68: The number of teams that punch their ticket into the NCAA Tournament. Each team has had remarkable seasons and are the best 68 teams in Division I college basketball. Many people are aware of the popular teams; the teams that have been consistent in winning and having air time. However, some of those teams do not make it passed the second round, and are knocked out by teams that many people have never heard of! Here is a run down of each team in the tournament, so you will have an idea of each team in the tournament, and perhaps correctly pick this year's "Cinderella" team.
Key Term: BPI- According to ESPN.com, The Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a team rating system that accounts for
- The Final Score,
- Pace of Play
- Site
- Strength of the Opponent
- Absence of Key Players in every Division I men's game.
BPI can be used to measure both how well a team has performed (going far beyond just wins and losses) and how powerful it is likely to be going forward.
BPI also usually determines the format of teams in the development of the Bracket.
ACC
UNC
- BPI Rank- #1
- 10th in Scoring
- 9th in Rebounding
- 5th in Assists/Game
- Best record in conference play
- Notable Player: Bryce Johnson (Wooden Finalist)
Carolina is one of the top teams in the nation. They have many strengths, such as scoring and rebounding, that could lead them to win the National Championship. Their team overall has had a solid flow of consistency throughout the season, and look to bring that into the tournament.
Virginia
- BPI Rank- #2
- Allow 59.6 PPG (2nd in NCAA)
- 3rd in Fewest Turnovers
- 10th in 3pt FG Percentage
- Notable Player- Malcolm Brogden (Wooden Finalist)
UVA has an experienced, strong set of players coached by one of the best coaches in college basketball, Tony Bennett. They are one of the most dominate and lethal defensive teams in the country. The Cavs have been either a 1 or 2 seed the previous 2 seasons in the tournament, but have made it past the Sweet Sixteen in those years. This team is destined to be a legitimate contender for the National Championship.
Notre Dame
- BPI Rank- #33
- Fewest TO's in nation
- Notable Player- Zach Auguste
Notre Dame lost some key veteran players last year because they graduated. This younger team has proved to be one of the ACC's top teams once again this year. The Irish look to use their dominance in shooting to boost their way far into tournament.
Miami
- BPI Rank- #15
- Notable Player- Sheldon McClellan
Miami has had an excellent season, proving to be one of the best teams in the ACC. McClellan and Angel Rodriguez look to lead their Hurricanes squad to some quality wins come tournament time. The Canes have defeated UVA and Utah earlier this season.
Duke
- BPI Rank- #9
- 18th in Scoring
- 2015 NCAA Champs
- Notable Player- Grayson Allen (Wooden Finalist)
The Duke Blue Devils look to repeat as National Champions this year. Despite losing some keys players from last year's team, players such as Grayson Allen and Marshall Plumlee and freshman Brandon Ingram and Luke Kennard have stepped up and have filled in the roles efficiently. Losing Amile Jefferson to injury for the season has lessened Duke's ability in rebounding. Look for Chase Jeter to step up in the tournament. This Blue Devils squad is an intriguing team without a doubt. It will be interesting to see how far they will go in the big dance.
Pittsburgh
- BPI Rank- #42
- 11th in nation in Assists/Game
- Notable Player- Michael Young
Pittsburgh has been playing fairly good basketball recently. Teams that come into the tournament hot usually tend to do pretty well. The Panthers are composed with many upper class man, and could use this to an advantage when facing younger teams in the tournament. Michael Young and Jamel Artis are underrated, sneaky players.
SEC
Texas A&M
- BPI Rank- #17
- 9th in Assists/Game in nation
- Notable Player- Jalen Jones
Texas A&M had a big year this year. Kentucky was the easy favorite, but Texas A&M shocked everyone, winning the SEC Regular Season Conference Championship. The Aggies are a tough team, and play until the final second. This team still gets overlooked, but looks to make a lot of noise in the tournament.
Kentucky
- BPI Rank- #14
- Notable Players- Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray (Wooden Finalist)
The Kentucky Wildcats have a potential to be the most dangerous team in the tournament. They are consistently making it at least to the Sweet Sixteen or farther the past several seasons they have made the big dance. This team has all the pieces of a championship team. I feel confident the Wildcats will bring it come tournament time. However, this team is young. This could be a factor if they face an experienced team in the early rounds.
