Whether you watch March Madness for fun or for sport, a little backstory on which teams are the ones to beat can go a long way.
From potential Cinderella stories to hands-down favorites, here we’ll cover the top five teams to watch this year.
Some March Madness teams shine thanks mostly to stand-out players while others are a more well-rounded bunch.
Ready to learn which teams are this year’s picks for the ones to watch? Let’s get into it!
1. Kansas Jayhawks
Let’s start at the top.
With a 16 game winning streak, the Kansas Jayhawks are predicted to take the number one overall seed position without contest. Their 17-1 record speaks volumes for this team’s potential during March Madness 2020.
With standout players like Marcus Garrett and Devon Dotson, the Jayhawks are poised to continue their winning record and secure a spot in the Final Four.
2. Baylor Bears
Ranking near the top for March Madness 2020 is the Baylor Bears.
Coming off two recent losses, the team is a little shook but definitely not out of the race. If the Bears can capitalize on their 14-1 record, they should have no problems securing their own number one seed position.
The Bear’s roster is stacked with several seniors including Freddie Gillispie and Devonte Bandoo who bring experience and talent to this year’s competition.
3. Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are currently up against some stiff competition in this year’s fight for the Final Four, but their impressive scoring game has helped keep them in the running.
With six players that average over 10 points a game, opponents have to spread their defense across the court to prevent Gonzaga from penetrating at every angle.
Serbian native Filip Petrusev is one of the Bulldog’s standout performers. At just 19 years old, Petrusev averages nearly 20 points per game on his own.
The Bulldogs have a record of 5-1 against power-conference teams – and they’ll need this to carry them all the way the top.
4. St. Mary’s Gaels
No March Madness team list would be complete without a few underdogs thrown in the mix. Enter St. Mary’s Gaels.
Not quite your traditional March Madness Cinderella story, the Gaels have been a topic of conversation for some time now but haven’t secured a Sweet 16 spot in a decade.
The Gael’s strongest skills include impressive three-point shooting statistics, an aversion to turnovers, and a ranking in the top 25 for adjusted offensive efficiency.
Don’t be surprised to see the team rely heavily on veteran guard Jordan Ford to carry a few NCAA wins.
When it comes to flaws, the St. Mary’s lineup needs to improve its defense if they want to secure a spot in the Final Four.
5. BYU Cougars
The Cougars took a big hit this season after their leading points scorer Yoeli Childs was suspended for using an agent to entertain NBA draft interest. An injury kept him out for another four games later in the year.
But despite this setback, the team still had an impressive season. Now that Childs has returned, there’s no stopping this Utah force.
With seven players averaging at least one three-pointer per game, the Cougar’s field game is vicious. Don’t overlook their two-point scoring game either, with the team making 56 percent of their shots.
Opponents can capitalize on the team’s weak rebounding performance and periodic dry spells.
The Teams To Watch During 2020 March Madness
All of the NCAA teams showcased in March Madness have the potential to win – or else they wouldn’t be there. But with a healthy mix of sheer talent and underrated passion, this season is shaping up to be as unpredictable as any.
While Kansas and Baylor are obvious choices, don’t underestimate the talent that the Bulldogs and Gaels bring to the table.
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