2024 NCAA Tournament Bracket Predictions: A Look Ahead at March Madness

The 2024 NCAA Tournament is still a long way off, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start making predictions. After all, it’s never too early to start thinking about March Madness. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the teams that are likely to be in the running for the championship in 2024.

Of course, a lot can change between now and then. Injuries, transfers, and coaching changes can all have a major impact on a team’s chances of success. But for now, let’s take a snapshot of the college basketball landscape and see who the contenders are shaping up to be.

With so much talent returning next season, the 2024 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Be sure to tune in to all the action when it tips off in March!

2024 NCAA Tournament Bracket Predictions

With the 2024 NCAA Tournament still a year away, here are 8 important points to keep in mind:

• Gonzaga’s quest for a title: Will the Zags finally break through and win their first championship?
• Kentucky’s young stars: Can John Calipari’s talented freshmen lead the Wildcats to glory?
• Duke’s return to prominence: Will Coach K’s final season end with a bang?
• North Carolina’s bounce-back year: Can the Tar Heels return to the Final Four after a disappointing 2023 campaign?
• The rise of the Big 12: Will the Big 12 be the best conference in college basketball next season?
• Cinderella stories: Which mid-major teams will make a run in the tournament?
• Individual awards: Who will win the Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and other major awards?
• March Madness surprises: What unexpected storylines will emerge during the tournament?

These are just a few of the storylines to watch for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to tune in to all the action when it tips off in March!

Gonzaga’s quest for a title: Will the Zags finally break through and win their first championship?

Gonzaga has been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball over the past decade, but they have yet to win a national championship. They’ve come close, reaching the title game in 2017 and 2021, but they’ve fallen short both times. With another talented roster returning in 2024, the Zags will have another chance to break through and win their first championship.

Gonzaga’s success is built on a foundation of strong guard play. They have one of the best point guards in the country in Andrew Nembhard, and they also have a number of other talented guards who can score and distribute the ball. This allows them to play an up-tempo style of basketball that is difficult for opponents to defend.

In addition to their strong guard play, Gonzaga also has a number of talented big men. Drew Timme is one of the best post players in the country, and he’s surrounded by a number of other big men who can rebound and defend. This makes Gonzaga a very tough team to score against.

Gonzaga’s biggest challenge in 2024 will be to stay healthy. They’ve had some key injuries in recent years, and that has prevented them from reaching their full potential. If they can stay healthy, they have all the pieces in place to make a run at the national championship.

Gonzaga is the clear favorite to win the national championship in 2024. They have a talented roster, an experienced coach, and a lot of motivation. If they can stay healthy, they should be able to finally break through and win their first title.

Kentucky’s young stars: Can John Calipari’s talented freshmen lead the Wildcats to glory?

Kentucky is known for its tradition of bringing in top-ranked recruiting classes, and the 2024 class is no exception. The Wildcats have a number of talented freshmen who could make an immediate impact next season.

• Cason Wallace: Wallace is a 5-star point guard who is considered to be one of the best players in the 2024 class. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can score, pass, and defend.
  

  Wallace is expected to start at point guard for Kentucky next season, and he could be one of the best freshmen in the country.

• DJ Wagner: Wagner is another 5-star guard who is considered to be one of the best shooting guards in the 2024 class. He’s a pure scorer who can create his own shot and knock down shots from anywhere on the court.
  

  Wagner is expected to be Kentucky’s leading scorer next season, and he could be one of the most exciting freshmen in the country.

• Aaron Bradshaw: Bradshaw is a 5-star center who is considered to be one of the best big men in the 2024 class. He’s a skilled post player who can score, rebound, and defend.
  

  Bradshaw is expected to start at center for Kentucky next season, and he could be one of the best freshmen big men in the country.

• Justin Edwards: Edwards is a 5-star forward who is considered to be one of the most versatile players in the 2024 class. He can play multiple positions and he’s a great athlete.
  

  Edwards is expected to be a key contributor for Kentucky next season, and he could be one of the most impactful freshmen in the country.

Kentucky has a lot of talented freshmen coming in next season, and they could be one of the best teams in the country. If these freshmen can live up to their potential, they could lead the Wildcats to their ninth national championship.

Duke’s return to prominence: Will Coach K’s final season end with a bang?