South Carolina
- BPI Rank- #39
- 13th in NCAA in Rebounding
- Notable Player- Michael Carrera
South Carolina is a team that has been looked down on all year because of the weakness of their schedule. They have played 12 teams this season with a 150 ranking or over. Despite starting the season 15-0, they have finished cold, losing 4 of their last 7 games. I could see this team being an 8 or 9 seed in the tournament. It's tough to determine if they will be serious contenders or not. Sindarius Thornwell is an electrifying player that has potential to lead the Gamecocks to a successful NCAA tourney run.
Vanderbilt
- BPI Rank- #23
- 19th in 3pt FG Percentage in NCAA
- Notable Player- Damian Jones
I was very high on Vandy when the season started. They appeared to be a prolific scoring team with a decent mix of veterans and youngsters. As they entered conference play, I was surprised they were dropping every other game. However, they ended strongly, winning 11 of their final 16 games of the regular season, with key wins over Kentucky, Texas A&M, and two over Florida. At this point, I am not as high on them as I was earlier, but it would not catch me off guard if they are able to sneak their way into the Sweet Sixteen.
Big 10
Michigan State
- BPI Rank- #4
- 2nd in Assist/Turnover Ratio in NCAA
- 1st in
- Assists/Game,
- Defensive Rebounds,
- Rebound Margin
- Scoring Margin
- 3pt FG Percentage
- Notable Player- Denzel Valentine (Wooden Finalist and Favorite)
Michigan State has an excellent resume going into the tournament. They are a huge favorite to win it all. Sparty certainly has all the pieces. To me, they are the best all around team in the nation, with the exception of Kansas. Tom Izzo is one of the best coaches in March. Michigan State is a safe pick for the Elite 8 at least. Bryn Forbes has become a huge scoring threat, shooting over 50% from the 3.
Purdue
- BPI Rank- #13
- 15th in nation in FG Percentage Defense
- 11th in Rebounds/Game
- Notable Player- A.J. Hammons
Purdue is another team who I am high on. They have quality wins over Michigan State, Maryland, and won their last regular season game over the red hot Wisconsin Badgers. Thus team provides fantastic defensive. The Boilermakers are not the best scoring team, but if they are able to keep playing shut down defense, the month of March could be a fun one for them.
Indiana
Big 12
Kansas
West Virginia
Texas
Pac-12
Oregon
Arizona
- BPI Rank- #18
- 11th in nation in PPG
- 3rd best FG Percentage, shooting just over 50%
- Notable Player- Yogi Ferrell (Wooden Finalist)
Many people did expect this Indiana squad to play effectively this season. People knew what Yogi Ferrell was capable of, but was uncertain about some of the surrounding cast. This team has lights out shooting, and is one of the top scoring teams in all of college basketball. Yogi Ferrell has had an amazing career and senior year, and he is certainly capable of leading his Hoosiers deep into the tournament. I like this Hoosiers team going into the big dance.
Iowa
- BPI Rank- #19
- Notable Player- Jarrod Uthoff (Wooden Finalist)
The Hawkeyes were not only successful in football this season, but also in basketball. They knocked off Michigan State not once, but twice, this season. This team has a great amount of upper classman, including Woodman finalist Jared Uthoff and senior guard Mike Gesell. 4 of their starting 5 players are seniors. Needless to say, this group of players have been together for a couple of seasons. Experience is a key factor in moving up in the tournament. The only thing to worries me about this team, is that they have dropped 5 of their last 6 games.
Maryland
- BPI Rank- #21
- 10th in Blocked Shots/Game in NCAA and in FG Percentage
- Notable Player- Melo Trimble (Wooden Finalist)
The Maryland Terrapins have been an intriguing team to follow this season. They have one of the best point guards in the nation in Melo Trimble, a true freshman big man in Diamond Stone, and solid shooters in former Duke star Rasheed Sulaimon and Jake Layman. Their starting 5 all average 10 points or more per game. However, they ended the regular season losing 4 of their last 6 games, after having a hot start.
