL comes in. Here are three reasons why NIL is saving College Basketball.

NIL is saving College Basketball

Players can be compensated while playing

Remember the days of being a broke college kid? When a Large Pizza or the $1 menu would feed you for a week? Luckily, in between studies, you could get a job and be able to function relatively “normal” as you ascend into the next phase of your life.

Now, imagine your full-time job doesn’t pay you and requires you to travel across the country with only the promise of education, and no money. This was a reality for many years in college sports.

While this was happening, Pro Basketball transitioned to a “one and done” format meaning that one year removed from high school, you could turn professional and be paid for your services in the NBA if you were good enough. So, as an 18-year-old basketball savant, you go play College Basketball for the year required in order to chase the millions of dollars in the NBA, but what about those not good enough to do just one year?

NIL has awarded these players a unique opportunity, to make money from their name, whether it is for advertisements, endorsements, or autograph signings etc. This allows the payers who may not be professional basketball players an opportunity to market themselves early and capitalize on their name while they have national notoriety.

Players will stay in college longer

Let’s say that you’re not the blue-chip five-star prospect that has the game to be a one-and-doner. You very easily could go and play overseas as a professional or even make the G-league and play for a decent salary, but with little to no marketing in the United States. With the addition of NIL, players can make a decent amount of money to stay in college and hone their skills to be better prepared for the NBA.

Whether it is developing into your adult body, or taking the higher-level coaching college offers, you don’t have to sacrifice earnings to become a better version of yourself like you once had to in college sports. You can do three or four years to fully develop as opposed to the one or two average we see currently.

More years mean more experience, which in turn means a better product on the court (and in business). This could be the most crucial benefit to the sport, but there is one more that is at least close to this importance…

Players and teams stay together longer

This is, of course, a theory and there is a transfer portal, but the reality is with the opportunities that NIL allows, there isn’t as much urgency to leave college. If that is true, then the brands become stronger.

Imagine a North Carolina vs Duke rivalry that features a seventh matchup between core players. THAT is what makes a rivalry. It’s hard to become a blue-blood fan when the teams change yearly, but with the additional incentives to stay, there is a chance for College Basketball to rebound into the sport it once was.

Long gone are the days of Bird vs Magic, but there is no reason why we can’t have the talents of today bud into new and exciting rivalries. If the players stay longer, the brand becomes more recognizable which is equally beneficial to the school and the NCAA as a whole.

Player merchandise can be sold, benefitting the player and program. Programs can be built around core players that likely would have left if they couldn’t profit from their abilities, creating a more dynamic team that fans can cheer for longer. Oh, and let’s not forget that the best teams win titles, further advancing their brand as they enter the NBA or their future endeavors.

As far as advancing the game, NIL was a slam dunk decision for the NCAA and will directly benefit College Basketball.

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It’s one of the pigskin capitals of the world, and The Crimson Tide program is a dynasty on the gridiron. So it’s easy to understand why folks in The Heart of Dixie sometimes only give the hardwood half a glance.

But that hasn’t been the case during the 2022-23 season, as Alabama and Coach Nate Oats as the whole state hot for hoops, as they head into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as its top overall seed.

The Tide (29-5) comes off an impressive win in the SEC Tournament, and there’s no one playing better right now. While they certainly aren’t unbeatable, they have an excellent shot at bringing a title to Tuscaloosa.

Here are three reasons why The Alabama Crimson Tide could be crowned the 2023 NCAA Champions

#1 – They have a mercurial star who can take over a game

Forward Brandon Miller is an electric athlete who can do a little bit of everything, averaging 19.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He gets a lot of help from guard Marcus Spears (12.5 ppg) and forward Noah Clowney (10.1), but the team has a talented bench that goes about eight deep.

Miller has been criticized for his involvement with former teammate Darius Miles’ shooting incident last year. He was in possession of Miles’ firearm and delivered it to him just prior to the killing of 23-year-old Jamea Harris.

