The NCAA Tournament is the most exciting three weeks in sports. The passion, the drama, and the upsets make it a must-watch event for sports fans across the country. With the 2023 tournament still fresh in our minds, it’s time to start looking ahead to 2024.
With more than a year until the next tournament tips off, the odds are already starting to take shape. In this article, we’ll take a look at the early favorites and some potential Cinderella teams that could make a run in 2024.
Before we dive into the odds and predictions, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history and significance of the NCAA Tournament. The tournament has been held every year since 1939, and it has crowned some of the greatest teams and players in college basketball history.
Ncaa Tournament Odds 2024
Excitement, upsets, and Cinderella stories await.
- Early favorites: Houston, Kansas, Gonzaga
- Cinderella potential: Saint Peter’s, Oral Roberts
- New faces, familiar contenders
- Bracket predictions already in motion
- March Madness captivates the nation
- Upsets and buzzer-beaters galore
- One shining moment for the ages
- Tournament history in the making
- Legends crowned, dreams realized
- Cinderella stories write their own headlines
The NCAA Tournament is a true spectacle, where anything can happen. It’s a celebration of college basketball and a reminder that anything is possible in sports.
Early favorites: Houston, Kansas, Gonzaga
While it’s still early to make predictions, a few teams stand out as the early favorites to cut down the nets in 2024.
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Houston Cougars:
The Cougars are coming off a Final Four appearance in 2023, and they return a talented roster led by Marcus Sasser and Jarace Walker. With a strong mix of experience and athleticism, Houston is a legitimate title contender.
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Kansas Jayhawks:
The Jayhawks are always a threat under coach Bill Self, and they have a loaded roster for 2023-24. Led by Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, Kansas has the talent and depth to make a deep run in the tournament.
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Gonzaga Bulldogs:
Gonzaga has been one of the most consistent teams in college basketball over the past decade, and they’re always a contender for the national championship. With Drew Timme and Julian Strawther returning, the Bulldogs are once again a team to watch.
These are just a few of the early favorites for the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With a long season ahead, there will be plenty of twists and turns before the field is set. But these three teams are certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Cinderella potential: Saint Peter’s, Oral Roberts
The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and Cinderella teams are a big part of what makes the tournament so exciting. In recent years, we’ve seen teams like Saint Peter’s and Oral Roberts make deep runs in the tournament, and there’s no reason to think we won’t see more Cinderella stories in 2024.
Saint Peter’s: In 2022, Saint Peter’s became the first 15-seed to reach the Elite Eight in NCAA Tournament history. The Peacocks’ magical run captured the hearts of fans across the country, and they proved that anything is possible in March Madness. With a young and talented roster returning in 2023-24, Saint Peter’s has the potential to make another deep run in the tournament.
Oral Roberts: Oral Roberts also made a surprise run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2021, becoming the first 15-seed to reach that round since 2013. The Golden Eagles have a strong core of players returning in 2023-24, including leading scorer Max Abmas. Oral Roberts is a team to watch out for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
These are just two of the many teams that have the potential to make a Cinderella run in 2024. The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and that’s what makes it so special.
So keep an eye on Saint Peter’s, Oral Roberts, and other mid-major teams as the 2023-24 season progresses. They could be the ones cutting down the nets in Houston next April.
New faces, familiar contenders
The 2023-24 college basketball season will feature a mix of new faces and familiar contenders. Here are a few teams to keep an eye on:
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New faces:
Several teams are poised to make a splash in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a while. Watch out for teams like Arkansas, Texas, and TCU, who all have talented rosters and could make deep runs in the tournament.
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Familiar contenders:
Of course, there are also the familiar contenders who are always in the mix for a national championship. Teams like Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina will be looking to add to their already impressive NCAA Tournament pedigrees.
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Transfer portal impact:
The transfer portal has become a major factor in college basketball, and it could have a big impact on the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Several top players have transferred to new schools, and it will be interesting to see how they fit in with their new teams.
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Coaching changes:
There have also been a number of coaching changes in college basketball, and it will be interesting to see how the new coaches fare in their first seasons. Some of the most notable coaching changes include Matt Painter taking over at Texas, Sean Miller taking over at Xavier, and Andy Enfield taking over at USC.
The 2023-24 college basketball season is sure to be full of surprises. With a mix of new faces and familiar contenders, the NCAA Tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Bracket predictions already in motion
Even though the 2024 NCAA Tournament is still more than a year away, bracket predictions are already in full swing. College basketball fans love to speculate about which teams will make the tournament and how they will fare once they get there.
There are a number of different ways to make bracket predictions. Some people simply pick the teams they think are the best, while others use more complex methods, such as computer models or statistical analysis.