Wisconsin
- BPI Rank- #32
- Notable Player- Nigel Hayes
The Wisconsin Badgers have had the largest turn around of any team in college basketball this season. Following their loss to Northwestern on Jan. 12, the BADgers were 9-9, 1-4 in conference play. Their next game was against Michigan State, in which they won! This team went on to finish 20-11, winning 11 of their remaining 13 games. Wisconsin is a red hot team entering the month of madness. The past two seasons they have reached as high as the Final Four. Can they do this for a third straight season?
Big 12
Kansas
- BPI Rank- #5
- #1 ranking team in nation
- Tied for best winning percentage in NCAA
- 16th in Points/Game
- Notable Player- Perry Ellis (Wooden Finalist)
Kansas has a superb surrounding cast alongside Perry Ellis, including Wayne Seldon Jr, Frank Mason III, and true freshman Devonte Graham. To me, there is no team out there that is a true front runner, number 1 team, but the way Kansas has been playing recently, they are that team. Probably the best structured, all around team in the nation, besides Michigan State. The Jayhawks will most likely be the number 1 overall seed in the tournament. The last team to win the tournament as a number 1 overall seed in the tournament was Louisville in 2013. Perhaps the Jayhawks can win it all, like they did 8 years ago.
Oklahoma
- BPI Rank- #6
- 2nd in 3pt FG Percentage in nation
- Notable Player- Buddy Hield (Wooden Finalist and Favorite)
Oklahoma has had one of the best seasons among the majority of college basketball teams. Being ranked #1 overall in different parts of the season, the Sooners were lead by the scoring machine, senior Buddy Hield. Hield is 2nd in the nation with 25.1 points per game. He has been a clear favorite for the Woodman Award, along with Denzel Valentine of Michigan State. Buddy Hield has a great supporting cast, including Isiah Cousins and Ryan Spangler. Watching this team now for the past 2 seasons, I have seen the growth in the Sooners, and believe this veteran team should at least make it to the Elite 8. They are definitely capable of doing so.
West Virginia
- BPI Rank- #7
- Forces 2nd most Turnovers in nation
- 4.4 Turnover Ratio is 5th best
- Notable Player- Jaysean Paige
West Virginia has a team composed of many upper class man. Last year, a year younger, they reached the Sweet Sixteen. This team has stellar defense. A very quick team as well. The Mountaineers have 2 wins each over Iowa State and Baylor, and a win over Kansas. This is your average under-the-radar team come tournament time.
Iowa State
- BPI Rank- #16
- 15th in Points/Game in NCAA
- 2nd in FG Percentage
- Notable Player- Georges Niang (Wooden Finalist)
Iowa State looks to go farther than last year's trip in the tournament- losing in the first round to UAB. Georges Niang has had a good of season as anyone in college basketball, leading his team's scoring with almost 20 pts per game. Iowa State has played every team great; their worst performance according to ESPN was a win! Iowa State has great potential to at least make it to the Sweet Sixteen, but history does repeat itself.
Baylor
- BPI Rank- #33
- 4th in Assists/Game
- Notable Player- Taurean Prince
The Baylor Bears are a unique team. Once they get out to a decent lead, they can run away with it. One of the most athletic teams that will participate in the big dance. In recent tournaments they have looked strong. Last year's tourney, they were done after one game. Rico Gathers and Taurean Prince look to avenge last year's woes to lead their team to the top.
Texas
- BPI Rank- #36
- Notable Player- Isaiah Taylor
The Texas Longhorns. A team I have no idea how I feel about. On February 27th, they defeated Oklahoma, who was at the time, the #1 team in the nation. Texas played the #1 team great, and had a lot of intensity and different ways to score, scoring consistently and effectively. Coming off their hot win, two days later, Kansas destroys them, defeating them by 30. The Longhorns have knocked off West Virginia twice, UNC, and Iowa State. Plus, their coach is arguably one of the best in the game, Shaka Smart, who is known to have great success in the NCAA Tournament.
Kerwin Roach Jr Dunk of Year
Kerwin Roach Jr Dunk of Year
Texas Tech
- BPI Rank- #46
- Notable Player- Zach Smith
Texas Tech started conference play losing 6 of their first 8 games. They started to get hot, and defeated Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma in a 3 game span. The Red Raiders play solid team ball; their starters average almost the same amount of points/game. They're expected to get an 8 or 9 seed, so it could be a toss up if they win their game or not.
