Another March Madness Approaches
By: The Cold Hard Truth (2026-03-01)
Here we are again, just a couple weeks away from the beginning of March Madness. I must say, this have been a great basketball season. When I look at the potential seedings, I could probably make a case for a dozen teams that could win this whole thing. The strength at the top of college basketball is the deepest I can remember.
The freshman class has been extraordinary. Arkansas's Darius Acuff Jr. just dropped 49 points in an incredible double-overtime game against Alabama. The Tide won that game 117-115, but it was just one example of how the incoming class has shaped this college basketball season.
Many people thought that Duke would take as slight step backwards after Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel went to the NBA. However, the Blue Devils welcomed power forward Cameron Boozer, the son of ex-Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, and Duke hasn't lost a step. Cameron Boozer looks unstoppable as times, averaging nearly 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. He has propelled Duke to a 27-2 record, with a 3 point loss to North Carolina and a one point loss to Texas Tech. A lot of people thought the late season matchup versus a powerhouse Michigan team would result in a loss, but Duke prevailed 68-63, and then many self-proclaimed experts said that Viginia would take down Duke - they lost by 26 points as Duke took them to the woodshed.
I mentioned that North Carolina victory over Duke, but they will be without their incredible power forward Caleb Wilson, and without him, I would doubt that the Tar Heels can compete. Wilson brought and energy to that team that now seems to be missing. BYU has a freshman forward, AJ Dybnatsa has been awesome, an absolute scoring machine at 25 points per game. At times BYU has shown they can complete against the upper tier teams, but with the loss of guard Richie Saunders, it makes if far more challenging for a guy like Dybnatsa. He might win them a game of two, but as we know, guards win tournament games, and when you're best guard is injured, it probably means an early exit.
Back for another year - the Houston Cougars. They have been in the top 5 all year, and one of the reasons is new point guard Kingston Flemings. He scored 42 points and had 6 assists verus Texas Tech and has been a major factor in Houston being tied for 2nd place in the Big 12. Houston's guard play and defense will make them a contender again. Illinois ranks as the best offense in the country. The reason is partly due to new scoring guard Keaton Wagler, averaging 18 points per game while shooting 42 percent from the three point line. When the Fighting Illini are on, they are hard to beat. However, the Big 10 has some elite teams that have kept Illinois at bay in 5th place in conference. We'll see which team shows up for March Madness. They definitely have Final 4 potential...as does Kansas, but the question for the Jayhawks is whether superstar freshman guard Darryn Peterson literally show up. It has been a bizarre story all year, and you never know which Kansas team will be on the court. Is it the team that beat Arizona or the team that got blown out by Arizona? Is it the team that beat Iowa State by 21 points or the team that lost to the Cyclones by 18? They also have Final 4 potential, but it is hard to pick them if their freshman star is not committed. Finally, Arizona has had a great season because of freshman guard Branden Burries. He leads a balanced attach for the Wildcats and has propelled them to the top of the tough Big 12 conference.
It has been fun to watch the level of competition in the games this year. One of my favorite games involved the 2nd place team in the Big 10. Now close your eyes and guess who is in second place. Did you say 25-4 Nebraska? Yes, I am serious. The best Cornhuusker team ever played Purdue on February 10. It was a game where Purdue had a large lead, only to see Nebraska force OT. Eventually, the Boilermakers won, but there is no doubt that when Nebraska is playing well, they can beat anyone. There is an extra bonus if you can name one player on their team.
We have already talked about Duke. Here are some other interesting tidbits. Gonzaga is 28-3 with a 40 point loss to Michigan and a loss to the Portland Pilots. Texas Tech lost JT Toppin, the likely Big 12 Player of the Year, to injury during the Arizona State game. They have responded with three straight wins including a win against #4 Iowa State. The reason? They have stud guards that shoot the lights out from three and they are a very good defensive team. Florida, who looked beatable during the early season, has figured out how to replace players who graduated to the NBA last year. Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee have both stepped up in a big way at guard, and Haugh, Condon, and Chinyelu make it great front line. Are they good enough to define their national title? Two months ago I would have said no. Now, I am not sure. They have dominated the SEC and a 111-77 win against a really good Arkansas team suggests they may have a say in how this tourney goes.
In my opinion, the Big 10 and Big 12 are the best conferences. However, the experts still suggest that the SEC will get in more teams and ranks higher. I guess we will find out. I guess we'll find out. Duke, Michigan, Arizona...and don't forget the ever present UConn - experts angered the Huskies when they suggested that a hot St. John's team would beat them. Yes, there was a beat down, but it UConn who buried the Red Storm 72-40 in a game that saw a very good St. John's team miss 24 straight shots at the end of the game. Yes, UConn is good and they will compete for a third title in the last four years. Iowa State, Illinois, Houston, Florida, Purdue, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Alabama all have what it takes to make the Final 4. What about a giant killer like Wisconsin? They could make a run. What about the 26-3 St. Louis Billikens - led by Robbie Avila and his long list of nicknames? What about undefeated Miami of Ohio? If the Red Hawks lose in their conference tourney, the bubble teams will go into shake-factor 12. There are so many teams and possibilities.
As we head towards another great Dirty-Dawg CBCC, let me last mention that a great deal of work has been done to make entering your picks easier. We have greatly reduced time required to enter your failed bracket picks, and want you there so we can all suffer together. Also, there is a very cool second contest - The Dirty Dawg Redemption Contest (The Sweet 16 Contest) - that gives competitors a second chance to not be a loser. No doubt - it will be a great tournament and I personally am excited to see who really is the best team this year. Best of luck to you on your brackets!
