Over the past few weeks, a 17-member college basketball expert panel has provided predictions on all sorts of topics for the 2022-23 season. But the hint finally arrived on Monday night, so we know what you’re really thinking.
Who will control the whole!?
Last year, two voters successfully elected Kansas as the eventual 2022 National Champion, while two other voters nailed at least the Final Four teams (Duke and Villanova). This time around, nine different teams have earned at least one nod to him as the team cutting the net at his NRG Stadium in Houston on April 3rd. hometown hero.
2023 NCAA Tournament Champion
And now let some of our experts go on record with their national title selections:
houston
The Cougars won 32 games last season. They reached the Elite Eight and pushed Villanova to the brink. And they did it with Marcus Susser playing all 12 games. , Reggie Chaney, and just two freshmen, Jareth Walker and Terrence Arseno? Gonzaga and Houston are Ken Pomeroy’s only two teams to have ranked in the top 10 offensively and defensively in the last two years. Don’t be surprised to see that matchup in this year’s finals. — Dana O’Neill
With a roster disrupted by injuries to very important players, Houston finished in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency last year, winning 32 games and reaching the Elite Eight. What happens when Sampson works with a full cupboard? Sasser and Mark are back, and they’re joined by five-star freshman Walker. I’m taking the risk that the injury problem won’t come back…but what’s the fun in making safe choices anyway? — Brian Hamilton
This makes them the toughest team in the country to play against. They’re physical on offense and all of their players play with exceptional motor, plus they’re currently pushing Sasser, Walker, and Arseneau into his potential first-round picks. You have a hidden talent. — Sam Bethenny
Cougar loaded. They have everything you need to win a national championship. Hard to prepare in a way.The return of Sasser, Mark and Shead is arguably the best backcourt in the country, so a huge achievement. Finally, there are benefits that many people don’t consider. They battled many injuries a year ahead of him and regained most of the roster. — Tobias Bass
Sampson’s team is very tough and arguably the best guard in the country is back in Susser. — Austin Meek
Gonzaga
I made North Carolina preseason No. 1, but it’s only a matter of time before Zags checks the only remaining box on his resume. With their strong schedule and regular dominance of the West Coast Conference nearly guaranteeing a top two seed each year, Mark Few once again possesses an excellent mix of talent and experience. — Seth Davis
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — Zag will eventually. Doing so is not easy. Gonzaga has talent and experience. Drew Timm is back, Julian Strother is a star, and Malachi Smith could be one of the most impactful transfers in the country. — Brendan Quinn
This program is knocking, knocking, knocking — and at some point the door has to open, right? Nicole Orbach
This was the year Gonzaga finally made it, and when hopes cooled a bit — ranked just second in the preseason — in short order. Efton Reid is another talented transfer to watch and Tim is still very good. — Joe Rexlord
Baylor
Scott Drew has the best perimeter trio in the sport and his defense has been elite since he took the no middles scheme a few years ago. Drew won his second title and the Big 12 won his third straight. — CJ Moore
Many point to what Houston accomplished despite injuries last season. What about Baylor? The Bears dealt with all sorts of injury problems last year, but still managed to win their share of the regular season title in the nation’s best league and earn the No. 1 seed. Now they surround veterans with veterans and surround an elite freshman scorer (Keyonte George). The Bears have been a strong contender in his 2020 tournament, winning in 2021 and sending his UNC his team in a scorching heat to overtime despite a significantly reduced roster last March. Drew understood this. — Brian Bennett
north carolina
Redemption 2.0? That’s what the Tar Heels are aiming for, six years after the 2017 team avenged their excruciating National Championship loss. Not a marksman, but probably a better all-around player. And importantly, he understands his role behind Armando his Bako, Caleb Love and RJ Davis. — Brendan Marks
Arkansas
Get a flyer here. I think Kentucky will win the SEC. The tournament was weird, with Eric Musselman reaching Elite Eights in a row with less talent than he currently has. As usual, he squashed transfer portals, including potential breakout star Trebon Brasil. But he also signed to the Monster Recruit class. Four Top 100 players and he was named three McDonald’s All-He-American. Among them was Nick Smith, arguably the best high school prospect in the country. Hoggs may be partying like he was in 1994— Kyle Tucker
duke
Duke has a lot of questions, starting with the Legend and four starter changes, but John Scheer brought in a great class. No, but it’s a good chance the Blue Devils are on the court for “One Shining Moment.” — Scott Doctorman
kentucky
Many Kentucky fans are starting to get a little worried about the Wildcats’ style of play on offense. Gone are the days when John Calipari’s tactical thinking incorporated modern spacing. His 50% his 3-pointer his shooter like CJ Fredrick could be a catalyst. Alternatively, Britain might just throw it to the rim and leave it to the Big Oscars. It might work too! The bottom line is that this group is so talented that they could play the offense of the 2010s and still be the best team in the country. — Eamon Brennan
texas
The Longhorns are back, but it’s not football. I expect the continued prevalence of transfer portals to result in many disjointed and haphazard offenses that good defensive teams can take advantage of. can be — Justin Williams
(Complete panel of experts: Nicole Orbach, Tobias Bass, Brian Bennett, Eamonn Brennan, Seth Davis, Scott Docterman, Brian Hamilton, Hugh Kellenberger, Brendan Marks, Austin Meek , CJ Moore, Dana O’Neal, Brendan Quinn, Joe Rexlord, Kyle Tucker, Sam Bethenny, Justin Williams)
Previous prediction:
Middle major who can march run
the most interesting player in the country
The Most Engaging Games of 2022-23
First coach change
surprise team
unfortunate team
Coach of the Year
freshman
Player of the Year
(Photo by Marcus Susser: Troy Taormina / USA Today)
