College basketball season is here, bringing together millions of fans to cheer on their favorite teams. However, only one will come out on top.
Despite having the best point guard in the nation, Purdue must overcome their history of NCAA Tournament upsets. After losing their best player to the draft, last year’s champion U of Florida started with a loss to a potential dark horse: Arizona. BYU has made a significant leap by adding top freshman AJ Dybantsa and transfer Robert Wright III from Baylor, becoming a major contender. Another team was a favorite of many but fell short in the championship last year: “I’ll go Houston. They got the best coach, the best defense, and would have a great redemption story after losing in a heartbreaker last year,” said Derek Hardink, Freshman at Skyline High School.
The best player in the NCAA this year will also be a big debate. Braden Smith is the popular choice, but freshmen Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer, or Koa Peat are all playing well. Other non-freshman favorites are JT Toppin from Texas Tech or Michigan’s Yaxel Lendenborg. Hardink said, “Braden Smith has got to win it, with, you know, seniority and being a super well rounded guard.” What is his best attribute? According to Hardink, “he’s got an insane baseline middy, and he’s also got a chance to break the NCAA career assist record.” Another Skyline student, Drake Morgan thinks, “Darryn Peterson at Kansas also has a great chance due to him being their best player by far. If Kansas makes it far in March, I don’t see how it couldn’t be Darryn Peterson. He carries their team.”
Every year there are defining narratives and unexpected storylines that fuel the college basketball season. Many surprising stories seen thus far are Arizona starting off the season undefeated and getting ranked in the top five after week three. Possible dark horse teams being U of Arkansas, with freshman Darius Acuff, or U of Wisconsin , having a very well balanced offense and being undefeated thus far. “I think Arkansas could actually make it really far because of how well Darius Acuff has been playing really well, averaging like 20,” Hardink said. “I like Wisconsin or BYU. I guess BYU isn’t really a dark horse, but they definitely will be a lot better this year than they have been.
No matter what stats are seen in the season or who has the best record, it is always impossible to tell who will win it all in March Madness. Morgan gave his pick: “Honestly it’s so early to tell, but Duke has been playing really well with Cam Boozer. He lowkey reminds me of Duke’s previous forward Paolo Banchero. So, I think I got to pick Duke to be the college basketball champions this season.”
