Beware of These High-Seeded Teams That Could Spoil Your Bracket
ICARO Media Group
As March Madness approaches, basketball fans eagerly fill out their brackets, hoping to predict the performance of top-seeded teams. However, history has shown that some highly ranked teams can disappoint and ruin bracket predictions. Let's take a closer look at three teams that could potentially wreck your bracket before the first weekend is over.
First on the list is the Tennessee Volunteers, led by coach Rick Barnes. With an impressive 803 NCAA wins under his belt, Barnes is undoubtedly a skilled coach. However, his teams have had a lackluster record in the NCAA Tournament, making it to the Final Four just once in 27 tournament appearances.
Since 2005, Barnes' teams have struggled against the spread, with a 9-21 record in tournament games. They have been knocked out by lower-seeded teams a staggering 16 times. Last year, as a four seed, they were stunned by No. 9 seed Florida Atlantic in the Sweet 16. Despite the talent on this year's Tennessee team, including transfer Dalton Knecht, who has had a breakout season, caution is advised when considering them for your bracket.
Another team that could prove to be a disappointment is the Kansas Jayhawks. Although they started the season as the top-ranked team, injuries and a 9-9 finish have raised concerns about their tournament performance. Star players Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. are dealing with injuries, potentially putting Kansas at a disadvantage.
The Jayhawks, who stumbled out of the Top 20 in KenPom efficiency, face strong competition in the tournament. Samford, their first-round opponent, is an 8.5-point underdog, highlighting the potential vulnerability of the Jayhawks. As a result, only 47.2% of Yahoo Bracket Madness entries have Kansas making it to the Sweet 16.
In the South region, the Illinois Fighting Illini may also face challenges. Despite coming off a Big Ten tournament championship, their defense could be a weakness. Their inability to force turnovers and defend the three-point line might open the door for upsets.
Morehead State, their first-round opponent, is an efficient offensive team with outside shooting prowess. If Illinois survives this initial challenge, they could potentially face BYU, a team that heavily relies on three-point shooting. With the Big Ten season not being as dominant as anticipated, Illinois might need to tread carefully.
While Houston is a strong 1-seed in the South region, there are factors that could lead to their downfall. The Cougars lack depth and have inconsistent offensive efficiency, ranking 229th in effective field-goal percentage. However, their elite defense, led by point guard Jamal Shead, could compensate for any offensive struggles.
Despite the potential risks, many bracket enthusiasts are still putting their faith in Houston. However, Texas A&M poses a threat in Round 2, should they meet the Cougars. With only 56% of Yahoo Bracket Madness entries projecting Alabama to reach the Sweet 16, it's clear that there is skepticism surrounding their postseason performance.
As fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, it's crucial to keep these cautionary tales in mind before finalizing their brackets. Whether it's the underwhelming tournament track record of Rick Barnes' Tennessee, the injury concerns surrounding Kansas, or the defensive vulnerabilities of Illinois and Alabama, there are plenty of potential pitfalls for bracket enthusiasts.
Remember, March Madness is known for its surprise upsets, and these high-seeded teams could easily fall victim to such shocks. So, approach your bracket predictions with caution and be prepared for the unexpected twists and turns this tournament often brings.