11. Texas Tech
The little engine that could. After the injury to JT Toppin, many pundits wrote this team off. But all they’ve done is rattle off three straight wins without him in the lineup. Christian Anderson has upped his game, and Luke Bamgboye looks like he was worth every penny of his NIL deal and has given this team some rim protection.
12. Purdue
I like this Purdue team. They’re fun to watch. But I don’t think they play enough defense to win a National Championship. It is very common to see them get “out-athleted” by a more talented opponent. That being said, I wouldn’t count out Braden Smith or TKR showing up for a huge tournament run.
13. Nebraska
I keep doubting this team, and they just keep winning. At this point, looking like a two or three-seed, they are all but assured of winning the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament game.
14. Alabama
The Crimson Tide looked awful against Florida back on February 1, but have since gone an entire month without a single loss. A big reason why? The breakout of Latrell Wrightsell as a primary offensive option to take some pressure off of Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway.
15. Kansas
I still don’t know what to make of this Kansas team. But what I do know is that it seems as if all of the national discussion around Darryn Peterson has almost bullied him into playing more basketball. And now you’re looking at a team with one of the most talented players in the country, on a mission, with one of the best coaches in the sport. I wouldn’t want to see this team in my bracket.