Miles is currently standing trial on capital murder charges. Meanwhile, Miller was not charged and cooperated with authorities during the investigation of the incident. That hasn’t stopped the freshman sensation from leading his team this far. However, he’s going to hear it from every single crowd throughout the tournament.

If Miller can hold up to the mental pressure, he could guide his group to greatness.

#2 – They are battle-tested after a brutal SEC schedule

Alabama may be the kingpin of the conference, but their Southeast schedule was a seemingly never-ending battle. All the way up to the final game of the conference tournament, The Tide took everyone’s best shot.

But like Rocky Balboa, they refused to stay down. Alabama has the right mentality for the type of close games and brutal battles that are the norm when March Madness rolls around. They aren’t going to have ‘deer-in-headlights’ syndrome when the pressure is on.

Any team can run into a case of nerves, but ‘Bama doesn’t seem like a team that will fold under pressure. That means you have to simply outplay them. And that’s not the easiest of tasks.

#3 – They will be playing with a huge chip on their shoulder

Coach Oats and his team have been under fire for the way they have handled the situation with Brandon Miller, essentially trying to brush his association with Jamea Harris’ murder to the side. Unfortunately for them, opposing fans and the media aren’t letting them forget about it.

Perhaps it was out of spite or smugness then, that they allowed Miller to do a routine before games this year, where a teammate would pretend to ‘pat him down’ before he stepped on the floor. It was similar to the way police or security might search someone for a weapon, and it was seen as absolutely tone-deaf and disrespectful to the victim’s family.

Oats stated that he didn’t know about the ritual, and he said he would put a stop to it. And that was also met with jeers, as most observers felt there was no way he couldn’t have been aware of Miller’s asinine antics.

At the same? All that shrapnel that they’ve been forced to dodge has drawn them closer together. You can see a look in their eyes like it’s Alabama against the world. And as silly as that may sound, there have been a lot of teams who have fought from a foxhole to forge a place in history. Teams should be wary of testing Oats and Alabama because they will enter March Madness with ample attitude.

OUTLOOK: The Crimson Tide may be the number-one seed, but they also have no shortage of doubters. While Miller is a great player, he doesn’t display a lot of maturity, and some of his hijinx this season has shown that. If he can’t step up and carry this team when the chips are down (and at some point in the tourney… they will be), then Alabama could feel the sting of an upset.

Still, there isn’t a deeper more talented team in the country, and that wave after wave of athleticism can wear any team in the nation down, Alabama also has a decent half-court game, even if their young coach hasn’t quite proven himself as a savvy strategist yet. Despite any weaknesses you can point out about The Crimson Tide, you can point to two or more strengths. That’s why they are the number one seed and it’s also why the team SHOULD reach the Final Four.

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Out of all the number-one seeds in this year’s NCAA Tournament, perhaps the most well-balanced squad comes to us from Lawrence, Kansas.

That shouldn’t be surprising, considering the Jayhawks are the defending champions and are fully stocked for another deep postseason run in 2023. The team enters March Madness as the top seed in the South Regional and sporting an impressive 27-7 record. That’s pretty strong considering they did so as part of the stacked Big 12 Conference.

Unfortunately, the team is likely to enter tourney play without their leader and father figure, Bill Self. The head coach has been off the sidelines since undergoing a heart catheterization and had two stents placed for the treatment of blocked arteries.

Self is in Des Moines with the team, but it’s unclear what his status will be until game time. Nevertheless, he’s prepared his Jayhawks well, and they’ve played terrific basketball, even in his absence.

This team has all the pieces to take home back-to-back titles. If KU can pull it off again, they will only add to the legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest dynasties.

Here are three reasons why the Kansas Jayhawks could capture the 2023 NCAA National Championship

#1 – As previously mentioned, they already have a championship-caliber resume

Of course, college basketball is ever-changing and repeats are rare. Rosters are turned over quickly, especially when it comes to future pro stars who typically only stick in school for about a year or two.

