Are you ready for some March Madness? As the 2023 NCAA Tournament comes to a thrilling close, we turn our eyes to the next edition of the Big Dance, which will take place in Houston in 2024. With a new season on the horizon, let’s dive into the crystal ball and make some predictions for next year’s tournament.
The 2023 NCAA Tournament was one for the ages, especially with the first 15-seed, Saint Peter’s, making it to the Elite Eight. We saw Cinderella stories, shocking upsets, and unforgettable moments. As we look ahead to 2024, we can expect more of the same excitement and drama that makes the NCAA Tournament so special.
Before we dive into our predictions, let’s take a step back and consider the factors that will shape the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Ncaa Tournament Predictions 2024
With the 2023 NCAA Tournament still fresh in our minds, let’s look ahead to next year’s edition of the Big Dance with these 9 important points:
- New Host City: Houston to host for first time since 2016.
- Cinderella Watch: Can another 15-seed make a deep run?
- Conference Dominance: Will one conference rise above the rest?
- Top Contenders: Who are the early favorites to cut down the nets?
- Player Transfers: How will roster changes impact the tournament?
- Impact Freshmen: Which newcomers will make an immediate impact?
- Tournament Snubs: Which deserving teams will miss out?
- Upset Specials: Potential first-round upsets to watch for.
- Bracket Tips: Expert advice for filling out your bracket.
These are just a few of the storylines to keep an eye on as we approach the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With so much uncertainty and excitement ahead, one thing is for sure: March Madness is sure to deliver another unforgettable tournament.
New Host City: Houston to host for first time since 2016.
The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held in Houston, Texas, marking the city’s second time hosting the Big Dance. The first time Houston hosted the tournament was in 2016, when Villanova defeated North Carolina in the championship game.
- New Venue: The 2024 Tournament will be played at the brand-new Moody Center, which is set to open in 2023. The Moody Center will have a seating capacity of over 15,000 and is expected to be one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the country.
- Local Excitement: Houston is a basketball-crazy city, and the return of the NCAA Tournament is sure to generate a lot of excitement. The city has a strong tradition of supporting its sports teams, and the fans are known for being passionate and knowledgeable.
- Economic Impact: Hosting the NCAA Tournament is a major economic boon for a city. The tournament is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for Houston and create thousands of jobs.
- Memories in the Making: The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, and Houston is sure to provide a memorable backdrop for the 2024 edition. From the passionate fans to the state-of-the-art arena, Houston is ready to welcome the best college basketball teams in the country and crown a new national champion.
With its rich basketball history, passionate fans, and brand-new arena, Houston is the perfect city to host the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The city is ready to welcome college basketball’s biggest stage and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cinderella Watch: Can another 15-seed make a deep run?
In the history of the NCAA Tournament, only one 15-seed has ever advanced to the Sweet Sixteen: Saint Peter’s in 2022. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen again. In fact, there are a few reasons why we might see another Cinderella run in 2024.
1. Parity in College Basketball: College basketball is more competitive than ever before. There are no longer any truly dominant teams, and even the best teams in the country are vulnerable to upsets. This means that any team, regardless of its seed, has a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
2. The Transfer Portal: The transfer portal has made it easier for players to move from one school to another. This means that even small schools can now recruit talented players who can make an immediate impact. A few key additions can be enough to turn a mid-major team into a Cinderella contender.
3. The Bracket is Wide Open: The NCAA Tournament bracket is designed to create upsets. The top seeds are often placed in opposite regions, which means that they can’t meet until the Final Four. This gives lower-seeded teams a chance to advance deep into the tournament before they have to face the tournament favorites.
Of course, predicting which 15-seed will make a run to the Sweet Sixteen is impossible. But there are a few teams that could be potential Cinderella candidates in 2024. Keep an eye on schools like Oral Roberts, Colgate, and UC Santa Barbara, who all have a history of tournament success and could be poised for a deep run next year.
Whether or not another 15-seed makes a deep run in 2024 remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: the NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Conference Dominance: Will one conference rise above the rest?
In recent years, we’ve seen several conferences dominate the NCAA Tournament. The Big Ten has won the past two national championships, and the ACC has won three of the past six. But will one conference rise above the rest in 2024?
There are a few conferences that could potentially make a run for conference supremacy in 2024. Here are a few contenders:
1. Big Ten: The Big Ten is always a powerhouse conference, and this year should be no different. With teams like Purdue, Michigan, and Illinois all returning key players, the Big Ten could be poised for another deep run in the tournament.
