March Madness Nation

Sneak Peek at the 2024-25 Men's Basketball Power 36 Rankings

Anticipating Coaching Changes, NBA Decisions, and the Transfer Portal's Impact on Teams Nationwide. Introducing the Way-Too-Early Power 36 Rankings for the 2024-25 Season, Inspired by UConn's Historic Back-to-Back National Championship Triumph.

1. Houston: J'Wan Roberts and L.J. Cryer are both expected to return and keep Houston near the top of the Big 12 and the nation's best.
2. Duke: Despite a few losses, the Blue Devils have the nation's No. 1 recruit in Cooper Flagg.
3. UConn: The back-to-back defending champs look to make it three in a row.
4. Alabama: Nate Oates is poised to continue the momentum for the Crimson Tide after leading Alabama to its first Final Four.
5. Creighton: The Big East is loaded but Creighton always seems to find a way near the top under Greg McDermott.
6. North Carolina: Replacing the production of Armando Bacot and Cromac Ryan will be key, but Hubert Davis added five players from the portal last year and will likely be active again.
7. Iowa State: T.J. Otzelberger led the Cyclones to a second-place finish in the Big 12 in 2023-24 and has taken Iowa State to the Sweet 16 in two of his first three seasons as head coach. The Clones are in good hands.
8. Gonzaga: The Zags return most of their roster including their leading scorer in Graham Ike.
9. Kansas: Bill Self admitted to looking ahead to the 2024-25 season following KU's exit in the Round of 32. Look for Self to be active in the portal and the Jayhawks to have a bounce-back season.
10. Clemson: Ian Schieffelin is expected to return this fall and the Tigers look to build on the success from the 2023-24 season
11. Tennessee: The Volunteers finished fifth in both the final AP poll and coaches poll of the season. Expect them to be near the top of the SEC again next season.
12. Arizona: Under Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have finished in the top 15 in offensive efficiency in each of Lloyd's first three seasons at the helm.
13. Purdue: The national runner-ups lose the national player of the year in Zach Edey, but do return key players in their backcourt such as Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith who made up one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.
14. Auburn: Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Tigers is whether Johni Broome will declare for the NBA draft. If he returns to Auburn, look out.
15. Illinois: The 2024 Big Ten tournament champs are in good hands under Brad Underwood who has rebuilt the program.
16. Baylor: The Bears have a good incoming freshmen class headlined by five-star VJ Edgecombe.
17. Florida: The biggest question mark is Walter Clayton Jr. who is testing NBA waters.
18. Texas A&M: Aggies return Wade Taylor who was named to the Naismith Player of the Year midseason team.
19. Dayton: The Flyers ranked 25th in the final AP poll of the 2024 season and starters Javon Bennett, Enoch Cheeks and Nate Santos all expected to return.
20. Boise State: A record six teams from the Mountain West got into the 2024 NCAA tournament including Boise State. Leon Rice has guided the Broncos to 10, 20-win seasons and has the program in good shape to build off of a strong 2023-24 season.
21. Wisconsin: A.J. Storr entered the portal and Wisconsin will have to replace the production from the guard, but incoming freshman Daniel Freitag might see significant time and help returning Chucky Hepburn in another solid Greg Gard-led backcourt.
22. Xavier: The Musketeers had six freshmen who logged over 30% of the minutes played this season. That will pay dividends next season.
23. Ohio State: A new era for Ohio State (sort of) with former assistant Jake Diebler having his interim tag removed following the season.

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NBA Draft Slam Dunk 2024: Anticipating Every Pick After March Madness

Every year, the NCAA tournament becomes a breeding ground for talent, catapulting certain players up the ranks of the NBA Draft. And this season was no exception, as a dynamic duo from UConn emerged as projected top picks, stealing the spotlight during their team's triumphant journey to back-to-back championships. In a thrilling showdown against Purdue, with a commanding 75-60 victory on Monday night, the Huskies showcased their dominance.

Donovan Clingan proved to be a formidable opponent, holding his own against the towering 7-foot-4 Zach Edey. He expertly controlled the paint, making it challenging for Edey to establish a strong presence. But Clingan's true brilliance lies in his impeccable footwork during the pick-and-roll, effortlessly maneuvering to find his sweet spots on the court. With such promising skills, Clingan's potential shines bright as he prepares to take on the NBA stage.

In the climactic final two games of the tournament, freshman guard Stephon Castle shattered all expectations typically associated with first-year college players. With an electrifying presence on the court, he showcased his defensive prowess and fearlessly took shots with unwavering confidence. His standout performance came in UConn's semifinal victory over Alabama, where he delivered a stunning 21-point performance, solidifying his place as one of the team's brightest talents. In the championship game, Castle continued to shine, contributing 15 points, three assists, and one steal. His impressive size and defensive versatility make him a promising prospect with a seamless transition to the NBA.

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Jamming with the Madness: Coach's Choice! Rocking Bands and Groovy Artists in the 2024 NCAA Tournament

There's something truly enchanting about music, isn't there? It has the power to touch our souls, shape our identities, and reveal our true selves. And believe it or not, college basketball coaches are no exception to this harmonious phenomenon.

Beneath their tough exterior, these coaches are undeniably human, with their own personal soundtrack that resonates with their hearts. Just like you, they have their cherished bands and treasured artists who have left an indelible mark on their lives.

As a self-professed music aficionado myself, I felt compelled to revive a passion project I embarked on back in 2016. It's time to delve into the melodic realms of these extraordinary coaches once again. Let's dive into their streaming favorites, peruse their record collections, and even explore their cherished CD archives. By immersing ourselves in the artists they hold dear, we can truly grasp the essence of who they are and what makes their hearts sing.

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Betting on March Madness

March Madness, the annual NCAA college basketball tournament, is a popular event for sports betting. Here are some recent news updates related to betting on March Madness:

- According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), nearly 68 million Americans are expected to wager on March Madness, up from 45 million in 2022. Of that number, 31 million plan to bet online, at a sportsbook, or with a bookie, while 21.5 million plan to bet casually with friends.

- The AGA predicts that total bets on the tournament will be roughly $15.5 billion, slightly less than the $16 billion wagered on this year's Super Bowl.

- WalletHub estimates that there will be more than $10 billion worth of gambling around the 2023 edition of the NCAA Tournament, with over 50% of people in the U.S. placing online wagers on the event.

- Some states have seen a significant increase in sports betting revenues during March Madness. For example, Arkansas expects a new monthly record for sports betting in the state during March Madness, with people from neighboring states crossing over to bet.

- Betting odds for each team in the NCAA Tournament are available, allowing bettors to assess the chances of different teams.

- Experts warn about the potential for gambling addiction during March Madness and advise responsible gambling practices.

- Various resources and guides are available to help individuals make informed bets on March Madness, providing tips, strategies, and odds analysis.