This roster lost three starters and three contributors from that talented title team, but that winning vibe is what has propelled them over the course of two highly-successful seasons.

Win or lose, Kansas is currently enjoying one of the best stretches in the school’s history. The Jayhawks finished the 2021-22 season with a 34-6 overall record, which was the highest single-season win total for Kansas Basketball since 2010-11.

This brings us to THIS year’s tourney, where Bill Self’s boys are in a great bracket that sets them up for what is likely the easiest walk to the Final Four. They aren’t ‘blowout’ better than every other team in the West Region, but they are certainly deeper and more decorated.

#2 – The Stars Shine Bright in The Sunflower State

Kansas may be fly-over territory to some, but it’s a hardwood haven for hoop heads. That’s because of the awesome athletes that tend to take the court in the Midwest’s Mecca of Basketball.

The championship squad returned Jalen Wilson, who averaged and was named a first-team All-American this season. The 6’8″ star averaged 20.3 points per game this year, and he will be counted on to lead KU. While there are certainly other guys who will step up, this team is driven by this fantastic forward.

Freshman guard Gradey Dick (14.1 ppg) is a three-point shooting machine, hitting 79 of 198 attempts from beyond the arc. That’s a 40% accuracy rate on those long-distance daggers. Look for the youngster to come of age in this postseason. And expect him to hit at least one huge, clutch shot at some point. He’s tailor-made for that type of March moment.

Dajuan Harris Jr leads the team’s offensive attack, and the point guard averaged 8.7 points and 6.2 assists per game. He’s got some willing running mates, led by Kevin McCullar (10.7 ppg) and KJ Adams Jr (10.4). Bobby Pettiford Jr, Cam Martin, Zach Clemence, and former Drake transfer Josef Yesefu bring experience and depth to the roster, as well.

So once again? There’s no shortage of star power at KU. and if those stars can align in the right way, we may be looking at a Jayhawk repeat.

#3 – Barring something unforeseen, Bill Self will be back to give this team a whole, new energy

You can’t keep a legend down, and most reports say that Coach Self should be back on the sidelines soon. It’s been speculated that he may even be able to be back for his team’s first-round showdown against 16th-seeded Howard University Bison.

Make no mistake, assistant coach Norm Roberts has done a fantastic job guiding the team in Self’s absence. But almost any club with an established leader will tell: It’s not the same when the big man isn’t around.

But he will be, soon. And his players look poised to make some more postseason noise. Self has already won two NCAA Championships during his tenure in Lawrence. Following a year of adversity, it might be fitting that he captures lucky number three in 2023.

OUTLOOK: The Jayhawks have a really good chance of taking home more hardware in 2023, but we’ll know a lot more about this team when Bill Self is not only back, but back to full strength. However, the Jayhawks did well in his absence, and they’ve proven they can overcome more adversity than they had to endure last season.

With their experience and talent, they can beat anyone in the country. The duo of Wilson and Dick will lead the way. However, with four out of the five starters averaging double figures in scoring, and Dajuan Harris dishing dimes, this team can put up points at a prolific pace. KU is considered to be ranked fourth out of the NCAA Tournament’s four top seeds. That’s pretty disrespectful considering that, until someone beats them, they are still the defending champions. With their talent, experience, and depth, there’s no reason to believe that they aren’t capable of cutting down the nets again in April.

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The Big Ten Champion Purdue Boilermakers are playing some of the nation’s best basketball right now, heading into this year’s NCAA Men’s Tournament.  Head coach Matt Painter has his team firing on all cylinders, as they displayed by dominating their conference tourney.

This team has positioned itself well, and it’s been done in a traditional hoops kind of way. Big Ten basketball has seemingly been all about the halfcourt offense and a controlled pace, and this Purdue team fits that classic mold. While they certainly have plenty of individual talent, the Boilermakers focus on motion, a lot of passing, and a team-first mentality. It’s what helped carry them through early postseason play.

