Which teams can realistically win the NCAA Tournament? These 11 have a shot - The Athletic

The Favorites

The article analyzes 11 teams with the highest probability of winning the NCAA Tournament, focusing on Duke and Florida as top contenders. Duke's strengths include high offensive and defensive efficiency, balanced scoring, and a strong roster, while their concerns center around potential injuries to key players. Florida boasts the nation's most efficient offense and a strong three-guard lineup, but questions about off-court issues regarding the coach and an assistant remain.

Other Top Contenders

The analysis delves into other top-six KenPom teams: Houston, with their strong defense and improved shooting; Auburn, with an impressive regular season record and Johni Broome's scoring prowess, but facing defensive concerns due to injuries; Tennessee's elite defense paired with a less consistent offense; and Alabama's high-scoring offense but defensive vulnerabilities and injury concerns.

Honorable Mentions

• Texas Tech: Strong recent performance, despite injury concerns. Their concern is the uncertainty of their defense.
• Gonzaga: Consistently strong metrics, but a less typical team for their coach. Their concerns are with 3-point shooting.
• Iowa State: Injuries significantly hinder their chances.
• Wisconsin: Elite offense, but inconsistency and defensive weaknesses. Their concern is with the consistency of the team.
• Arizona: Strong wins over top teams, but inconsistent play and 3-point shooting woes. Their concern is with the inconsistency of their performance.