2. ACC: The ACC is another conference that is always in the mix for a national championship. With teams like North Carolina, Duke, and Virginia all having talented rosters, the ACC could be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
3. Big 12: The Big 12 is a conference on the rise, and they could be a major player in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With teams like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas all having strong rosters, the Big 12 could be a dark horse to win it all next year.
4. SEC: The SEC is another conference that could make some noise in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas all having talented players, the SEC could be a contender for a Final Four berth.
It’s still too early to say for sure which conference will rise above the rest in 2024. But these are a few of the conferences that could potentially make a run for conference supremacy.
It’s also worth noting that the NCAA Tournament selection committee is trying to reduce the number of at-large bids that are given to teams from the same conference. This means that it will be even more difficult for one conference to dominate the tournament in the future.
Top Contenders: Who are the early favorites to cut down the nets?
With the 2023 NCAA Tournament still fresh in our minds, it’s time to start thinking about next year’s tournament and who the early favorites are to cut down the nets in Houston.
Here are a few teams that could be in the mix for a national championship in 2024:
1. North Carolina: The Tar Heels are always a contender for a national championship, and they have a talented roster returning in 2024. Led by Armando Bacot and Caleb Love, North Carolina could be one of the best teams in the country next year.
2. Houston: The Cougars are coming off a Final Four appearance in 2023, and they have a lot of key players returning next year. With Jarace Walker and Marcus Sasser leading the way, Houston could be a major threat to win it all in 2024.
3. Kentucky: The Wildcats are always a contender for a national championship, and they have a talented recruiting class coming in for 2024. With Cason Wallace and DJ Wagner joining the team, Kentucky could be one of the most dangerous teams in the country next year.
4. Gonzaga: The Bulldogs have been one of the most consistent teams in college basketball over the past few years, and they should be in the mix for a national championship again in 2024. With Drew Timme and Julian Strawther returning, Gonzaga will be a tough team to beat next year.
5. Kansas: The Jayhawks are the defending national champions, and they have a lot of talent returning next year. With Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick leading the way, Kansas could be in the mix for another national championship in 2024.
Of course, these are just a few of the teams that could be in the mix for a national championship in 2024. There are a lot of other talented teams out there, and the NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises.
Player Transfers: How will roster changes impact the tournament?
The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball. Players are now able to transfer schools more easily than ever before, and this has led to a lot of roster turnover. How will these roster changes impact the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
- Immediate Impact: Some players are able to make an immediate impact at their new schools. For example, Northwestern transfer Boo Buie led the Big Ten in scoring in his first season with the Wildcats. These players can help their new teams make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
- Chemistry Issues: On the other hand, some players struggle to adjust to their new teams and may not be as productive as they were at their previous schools. This can lead to chemistry issues and make it difficult for a team to succeed in the NCAA Tournament.
- New Opportunities: The transfer portal also gives players a chance to find new opportunities. For example, former five-star recruit Makur Maker transferred from Howard to Tulane in search of a bigger role. These players can use the transfer portal to find a school where they can be a star and help their team make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
- Tournament Experience: Some players transfer to schools that have a history of success in the NCAA Tournament. For example, former Memphis guard Lester Quinones transferred to Arkansas, which has reached the Elite Eight in two of the past three tournaments. These players can bring their tournament experience to their new teams and help them make a deep run.
The transfer portal has a major impact on the NCAA Tournament. It can help teams improve their rosters and make a deep run in the tournament. However, it can also lead to chemistry issues and make it difficult for a team to succeed. Only time will tell how the transfer portal will impact the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Impact Freshmen: Which newcomers will make an immediate impact?
The 2024 recruiting class is loaded with talented players who could make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Here are a few freshmen who could be stars in the NCAA Tournament next year:
1. Cason Wallace (Kentucky): Wallace is a 6’4″ point guard who is considered to be one of the best all-around players in the 2024 class. He is a great scorer, passer, and defender. Wallace could be the next great point guard at Kentucky.
2. DJ Wagner (Kentucky): Wagner is a 6’3″ shooting guard who is the son of former NBA star Dajuan Wagner. He is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot. Wagner could be the next big star at Kentucky.
3. Matas Buzelis (Duke): Buzelis is a 6’10” center who is considered to be one of the best big men in the 2024 class. He is a skilled post player who can score inside and out. Buzelis could be the next great big man at Duke.
4. Dariq Whitehead (Duke): Whitehead is a 6’6″ wing who is considered to be one of the most athletic players in the 2024 class. He is a great scorer and defender. Whitehead could be the next great wing at Duke.