This team is not without weaknesses, but they enter play with an impressive 29-5 record. They’re a rugged team that plays good defense and has a star player who is on fire right now. It’s quite possible they could do a little dancing when Final Four time comes rolling around.

Here’s a look at five reasons why the Purdue Boilermakers could win the 2023 NCAA National Title

#1 – Coach Matt Painter has laid out the principles for success

Purdue has plenty of weapons, starting with all-everything center Zach Edey. But it’s the coaching of Matt Painter that’s really brought this team together. Now approaching 20 years in West Lafayette, he’s become a fixture at the school and at the university. The fact that he’s a loyal disciple of legendary coach Gene Keady, and follows many of his mentor’s principles, doesn’t hurt either.

When you look at this team beyond Edey, they have plenty of scoring an average of 73.1 points per outing. Fletcher Loyer is a willing warrior alongside Eadey and averaged 10.9 ppg.

The quarterback on offense is Braden Smith, who dished off 147 assists on the year. He facilitates the ball to a long list of talented ballers. This team has plenty of contributors, with Mason Gillis, Caleb Furst, Ethan Morton, and Brandon Newman all getting significant minutes.

Obviously, the team has depth, and Painter uses his bench accordingly. His body of work shows that he’s a proven winner. He’s 413-197 (.677 winning percentage) at Purdue but has yet to win an NCAA title. This might be the year that the old ball coach finally masters the Madness.

#2 – Edey, Edey & More Edey

Zach Edey has really blossomed for the Boilermakers, and he’s looking like one of those players who could go on a magical run and lead his team to the title. We’ve seen great players in the past, like Danny Manning and Carmelo Anthony, who took an already sensational squad and made it truly special.

Edey could be one of those players. He’s the first Purdue player since Glenn Robinson who comes off as a menacing, scoring presence. At a monstrous 7’4″ and 300 pounds, the Toronto native commands the court. He’s big, strong, and versatile. He creates a mismatch every single time he steps on the floor, and although he’s versatile, Edey is reminiscent of classic, old-school post players.

The Biggest Boilermaker of The All goes into March Madness as a double-double machine, averaging 22.3 ppg and 12.9 rebounds. A she goes, this team goes. Expect him to be a major force and a big story in the tournament, if his team makes a deep run.

#3 – Purdue plays with a warrior-like mentality that will carry them through the challenges of Tournament play

Every year, the NCAA field represents a war of attrition. With all the buzzer beaters, bad breaks, and barn burners, it often feels more like a hardcore war than hardwood hoops.

The Big Ten Conference schedule is similar in that regard. The teams are usually closely matched, and you will always have to go through traditional powers like Purdue or Michigan State if you plan on making it to the top. Their contest can sometimes feel as if they are low-scoring and lacking creativity. In reality, it’s more like a chess match, with both sides trading moves until someone makes a fatal error.

Those kinds of blood pressure-raising battles happen quite often in the NCAA Tournament, And as a top seed in their regional, every team will be turning things up a notch against the Boilermakers. That will begin when they step on the court to face the winner of the play-in between Fairleigh-Dickinson and Texas Southern.

OUTLOOK: Out of the four number-one seeds in this year’s NCAA Tournament, Purdue is probably the least ‘sexy’ pick to win it all. However, they really aren’t going for aesthetics, only achievements. And they’ve had plenty of that.

They’re a tough team that gets plenty of work done in the paint, and Edey will be the key the rest of the way. If the dominant center can put the Boilermakers on his shoulders, they can take it all. But if they run into a game where he has early foul trouble and spends a good portion of time on the bench? They will be vulnerable to mid-level seeds.

The Boilermakers share their side of the bracket with traditional powerhouse Duke and the dangerous Memphis Tigers. So just getting out of their regional might be the proving ground Purdue needs to propel them to postseason prestige.

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For a school that is often known for its prowess on the football field, the hoopsters have positioned themselves for success in March Madness. Sampson has assembled a stacked squad that could be headed to hoops heaven soon.