Duke has been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball over the past two decades, but they’ve struggled in recent years. They haven’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2019, and they haven’t reached the Final Four since 2015. However, with Coach K returning for his final season in 2024, the Blue Devils are hoping to make a run at another national championship.

Coach K has a lot of talent returning next season, led by sophomore forward Paolo Banchero. Banchero is one of the best players in the country, and he’s expected to be one of the top picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s a versatile player who can score inside and out, and he’s also a good defender.

In addition to Banchero, Duke also has a number of other talented players, including Wendell Moore, AJ Griffin, and Jeremy Roach. Moore is a talented wing who can score and defend, Griffin is a sharpshooter who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court, and Roach is a quick and athletic point guard who can run the offense.

Duke also has a strong recruiting class coming in next season, led by 5-star center Dereck Lively II. Lively is one of the best big men in the 2023 class, and he’s expected to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils. He’s a skilled post player who can score, rebound, and defend.

With Coach K returning for his final season and a lot of talented players on the roster, Duke is poised to make a run at the national championship in 2024. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could be one of the best teams in the country.

Duke fans are hoping that Coach K can end his career on a high note with a national championship. It won’t be easy, but the Blue Devils have the talent and experience to make it happen.

North Carolina’s bounce-back year: Can the Tar Heels return to the Final Four after a disappointing 2023 campaign?

North Carolina had a disappointing season in 2023, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010. However, they have a lot of talent returning next season, and they’re hoping to make a run back to the Final Four.

• Armando Bacot: Bacot is one of the best big men in the country, and he’s expected to be one of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s a skilled post player who can score, rebound, and defend.
  

  Bacot is the key to North Carolina’s success next season. If he can stay healthy and play to his potential, the Tar Heels could be one of the best teams in the country.

• Caleb Love: Love is a talented guard who can score and distribute the ball. He’s also a good defender.
  

  Love needs to be more consistent next season, but he has the potential to be one of the best guards in the ACC.

• R.J. Davis: Davis is a quick and athletic guard who can score and defend. He’s also a good passer.
  

  Davis is expected to take on a bigger role next season, and he could be one of the breakout stars in the ACC.

• Leaky Black: Black is a versatile forward who can do a little bit of everything. He can score, rebound, defend, and pass.
  

  Black is the glue guy for North Carolina, and he’s the key to their success on the defensive end.

North Carolina has a lot of talent returning next season, and they’re hoping to make a run back to the Final Four. If Bacot, Love, Davis, and Black can all play to their potential, the Tar Heels could be one of the best teams in the country.

The rise of the Big 12: Will the Big 12 be the best conference in college basketball next season?

The Big 12 has been one of the best conferences in college basketball in recent years, and they’re only getting stronger. They have a number of top programs, including Kansas, Baylor, Texas, and Oklahoma. All four of these teams are expected to be ranked in the top 10 next season.

In addition to these four teams, the Big 12 also has a number of other strong programs, such as West Virginia, TCU, and Iowa State. These teams are all capable of making a run to the NCAA Tournament.

The Big 12 is also getting stronger with the addition of two new teams next season: BYU and Cincinnati. Both of these teams are coming off of NCAA Tournament appearances, and they should be competitive in the Big 12 right away.

With so many strong teams, the Big 12 is poised to be the best conference in college basketball next season. They could have as many as four teams in the Final Four, and they’re the favorites to win the national championship.

The Big 12 is a conference on the rise, and they’re poised to be the best conference in college basketball next season. With so many talented teams, the Big 12 is sure to provide some of the most exciting basketball in the country.

Cinderella stories: Which mid-major teams will make a run in the tournament?

The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and mid-major teams often play a big role in the excitement. Here are a few mid-major teams that could make a run in the 2024 tournament:

Saint Mary’s Gaels: The Gaels have been one of the most consistent mid-major programs in recent years, and they’re always a threat to make a deep run in the tournament. They have a veteran team led by senior guard Aidan Mahaney, and they’re always well-coached by Randy Bennett.

Boise State Broncos: The Broncos have been on the rise in recent years, and they’re coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. They have a talented roster led by senior guard Marcus Shaver, and they’re capable of beating anyone on any given night.

Murray State Racers: The Racers are another mid-major team that has been to the NCAA Tournament in recent years. They have a high-scoring offense led by senior guard Ja Morant, and they’re always a threat to upset a higher-seeded team.