Pac-12
Oregon
- BPI Rank- #18
- 11th in Win-Loss Margin
- Notable Player- Dillon Brooks
The Oregon Ducks have made it known, that they are not just a football school. Their lineup is as talented as any other lineup in the nation. Dillon Brooks, a sophomore, leads the team in scoring with about 17 PPG. Elgin Cook and Chris Boucher provide veteran leadership to the young Ducks, and look to lead them far into March.
Arizona
- BPI Rank- #13
- 19th in Points/Game in NCAA
- 7th in Rebound Margin
- Notable Player- Ryan Anderson
The Arizona Wildcats have a great team on paper. It seems almost every other game is a close game with the Wildcats. One thing I do worry about is they are 4-7 against teams ranked from 1-50. We shall see if this will effect them in the tournament or not.
California
- BPI Rank- #21
- Notable Players- Tyronne Wallace and Jaylen Brown
California is a team who I have mixed feelings about. They are an explosive young team, that is very athletic and has potential to make a sizable run in March. In their previous 11 games, they have won 9, at one time winning 7 in a row, with a win over Oregon in that span. However, they have 4 losses against teams in the 51-100 ranking. If they do not make a decent run this season, watch out for the Golden Bears next season.
USC
- BPI Rank- #43
- 20th in Points/Game
- Notable Player- Nikola Jovanovic
USC has not had a great and superb year. Their year has been a tad above average. This team's starting 5 is mostly made up of juniors, so next season will be a better year. The Trojans play fabulous team ball. The starters as a group average just over 12 PPG. I'm not sure how this team will fair in the tournament, losing 7 of their last 10 games.
Utah
- BPI Rank- #30
- 10th in FG Percentage
- Notable Player- Jakob Poeltl (Woodman Finalist)
Utah has an impressive team. They have a solid front court and back court. Poeltl, only a sophomore, leads his Utes squad in points, rebounds, and FG percentage. He is one of the most dominate forwards in the NCAA. I expect the Utes to at least make it to the Sweet 16.
Colorado
- BPI Rank- #45
- 4th in NCAA in Rebounds/Game
- 2nd in total rebounds with 1400
- Notable Player- Josh Scott
Colorado has had an exceptionally well season. Last season, they were 16-18. The Buffaloes had a remarkable turn around season, improving their record from last year to 22-11. Their ability to rebound is what sets this team apart from most. Look for them to use that to their advantage in the tournament.
Oregon State
- BPI Rank- #61
- Notable Player- Gary Payton II
Earlier in the week, Oregon State was on the bubble. Somehow, they managed to sneak their way into making the tournament. The only reason this team impresses me is because of Gary Payton II. He is an electrifying play maker, and perhaps he will lead his team to success during the tournament.
Big East
Villanova
- BPI Rank- #3
- 3rd in Winning Percentage in nation
- 2nd in FT Percentage
- Notable Player- Josh Hart (Wooden Finalist)
Villanova, a team everyone doubts in every year because of their schedule strength. Their schedule was ranked 70th this year. 9 of their wins come against teams ranked 150+. However, I believe this year's team is different. Josh Hart is one of the most productive player's in all of college basketball and has a reliable surrounding cast, including Ryan Arcidiacano and true freshman Jalen Brunson. This Nova team should be a dangerous team in the tourney, hence, should.
Seton Hall
- BPI Rank- # 29
- Notable Player- Isaiah Whitehead
One of the most intriguing teams coming into tournament play. This team has been on an absolute tear. They won their conference tournament knocking off #5 Xavier in the semi-final one day, then #3 Nova in the championship the next! They haven't been hot since then, however. The Pirates have won 12 of their last 14 games dating back to Jan. 27th. I see this team remaining to stay hot with a high quality Cape Cod chip on their shoulder.
Xavier
- BPI Rank- #14
- 18th in Points/Game in NCAA
- 13th in Rebounds/Game
- 6th in Winning Percentage
- Notable Player- Trevon Bluiett
Xavier might be the biggest surprise in college basketball this season. No one expected the Musketeers to play as well as they did this season. A lot of the recognition goes to head coach Chris Mack, who is a candidate for coach of the year. It will be interesting to see if their regular season play will carry over into the postseason play. Even if they don't make it far, there is no reason this team should hang their head.
Butler
- BPI Rank- #35
- 22nd in Points/Game
