The Final Four showcases a historic collection of teams, highlighting the resilience and competitive spirit that defines college basketball. Over the course of four months leading to March, fans witnessed remarkable performances from the nation’s elite teams. However, once the tournament begins, unpredictability reigns supreme, and anything can happen during this exhilarating time.
Take, for example, Florida’s incredible comeback against Texas Tech, overcoming a nine-point deficit with just 2:51 left on the clock. Houston’s journey was equally dramatic, as they faced adversity in their matchup against Purdue, losing a double-digit lead but ultimately sealing the victory with a buzzer-beater from Milos Uzan.
This year’s tournament has etched its name in college basketball history, marking only the second instance since the NCAA Tournament expanded that all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four.
What makes this collection of teams so significant?
Each program—Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida—boasts adjusted efficiency ratings that surpass those of 21 of the last 22 national champions. Collectively, these Final Four contenders hold an impressive record of 135 wins and only 16 losses this season.
This sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend in San Antonio.
While no true Cinderella stories emerged in this tournament, teams like McNeese and Drake celebrated first-round victories. Colorado State came heartbreakingly close to reaching the Sweet 16 as a No. 12 seed. Although the magic of underdogs may not be as prevalent in today’s college basketball landscape, the excitement surrounding this Final Four suggests that surprises are still possible. Fans eagerly anticipate thrilling matchups between powerhouse teams with captivating narratives.
Duke, a storied program, features 37-year-old Jon Scheyer, who has an impressive 89-21 record in his coaching tenure. He has seamlessly taken the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Duke’s roster includes standout Cooper Flagg, along with fellow freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, making them a formidable force. The Blue Devils demonstrated their dominance by never trailing in their Elite Eight victory over Alabama.
Facing Duke in the Final Four is Houston, a team under the guidance of Kelvin Sampson that has made two Final Four appearances in the last five years. Here’s a snapshot of Houston’s remarkable achievements over this period:
- 159-23 overall record.
- Two Final Four appearances.
- Three Elite Eight appearances.
- Five Sweet 16 appearances.
- The NCAA Tournament’s best with 15 victories.
Houston’s defensive prowess has always been a hallmark, but this season, their array of perimeter shooters has been instrumental in their success. The Cougars claimed the Big 12 title with only one conference loss and are riding a remarkable 30-1 streak in their last 31 games.
On the other side, Florida boasts one of the tournament’s most clutch players in senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. The Gators’ offensive capabilities can overwhelm opponents, supported by key players like Alijah Martin and Will Richard, along with a formidable front line that excels in securing offensive rebounds.
Todd Golden, at just 39 years old, is making waves in his third season in Gainesville, leading the team to the Final Four.
Completing the Final Four lineup is Auburn, helmed by Bruce Pearl. The Tigers held the No. 1 position in the FOX Sports Top 25 for most of the season, starting strong with a 27-2 record, largely due to Johni Broome’s standout performances. Despite suffering an elbow injury in the Elite Eight against Michigan State, Broome returned to deliver a clutch three-pointer that secured the win. Auburn also features Tahaad Pettiford, a dynamic freshman who leads a perimeter attack capable of striking quickly.
This Final Four has it all: star power from Flagg, Broome, Clayton, and L.J. Cryer, along with four ambitious coaches vying for their first national title.
As the weekend in San Antonio approaches, excitement builds for a celebration of college basketball that showcases its enduring vitality, even amidst off-court challenges.