No matter how you make your bracket predictions, it’s all in good fun. The NCAA Tournament is a unpredictable event, and anything can happen. That’s what makes it so exciting.
Here are a few of the most popular bracket prediction methods:
- The eye test: This is the simplest method of bracket prediction. Simply pick the teams that you think are the best, based on their records, their rosters, and their recent performances.
- Computer models: These models use a variety of data points to predict the outcome of games. Some of the most popular computer models include KenPom, Sagarin, and ESPN’s BPI.
- Statistical analysis: This method involves using statistical analysis to identify trends and patterns that can be used to predict the outcome of games. Some of the most common statistical analysis methods used for bracket prediction include regression analysis and Bayesian analysis.
Of course, no bracket prediction method is perfect. The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and even the most accurate bracket predictions are often wrong. But that’s part of what makes the tournament so exciting.
So if you’re looking for a fun way to get ready for the 2024 NCAA Tournament, try making some bracket predictions. Who knows, you might just pick the perfect bracket and win your office pool.
March Madness captivates the nation
The NCAA Tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. It captivates the nation for three weeks every March, as millions of people tune in to watch the best college basketball teams in the country compete for a national championship.
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Cinderella stories:
One of the things that makes the NCAA Tournament so special is the Cinderella stories. Every year, there are teams that come out of nowhere to make a deep run in the tournament. These Cinderella stories capture the imagination of the nation and make the tournament even more exciting.
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Upsets:
The NCAA Tournament is also known for its upsets. It’s not uncommon for a lower-seeded team to beat a higher-seeded team, especially in the early rounds. These upsets are what make the tournament so unpredictable and exciting.
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Buzzer-beaters:
The NCAA Tournament is also known for its buzzer-beaters. These are shots that are made at the very end of the game to win or tie the game. Buzzer-beaters are always exciting, and they can send a team to the next round or even win them the national championship.
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One shining moment:
Every year, the NCAA Tournament produces a “One Shining Moment.” This is a highlight reel of the best moments from the tournament, set to the song “One Shining Moment” by Luther Vandross. The “One Shining Moment” is a tradition that has become synonymous with the NCAA Tournament, and it always brings back memories of the excitement and drama of the tournament.
The NCAA Tournament is more than just a sporting event. It’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together from all walks of life. It’s a time for friends and family to gather around the TV and cheer for their favorite teams. It’s a time for memories to be made and stories to be told.
Upsets and buzzer-beaters galore
The NCAA Tournament is known for its upsets and buzzer-beaters. These are the moments that make the tournament so exciting and unpredictable.
Upsets:
Upsets are a common occurrence in the NCAA Tournament. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a lower-seeded team to beat a higher-seeded team, especially in the early rounds. This is because the NCAA Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, which means that there is no room for error. One loss and you’re out.
There are a number of reasons why upsets happen in the NCAA Tournament. One reason is that the tournament is so short. There is no time for teams to make adjustments or learn from their mistakes. Another reason is that the tournament is played on a neutral court, which takes away the home-court advantage for the higher-seeded team.
Some of the most famous upsets in NCAA Tournament history include:
- 1985: Villanova over Georgetown: Villanova, a #8 seed, defeated Georgetown, the #1 overall seed, in the national championship game.
- 1997: Princeton over UCLA: Princeton, a #16 seed, defeated UCLA, a #1 seed, in the first round.
- 2006: George Mason over UConn: George Mason, a #11 seed, defeated UConn, a #1 seed, in the Final Four.
- 2014: Mercer over Duke: Mercer, a #14 seed, defeated Duke, a #3 seed, in the first round.
Buzzer-beaters:
Buzzer-beaters are another common occurrence in the NCAA Tournament. These are shots that are made at the very end of the game to win or tie the game. Buzzer-beaters are always exciting, and they can send a team to the next round or even win them the national championship.
Some of the most famous buzzer-beaters in NCAA Tournament history include:
- 1974: UCLA over Notre Dame: UCLA’s Richard Washington hit a jump shot with one second remaining to give UCLA a 75-74 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game.
- 1990: Michigan over Seton Hall: Michigan’s Rumeal Robinson hit a jump shot with two seconds remaining to give Michigan a 80-79 victory over Seton Hall in the national championship game.
- 2008: Villanova over Pittsburgh: Villanova’s Scottie Reynolds hit a three-pointer with four seconds remaining to give Villanova a 78-76 victory over Pittsburgh in the Sweet Sixteen.
- 2013: Florida Gulf Coast over Georgetown: Florida Gulf Coast’s Sherwood Brown hit a three-pointer with two seconds remaining to give Florida Gulf Coast a 78-71 victory over Georgetown in the second round.