Why the Houston Cougars Can Win it All

Houston (31-3, American Athletic Conference regular season champions) will enter the tourney as the number-one seed in the Midwest Region.

This team has been a deadly force on the floor during the 2022-2023 campaign. Despite losing their conference tournament final against rival Memphis, Houston looks strong heading into the first weekend of play. Their offensive firepower ranks them among the most deadly teams in the nation, and they have a battle-tested leader in coach Kelvin Sampson stalking the sidelines.

So? Can the Cougars pounce all over the postseason’s most prestigious prize and capture the school’s first-ever National Title? By all accounts, the answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes’. And here are three huge reasons why:

#1 – Depth and talent wins during March Madness, and the Houston Cougars have plenty of both

Houston is one of the most physically gifted teams in the entire country, and they can score points on you quickly. Guard Marcus Sasser led the team with 17.1 points per game this season, but the Cats can beat you in more ways than one.

Emotional leader Jamal Shead is a force on both ends of the floor, as the point guard led the team in both assists and steals. Versatile forward Jarace Walker provides scoring (11.1 ppg) and goes on scoring spurts where he looks like a superstar. Tough forward J’Wan Roberts paced the team with 7.8 rebounds a game, and Tramon Mark chipped in 9.7 ppg, as well.

Add in a deep bench and it’s easy to see that Houston could play any style and match up well with anyone, provided all their weapons are firing together.

#2 – Coach Kelvin Sampson knows how to implement the perfect gameplan for this team

The Cougars averaged 75.0 ppg on the offensive side of the floor and have lots of ways they can beat you. As stated, Sasser is the leader in scoring and was banged up at the end of the AAC Tourney. He missed the title game, and that’s likely what handed the Memphis Tigers the win.

However, Sasser will reportedly be back on the court in time for this weekend’s opener against number-16 seed Northern Kentucky. So, Coach Kelvin Sampson should have a full arsenal at his disposal.

Sampson was known for having some high-scoring, successful squads as the Oklahoma Sooners coach. However, his later stint in Indiana didn’t quite go as planned. He’s still one of the best minds in the game of college hoops, but Sampson has yet to capture a National Championship. He and his guys could right that wrong in 2023.

#3 – Houston has beaten better competition than most critics give them credit for

As mentioned previously, the Cougars don’t play in a glamorous conference like the Big 12 or ACC. And while the American Athletic may not have as big a trophy case as some of the big boys, they can boast of some great, traditional programs and explosive athletes currently.

However, one could argue that conference rival Memphis is one team that NO ONE wants to face in the NCAA Tourney, and fellow AAC opponent Cincinnati is a perennial power, as well.

As far as non-conference wins, they had a 10-point victory over Oregon early in the season, and a 69-61 over Virginia. They had a tight battle with top overall seed Alabama, losing down the stretch by just six points.

Houston has proven they have the talent, depth, and coaching to be in the mix for the National Championship. For those who remember the days of Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Phi Slamma Jamma, the university finally capturing its first-ever crown would be somewhat sentimental, and the team has been a bit of an emotional pick anyway. Coach Sampson’s sister sadly passed away just last week, and the team has rallied around the tragedy, adding more passion to this push.

OUTLOOK: Houston was the number-one ranked team in the Top 25, and they have had a big target on their backs. Particularly during conference play, where they are now considered the bully on the block. Even with all those obstacles, they have navigated through the season with only three losses, and Sampson is a proven sideline strategist. Anything short of a Final Four appearance by this squad will be considered a major letdown. And despite Alabama’s status as the top overall seed, it’s also very easy to consider UH the favorite to win it all.

Main Image: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY

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It’s the three-week tournament that captivates our nation and accounts for massive amounts of college sports revenue. Every game nationally televised from your 1v16 matchup to the dreaded 5v12. Here are five reasons why you must watch March Madness every year!