5. AJ Johnson (Texas): Johnson is a 6’6″ wing who is considered to be one of the best shooters in the 2024 class. He is also a good defender. Johnson could be the next great shooter at Texas.
These are just a few of the freshmen who could make an immediate impact in the NCAA Tournament next year. With so much talent coming into college basketball, the 2024 tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Tournament Snubs: Which deserving teams will miss out?
One of the cruelest parts of the NCAA Tournament is that deserving teams often miss out on the Big Dance. This is especially true for mid-major teams, who have to win their conference tournament just to earn an automatic bid. Here are a few teams that could be tournament snubs in 2024:
1. Saint Mary’s: The Gaels have been one of the most consistent mid-major teams in the country in recent years. They have won the WCC Tournament three times in the past four years, but they have only made the NCAA Tournament once during that span. Saint Mary’s could be a victim of a tough WCC schedule in 2024 and miss out on the tournament again.
2. Boise State: The Broncos have been one of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference in recent years. They have won the MWC Tournament twice in the past three years, but they have only made the NCAA Tournament once during that span. Boise State could be a victim of a down year in the MWC in 2024 and miss out on the tournament again.
3. Belmont: The Bruins have been one of the top teams in the Ohio Valley Conference in recent years. They have won the OVC Tournament three times in the past four years, but they have only made the NCAA Tournament once during that span. Belmont could be a victim of a tough OVC schedule in 2024 and miss out on the tournament again.
4. Hofstra: The Pride have been one of the top teams in the Colonial Athletic Association in recent years. They have won the CAA Tournament twice in the past three years, but they have only made the NCAA Tournament once during that span. Hofstra could be a victim of a tough CAA schedule in 2024 and miss out on the tournament again.
5. Furman: The Paladins have been one of the top teams in the Southern Conference in recent years. They have won the SoCon Tournament twice in the past three years, but they have only made the NCAA Tournament once during that span. Furman could be a victim of a tough SoCon schedule in 2024 and miss out on the tournament again.
These are just a few of the teams that could be tournament snubs in 2024. With so many deserving teams vying for a spot in the Big Dance, it’s inevitable that some good teams will be left out.
Upset Specials: Potential first-round upsets to watch for.
One of the things that makes the NCAA Tournament so exciting is the potential for upsets. Every year, there are a few lower-seeded teams that knock off higher-seeded teams in the first round. Here are a few potential first-round upsets to watch for in 2024:
1. No. 16 UMBC over No. 1 Gonzaga: This would be a rematch of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, when UMBC became the first No. 16 seed to ever defeat a No. 1 seed. Gonzaga is one of the favorites to win the national championship in 2024, but UMBC has a history of giant-killing. They could pull off another upset in 2024.
2. No. 13 Saint Peter’s over No. 4 Purdue: Saint Peter’s made a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight in 2022, and they could be poised for another deep run in 2024. Purdue is a talented team, but they could be vulnerable to an upset if they overlook Saint Peter’s.
3. No. 12 Hofstra over No. 5 Kentucky: Hofstra is a mid-major team that has been knocking on the door of the NCAA Tournament for years. They finally broke through in 2023, and they could be a threat to upset Kentucky in the first round in 2024. Kentucky is a young team that could be prone to an upset.
4. No. 11 Boise State over No. 6 Duke: Boise State is a rising star in the Mountain West Conference. They have a talented roster and they could be a tough matchup for Duke in the first round. Duke is a veteran team, but they could be vulnerable to an upset if they don’t take Boise State seriously.
5. No. 10 Furman over No. 7 North Carolina: Furman is a mid-major team that has been making noise in recent years. They won the SoCon Tournament in 2023 and they could be a threat to upset North Carolina in the first round in 2024. North Carolina is a talented team, but they could be vulnerable to an upset if they overlook Furman.
These are just a few of the potential first-round upsets to watch for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With so many talented teams in the field, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement in the first round.
Bracket Tips: Expert advice for filling out your bracket.
Filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket can be a daunting task. There are so many teams and so many potential upsets. But with a little research and some expert advice, you can increase your chances of winning your bracket pool.
Here are a few tips for filling out your bracket:
1. Do your research: The more you know about the teams in the tournament, the better your chances of making good picks. Read up on the teams, watch some games, and pay attention to the experts. The more information you have, the better.
2. Don’t be afraid to take risks: Upsets are a part of the NCAA Tournament. Don’t be afraid to pick a few lower-seeded teams to win. If you always pick the favorites, you’re not going to win your bracket pool.