Upsets and buzzer-beaters are what make the NCAA Tournament so exciting and unpredictable. These moments are what make the tournament a must-watch event for sports fans across the country.
So when you’re filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket, don’t be afraid to pick a few upsets. And be sure to tune in to the games, because you never know when you might see the next great upset or buzzer-beater.
One shining moment for the ages
Every year, the NCAA Tournament produces a “One Shining Moment.” This is a highlight reel of the best moments from the tournament, set to the song “One Shining Moment” by Luther Vandross. The “One Shining Moment” is a tradition that has become synonymous with the NCAA Tournament, and it always brings back memories of the excitement and drama of the tournament.
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The best of the best:
The “One Shining Moment” features the best moments from the tournament, including the biggest plays, the most exciting finishes, and the most heartwarming stories. It’s a celebration of the best that college basketball has to offer.
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A reminder of the journey:
The “One Shining Moment” is also a reminder of the journey that the teams and players have taken to get to the tournament. It shows the hard work, the dedication, and the sacrifices that they have made. It’s a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
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A tradition that brings people together:
The “One Shining Moment” is a tradition that brings people together. It’s a time for friends and family to gather around the TV and cheer for their favorite teams. It’s a time for memories to be made and stories to be told.
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A moment that will last a lifetime:
For the players and coaches who are featured in the “One Shining Moment,” it’s a moment that they will never forget. It’s a moment that will last a lifetime.
The “One Shining Moment” is more than just a highlight reel. It’s a celebration of college basketball and a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together.
Tournament history in the making
Every year, the NCAA Tournament writes a new chapter in its storied history. Here are a few ways that the 2024 tournament could make history:
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First 16-seed to reach the Final Four:
No 16-seed has ever reached the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. Could this be the year that it finally happens? There are a few 16-seeds who have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament, including Saint Peter’s and Oral Roberts.
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First team to win back-to-back national championships since 2010-11:
The last team to win back-to-back national championships was Florida in 2006 and 2007. Could Houston or Kansas make it happen in 2024?
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Most points scored in a tournament game:
The record for most points scored in a tournament game is 235, set by Oral Roberts and Ohio State in 2022. Could we see another high-scoring game in 2024?
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Most upsets in a tournament:
The record for most upsets in a tournament is 12, set in 2021. Could we see even more upsets in 2024?
These are just a few of the ways that the 2024 NCAA Tournament could make history. With so much uncertainty and excitement, anything is possible.
Legends crowned, dreams realized
The NCAA Tournament is a stage where legends are crowned and dreams are realized. It’s a tournament that can change the lives of players and coaches forever.
For the players, the NCAA Tournament is a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. It’s a chance to prove that they are among the best players in the country. For some players, the NCAA Tournament is a springboard to a successful NBA career. For others, it’s a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
For the coaches, the NCAA Tournament is a chance to cement their legacy. A coach who wins a national championship is forever remembered as a legend. The NCAA Tournament is also a chance for coaches to show their tactical acumen and their ability to motivate their players.
The NCAA Tournament is also a tournament of dreams. It’s a tournament where anything is possible. Cinderella teams can make deep runs, and underdogs can win championships. The NCAA Tournament is a tournament where dreams come true.
Here are a few stories of legends crowned and dreams realized in the NCAA Tournament:
- Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan was a freshman at North Carolina in 1982 when he hit the game-winning shot to beat Georgetown in the national championship game. That shot made Jordan a legend, and it helped to launch his Hall of Fame career.
- Villanova Wildcats: The Villanova Wildcats were a #8 seed in the 1985 NCAA Tournament, but they went on to win the national championship. Their victory was one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
- Gonzaga Bulldogs: The Gonzaga Bulldogs were a Cinderella team in the 1999 NCAA Tournament. They were a #10 seed, but they made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Their run to the Elite Eight helped to put Gonzaga on the map as a college basketball powerhouse.
- UConn Huskies: The UConn Huskies won four national championships in five years from 2002 to 2006. They were led by a number of great players, including Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. The Huskies’ run of dominance is one of the most impressive in NCAA Tournament history.
These are just a few of the many stories of legends crowned and dreams realized in the NCAA Tournament. The 2024 tournament is sure to produce even more memorable moments.
So tune in to the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and witness history in the making. You never know when you might see the next legend crowned or the next dream realized.
Cinderella stories write their own headlines
Cinderella stories are a staple of the NCAA Tournament. Every year, there are teams that come out of nowhere to make a deep run in the tournament. These Cinderella stories capture the imagination of the nation and make the tournament even more exciting.
