Indianapolis, IN – The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee has officially released its top 16 teams in a Bracket Preview Show earlier today. The unveiling was met with much anticipation as the committee’s consensus on the top seeds and their order on the true seed list were revealed by chairman Charles McClelland.
Leading the pack as the overall top seed for the tournament, if it were to start today, is Purdue. The Boilermakers, with an impressive 23-2 record against the nation’s toughest schedule, have seven wins in the top half of the first quadrant. UConn closely follows as another No. 1 seed, seeking to become college basketball’s first repeat champion since 2007.
Houston and Arizona round out the No. 1 seeds, with the Cougars sitting atop the NET rankings due to their strong defense, and the Wildcats boasting seven wins in the first quadrant against a challenging schedule. The consensus on the sequence of these top teams on the seed list is highly unusual and adds to the excitement for the upcoming tournament.
Looking at previous reveals, it’s worth noting that the teams voted as top seeds in the past have generally remained at the top come Selection Sunday. There were differing opinions on the order of the schools on the two line, with minimal differences separating teams like North Carolina and Tennessee in the committee’s deliberations.
Alabama, Baylor, Iowa State, and Duke make up the quartet of teams to ultimately land on the three line, with each showcasing strong performances and efficient play. The metrics indicate that the No. 4 seed Auburn would be a dangerous contender given their rankings in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Using their principles and procedures, the committee has placed the 16 teams into four regions, setting the stage for a highly anticipated March Madness. Parity is expected to make for a wild ride down the stretch of the season, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
With Selection Sunday set for March 17, the tournament will kick off with the Men’s First Four on March 19-20 in Dayton, followed by first- and second-round action in numerous cities. Regional action will take place at various locations leading up to the 85th Men’s Final Four, which will be held in Phoenix on April 6 and 8. For those interested in attending, ticket information is now available on the official website.