Why March Madness is a Must-Watch Event Every Year

1. It starts as an all day event

The great thing about this tournament is the sheer amount of games that are played, all televised on four channels and spread evenly throughout the day. Whether you’re a fan of the blue blood high seeds who have “easy” matchups later in the day, or an east coast night owl who likes the 10:30pm start times of some of the games, one thing is certain, there will be a game on likely every hour from Thursday-Sunday of the first weekend.

So make sure your second screen at work has streaming options, or that you have your phone charged for those updates, because there will be action every hour! Who knows, you may find yourself witnessing one of those moments that’s talked about for years, which brings us to our second point!

2. There has been a first round winner by every seeded team in the tournaments history

If it weren’t for the fact that there is sports on all day, this would be the first reason you have to watch. It doesn’t matter the school or the players. There is never a game that can’t be won by either side. If you’re in the tournament, then you have a chance to win.

Whether you’re a Loyola Chicago fan or a Tar Heel at heart, maybe you prefer the Lobos of New Mexico or the Duke Blue Devils entering their first without Coach K. What can be predicted is the inability to get this tournament 100% correct via picking matchups. It’s why legendary mogul Warren Buffett always offers $1,000,000 to the person who can; it hasn’t to this point ever been done!

The sheer unpredictability of this tournament means you’re getting teams with mascots you’ve never heard of conquering league titans and blue blood programs. Whether you’re a one seed or a 16, there’s always a chance in March.

3. The tournament doesn’t have a clear-cut favorite.

Most years, the NCAA has one or two teams that are just better than the rest. Basketball is a team sport, yes, but there are times when individual talents can truly make a difference in the sport. This year, there doesn’t seem to be any individual standouts that make you run to the TV, which could make for a dramatic tournament.

As of this writing, there is only one team in the top 25 that has more than 25 wins and it is Houston, who play in the AAC, not typically known as a basketball powerhouse conference. Gone are the days of 30+ win teams dominating their way to an overall number one seed, this year will be a matchup-based tournament where the better teams should shine through to that “One Shining Moment” montage to the end the year. With teams like St. Mary’s CA and Providence ranked as top 25 schools, you know that we are in for some drama, so make sure you clear your schedule to fully immerse yourself in the greatest tournament in sports!

READ MORE: Who had the best odds to win it all before the year?

4. Legends are made in March

It’s easy to know the blue chip recruit who was dominant in high school and the regular season. For those who weren’t so highly touted, there is March Madness. The last time you can get the opportunity to make your name before potentially realizing an NBA dream. Names like Stephen Curry, Jimmer Fredette, and Adam Morrison. Most recently, Buddy Hield and Collin Sexton.

What about Dougie McBuckets (Doug McDermott)? There’s a reason these names would strike fear into their opponents. Whether it was Curry leading a Davidson team to the Elite Eight, or Hield leading Oklahoma to the Final Four, there are players that make the tournament special and shine on the grandest stage of them all! Who will be this year’s star?

5. You don’t have to “know” sports to enjoy!

It’s really easy to get into March Madness, even if you’re more of a casual fan than a die-hard. Mostly because no matter how hard you try, you’ll never know the full statistics of a 68-team tournament!

There are teams that get in by the skin of their teeth; teams that only got in by winning their conference tournament via automatic bid! Lots of college stars are one-and-done players, meaning they themselves are still “new” to the world. This is as frenetic of a pace as a playoff can be. It’s over in two weekends essentially, and half of the thrill is finding out who will represent their region in the Final Four.

You don’t need to know Xs and Os, but make sure you know who has the ball on the last possession of the game, anything can happen just before that buzzer! Grab a drink, some chips and dip, or maybe even some chicken wings! These games are just the party vibe to help fill that sports hole the NFL leaves.