3. Pay attention to the matchups: Not all teams are created equal. Some teams are better matchups for certain opponents. For example, a team with a strong inside game might be a good matchup for a team with a weak inside defense.
4. Don’t overthink it: At the end of the day, filling out a bracket is all about having fun. Don’t stress out about it too much. Just make your picks and enjoy the tournament.
Here are a few additional tips for filling out your bracket:
5. Pick the top seeds to reach the Sweet Sixteen: The top seeds are usually the best teams in the tournament, and they have a good chance of making it to the Sweet Sixteen. However, don’t be afraid to pick a few lower-seeded teams to upset the top seeds.
6. Look for teams that are playing well heading into the tournament: Teams that are playing well at the end of the regular season are more likely to continue playing well in the tournament. Pay attention to the teams that are winning their conference tournaments.
7. Avoid teams that are dealing with injuries or other distractions: Teams that are dealing with injuries or other distractions are more likely to lose in the tournament. Pay attention to the news and see which teams are dealing with problems.
With a little research and some expert advice, you can increase your chances of winning your bracket pool. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the tournament.
FAQ
Have more questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: When and where is the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held from March 19th to April 7th, 2024. The tournament will be played in various cities across the United States, with the Final Four and championship game being held in Houston, Texas.
Question 2: How many teams make the NCAA Tournament?
Answer: A total of 68 teams make the NCAA Tournament. 32 of those teams are automatic qualifiers, which means they won their conference tournament. The other 36 teams are at-large bids, which are selected by the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
Question 3: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament are North Carolina, Houston, Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Kansas. However, anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament, and there are many other teams that could make a run to the championship game.
Question 4: What are some potential Cinderella teams in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: Some potential Cinderella teams in the 2024 NCAA Tournament include Saint Peter’s, Oral Roberts, Colgate, and UC Santa Barbara. These teams all have a history of tournament success and could make a deep run in 2024.
Question 5: Which conferences are likely to send the most teams to the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: The conferences that are likely to send the most teams to the 2024 NCAA Tournament are the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and SEC. These conferences have all been very competitive in recent years and have a lot of talented teams.
Question 6: What are some key dates to remember for the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer: Some key dates to remember for the 2024 NCAA Tournament are:
- Selection Sunday: March 17th, 2024
- First Four: March 19th and 20th, 2024
- First Round: March 21st and 22nd, 2024
- Second Round: March 23rd and 24th, 2024
- Sweet Sixteen: March 28th and 29th, 2024
- Elite Eight: April 3rd and 4th, 2024
- Final Four: April 5th and 6th, 2024
- National Championship: April 7th, 2024
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. For more information, be sure to check out the NCAA Tournament website.
Now that you know more about the 2024 NCAA Tournament, here are a few tips for filling out your bracket:
Tips
Ready to take your NCAA Tournament bracket to the next level? Here are four tips to help you make better picks in 2024:
Tip 1: Do your research: The more you know about the teams in the tournament, the better your chances of making good picks. Read up on the teams, watch some games, and pay attention to the experts. The more information you have, the better.
Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to take risks: Upsets are a part of the NCAA Tournament. Don’t be afraid to pick a few lower-seeded teams to win. If you always pick the favorites, you’re not going to win your bracket pool.
Tip 3: Pay attention to the matchups: Not all teams are created equal. Some teams are better matchups for certain opponents. For example, a team with a strong inside game might be a good matchup for a team with a weak inside defense.
Tip 4: Look for teams that are playing well heading into the tournament: Teams that are playing well at the end of the regular season are more likely to continue playing well in the tournament. Pay attention to the teams that are winning their conference tournaments.
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With a little research and some expert advice, you can increase your chances of winning your bracket pool. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the tournament.
Now that you have some tips for filling out your bracket, it’s time to start making your picks. Be sure to have fun and enjoy the tournament!
Conclusion
The 2024 NCAA Tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory. With so many talented teams and potential upsets, anything can happen. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard college basketball enthusiast, the 2024 NCAA Tournament is sure to have something for everyone.
In this article, we’ve taken a look at some of the key storylines to watch for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. We’ve discussed the new host city of Houston, the potential for another Cinderella run, and the conference dominance that we could see. We’ve also highlighted some of the top contenders, impact freshmen, and potential first-round upsets.
Of course, the NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises. That’s what makes it so exciting. So be sure to tune in to the tournament in March and enjoy all the drama and excitement that it has to offer.
Closing Message:
Who do you think will cut down the nets in Houston in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!