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Unlikely heroes:
Cinderella stories are often led by unlikely heroes. These are players who are not highly recruited or well-known, but they step up in the NCAA Tournament and make a name for themselves. Some of the most famous Cinderella story heroes include:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Antetokounmpo was a little-known player from Greece when he led the Milwaukee Panthers to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013.
- Steph Curry: Curry was a three-star recruit who led Davidson to the Elite Eight in 2008.
- Jimmer Fredette: Fredette was a scoring machine who led BYU to the Sweet Sixteen in 2010 and 2011.
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Teamwork and heart:
Cinderella teams are often successful because of their teamwork and heart. They may not have the most talented players, but they play together as a unit and they never give up. This was evident in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, when Oral Roberts, a 15-seed, made a run to the Sweet Sixteen.
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The magic of March:
There’s something about the NCAA Tournament that brings out the best in Cinderella teams. The atmosphere is electric and the games are always close. This makes it possible for any team to make a run, regardless of their seed.
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Inspiring stories:
Cinderella stories are inspiring because they show that anything is possible. They remind us that even the smallest teams can achieve great things if they work hard and believe in themselves.
The 2024 NCAA Tournament is sure to produce its own Cinderella stories. These stories are what make the tournament so special and so unpredictable.
FAQ
Got questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament? We’ve got answers.
Question 1: When is the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held from March 18th to April 8th.
Question 2: Where is the 2024 NCAA Tournament being held?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held in various cities across the United States. The First Four will be held in Dayton, Ohio, the Second Round and Sweet Sixteen will be held in eight different cities, the Elite Eight will be held in Houston, Texas, and the Final Four and National Championship will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.
Question 3: How many teams make the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: A total of 68 teams make the NCAA Tournament. 32 teams receive automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments, and the remaining 36 teams are selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee.
Question 4: What is the selection process for the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The NCAA Tournament Committee uses a variety of factors to select the teams for the tournament, including:
- Team record
- Strength of schedule
- RPI (Ratings Percentage Index)
- KenPom ranking
- NET ranking
Question 5: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The early favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament include Houston, Kansas, and Gonzaga. However, the tournament is always full of surprises, so any team can make a run.
Question 6: How can I watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be televised on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the tournament online using NCAA March Madness Live.
Question 7: What are some tips for filling out a 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket?
Answer: Here are a few tips for filling out a 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket:
- Do your research. Look at the team records, schedules, and rankings. Consider their strengths and weaknesses.
- Pay attention to the seeding. The higher-seeded teams are usually the favorites to win, but upsets happen all the time.
- Don’t be afraid to take some risks. Pick a few Cinderella teams to make a run. It’s always fun to cheer for the underdog.
- Have fun! Filling out a bracket is a great way to enjoy the NCAA Tournament.
No matter who you’re rooting for, we hope you enjoy the 2024 NCAA Tournament!
Now that you know all about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, it’s time to start filling out your bracket. Good luck!
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you fill out a winning bracket for the 2024 NCAA Tournament:
Tip 1: Do your research.
The more you know about the teams in the tournament, the better your chances are of picking the winners. Look at their records, schedules, and rankings. Consider their strengths and weaknesses. You can find this information on websites like ESPN, CBS Sports, and NCAA.com.
Tip 2: Pay attention to the seeding.
The higher-seeded teams are usually the favorites to win, but upsets happen all the time. This is especially true in the early rounds of the tournament. Don’t be afraid to pick a lower-seeded team to win if you think they have a good chance of winning.
Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to take some risks.
One of the best ways to win your bracket is to pick a few Cinderella teams to make a run. These are the teams that are seeded 12 or lower and have a chance to upset a higher-seeded team. Cinderella teams often have a lot of heart and motivation, and they can be very dangerous in the tournament.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Filling out a bracket is a great way to enjoy the NCAA Tournament. So relax, have fun, and cheer for your favorite teams.
No matter how you fill out your bracket, we hope you enjoy the 2024 NCAA Tournament!
Now that you have some tips for filling out your bracket, it’s time to put them into practice. Good luck!
Conclusion
The 2024 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a number of talented teams and potential Cinderella stories, the tournament is sure to be full of surprises.
In this article, we’ve taken a look at some of the early favorites to win the tournament, as well as some potential Cinderella teams who could make a run. We’ve also discussed the tournament’s history and traditions, and we’ve provided some tips for filling out a winning bracket.
No matter who you’re rooting for, we hope you enjoy the 2024 NCAA Tournament. It’s sure to be a memorable one.
So gather your friends and family, fill out your brackets, and get ready for the madness!