Girls and gents, whereas the NBA, NFL, and faculty soccer seasons are already on their manner, early November will carry us the start of the 2021-22 NCAA basketball season.
Now, earlier than you begin on the lookout for the earliest March Madness predictions, why don’t we first calm down for a second, take a deep breath and possibly even keep in mind what occurred final season.
I believe we are able to all agree in the truth that Gonzaga was one of the best staff in faculty basketball this season, and the truth that they have been left one recreation out of profitable the championship, after falling to Baylor within the finals, continues to be one thing that’s each onerous to know and even onerous to swallow.
Numerous upsets have been handed, thrills, actions, and feelings have been up the wahoo final season, which initially helps faculty ball followers to consider that the 2021-22 season shall be as a lot of a thriller because the final.
With this stated, listed here are our picks for 3 groups that appear to be the strongest matches to be early favorites for the upcoming NCAA basketball season.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been one of the best staff within the nation final 12 months and so they have all of the instruments, the skills, and an enormous chip on their shoulder to return out as very early favorites to go for the NCAA basketball season title as soon as once more this upcoming season.
One of many principal elements that many could recall, is that final season’s loss towards Baylor within the nationwide championship finals is the second time in 5 years that Gonzaga finally ends up as runner-ups for the NCAA basketball crown.
So what makes Gonzaga stand out above their competitors? For starters their stacked lineup.
Head coach Mark Few, who shall be lacking the season opener towards Dixie State after a suspension for having a DUI quotation in September, has expertise upon expertise, throughout his roster.
Simply with the addition of 2021’s No.1 prospect within the US Chet Holmgren and the return of Drew Timme, Gonzaga may very well be having one of the best frontcourt pairing in all the nation.
Add to that, the talents at level guard that Andrew Nembhard brings to the staff, even whereas nonetheless being snubbed as top-of-the-line level guards in faculty basketball, and what Iowa State switch Rasir Bolton and rookie guard Nolan Hickman will carry to this staff and you may see why this staff is a transparent early favourite to go for the title.
Kansas Jayhawks
There as soon as was a time, not way back, the place the Kansas Jayhawks have been one of many strongest and most feared basketball groups in all of school basketball.
Whereas their final nationwide title conquest dates again all the way in which to 2008, after their time beyond regulation win towards Memphis with the a lot remembered “Mario’s Miracle” shot, a shot taken by NBA star Mario Chalmers to ship the sport into time beyond regulation, the Jayhawks are on the lookout for the 21/22 season to be the one the place they climb again to the highest of the NCAA basketball hill.
Their keys to what might find yourself main them to success this season is how coach Invoice Self has managed to have 4 of final season’s starters again in addition to having the ability to add former Arizona State level guard, and possibly one of the best switch participant on the market in faculty basketball, Remy Martin.
Bringing Martin in robotically improves Kansas’ recreation in transition and velocity, to not point out in scoring. Martin looks like the proper match to take over the spot that Marcus Garrett left and with gamers like Christian Braun, Ochai Agbaji, David McCormack, and Jalen Wilson all coming again for the season, Kansas will certainly be a staff no person will need to face.
Villanova Wildcats
Since 2010, there have been a couple of groups which have put up some very robust seasons in faculty basketball, however solely 3 groups have been capable of win the school basketball title twice.
There’s Duke, who’re far-off from being the dominant power they was, Connecticut, after which there’s Villanova.
Jay Wright’s staff has constantly managed to remain related in all faculty basketball conversations for years, nevertheless it looks like the Wildcats shall be gunning for the 2021-22 season to be the one the place they make one other run for the title, or no less than a Last 4 look.
Simply by having Collin Gillespie, who’s one of the best level guard within the nation in keeping with most consultants and Jermaine Samuels be coming again, utilizing the additional eligibility 12 months as the proper platform, Wright already has the veteran spunk the staff must ball out recreation in and recreation out.
Now add to that gamers like Caleb Daniels, Brandon Slater, Justin Moore, and Trey Patterson, and only for enjoyable, throw in Eric Dixon and Nnanna Njoku, who will each be splitting their time attempting to make up for the lack of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who’s now taking part in for the Thunder within the NBA, this staff is stacked to the brim with expertise.
If Jay Wright could make this staff constant, particularly scoring-wise, then they should have no actual points making a severe title run as soon as once more.