Main Image: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY

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The first AP Poll of the season is here and @UNC_Basketball is at the top 🙌 pic.twitter.com/erC1PzzegX

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) October 17, 2022

Best Odds to Win the 2022-23 National Championship

Gonzaga (+800)

Preseason AP Top 25 Rank: 2

Year after year, Gonzaga goes into the season with more hype than the last, despite regularly falling short of their goal of a National Championship. 2022-23 will be no different as they’re yet again the odds-on favorite to win it all. The Bulldogs not only lost in the Sweet 16 last season but also lost star center Chet Holmgren to the NBA Draft. They did get some great news as star forward Drew Timme decided to return to school for his fifth season.

Along with Timme and his 18.5 points per game, Gonzaga also brings back the firepower of Julian Strawther and Rasir Bolton to this team, who both averaged double-digit points last season. This trio alone makes the Bulldogs favorites to win the National Championship but they also added a 19.9 point per game transfer from UT-Chattanooga, Malachi Smith. Gonzaga once again has all the talent in the world coming into the season and they’re hoping that this is finally the year that they get the job done.

Houston (+850)

Preseason AP Top 25 Rank: 3

After appearing in the Elite Eight last season and the Final Four the year before that, the Cougars get the attention of everyone and find themselves right behind Gonzaga in the National Championship odds. They made last year’s run without having their two best players, Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark, who come into this season healthy. That goes to show you the talent on display for Houston and that will be showcased yet again in 2022-23.

If having a plethora of talent last season throughout the team wasn’t enough, Houston added five-star recruit Jarace Walker to this highly skilled squad. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has the right recipe for success in this program with his tough and physical style of play that has the opportunity to carry them even further than it has the past two years.

North Carolina (+900)

Preseason AP Top 25 Rank: 1

We should be talking about North Carolina as defending champions heading into this season but instead, we’re talking about them as runner-ups to Kansas after blowing a commanding 15-point halftime lead and losing 72-69. It was heartbreaking for a team that made a great run with a loaded roster and a first-year head coach in Hubert Davis, who had to replace legendary head coach Roy Williams after 18 seasons with the team.

The Tar Heels have to turn the corner and forget about what happened at the end of last season as they have a real chance to make another deep run at the National Championship. They return Armando Bacot, who led the team in points and rebounds, along with three other key starters. There’s a reason North Carolina enters the season as the number one team in the nation and the determination to prove that is through the roof.

Kentucky (+900)

Preseason AP Top 25 Rank: 4

Along with North Carolina, Kentucky also begins the season with +900 odds to win the National Championship. The Wildcats had the worst loss of them all this past March, entering the NCAA Tournament as the two seed and getting upset by number 15 seed St. Peter’s 85-79. Despite that horrendous loss, they’re still among the favorites to win it all this season.

Defending National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe returns to the team after averaging an impressive double-double last season with 17.4 points and 15.2 assists per game. They lost a few pieces but were able to plug the holes with talent on offense, defense, and depth-wise. With the talent possessed and John Calipari leading this team, they’re poised to overcome what happened last season in a big way.

Duke (+1000)

Preseason Top 25 Rank: 7

Duke heads into this season without Mike Krzyzewski under the helm for the first time since the 1979-80 season. He came up just short last season but capped off an illustrious career with an ACC Regular Season Championship and a trip to the Final Four, where he ultimately fell to the rival Tar Heels. Moving forward, the Blue Devils will now be led by head coach Jon Scheyer.

Duke sprints into 2022-23 with yet another very talented team and a great outlook for the feature. They snagged the number one overall prospect in the country and future lottery pick Dereck Lively. The pairing of Lively and junior Jeremy Roach on the court will be a handful for any team to deal with and add on top of that the addition of five-star Dariq Whitehead, another potential lottery pick, who when he gets fully healthy from foot surgery will bring elite scoring to the table. This team is determined to fight for their first-year head coach and start the new era at Duke with a National Championship.

Next Best Odds

Kansas (+1200)
Arkansas (+1400)
Baylor (+1500)
UCLA (+1600)
Arizona (+2000)

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