Belmont Bruins: The Bruins are a mid-major team that is always in the mix for an NCAA Tournament berth. They have a veteran team led by senior guard Adam Kunkel, and they’re always well-coached by Rick Byrd.

These are just a few of the mid-major teams that could make a run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With so many talented teams, the tournament is sure to be full of surprises.

Individual awards: Who will win the Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and other major awards?

The NCAA Tournament is not just about the teams; it’s also about the individual players and coaches who make the tournament so special. Here are a few predictions for the major individual awards in the 2024 NCAA Tournament:

Player of the Year: Armando Bacot, North Carolina
Bacot is one of the most dominant big men in college basketball, and he’s expected to be one of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s a skilled post player who can score, rebound, and defend. If North Carolina makes a deep run in the tournament, Bacot will be a major reason why.

Coach of the Year: John Calipari, Kentucky
Calipari is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, and he’s always a contender for Coach of the Year. He has a young and talented team at Kentucky next season, and if they can live up to their potential, Calipari could be in line for another Coach of the Year award.

Other major awards:

• Naismith Defensive Player of the Year: Drew Timme, Gonzaga
• Bob Cousy Award (best point guard): Cason Wallace, Kentucky
• Jerry West Award (best shooting guard): DJ Wagner, Kentucky
• Karl Malone Award (best power forward): Armando Bacot, North Carolina
• Anthony Mason Award (best small forward): Paolo Banchero, Duke
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (best center): Dereck Lively II, Duke
• Sixth Man of the Year: AJ Griffin, Duke
• Freshman of the Year: Dereck Lively II, Duke

These are just a few predictions for the major individual awards in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With so many talented players and coaches, the tournament is sure to be full of memorable performances.

March Madness surprises: What unexpected storylines will emerge during the tournament?

The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and the 2024 tournament is sure to be no different. Here are a few unexpected storylines that could emerge during the tournament:

A mid-major team makes a Final Four run: It’s always fun to see a mid-major team make a deep run in the tournament, and it’s something that happens every year. In 2024, a team like Saint Mary’s, Boise State, or Murray State could make a run to the Final Four.

A Cinderella team wins the national championship: It’s rare, but it does happen. In 2024, a team like Oral Roberts or Abilene Christian could make a run to the national championship game and even win it all.

A major upset in the championship game: The championship game is usually a matchup between two of the top teams in the country, but sometimes an underdog can pull off a major upset. In 2024, a team like Saint Mary’s or Boise State could knock off a powerhouse like Gonzaga or Kentucky to win the national championship.

A player has a breakout performance: Every year, there are a few players who emerge as stars during the NCAA Tournament. In 2024, a player like AJ Griffin, Dereck Lively II, or Cason Wallace could have a breakout performance and lead their team to a deep run in the tournament.

These are just a few of the unexpected storylines that could emerge during the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With so many talented teams and players, the tournament is sure to be full of surprises.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament:

Question 1: When is the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 1: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held from March 18th to April 8th.

Question 2: Where is the 2024 NCAA Tournament being held?
Answer 2: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be held in various cities across the United States. The First Four will be held in Dayton, Ohio, the Second Round and Sweet 16 will be held at various sites across the country, the Elite Eight and Final Four will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the National Championship game will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Question 3: How many teams make the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 3: A total of 68 teams make the 2024 NCAA Tournament. 32 teams receive automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments, and the remaining 36 teams are selected by the NCAA Tournament Committee.

Question 4: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 4: The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament, followed by the Kentucky Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils, and North Carolina Tar Heels.

Question 5: Which mid-major teams could make a run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 5: Some mid-major teams that could make a run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament include the Saint Mary’s Gaels, Boise State Broncos, Murray State Racers, and Belmont Bruins.

Question 6: What are some unexpected storylines that could emerge during the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 6: Some unexpected storylines that could emerge during the 2024 NCAA Tournament include a mid-major team making a Final Four run, a Cinderella team winning the national championship, a major upset in the championship game, or a player having a breakout performance.

Question 7: How can I watch the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Answer 7: The 2024 NCAA Tournament will be televised on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. You can also stream the tournament online at NCAA.com and March Madness Live.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Be sure to check back for more updates and information as the tournament approaches.

In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for enjoying the 2024 NCAA Tournament:

• Fill out a bracket: Filling out a bracket is a great way to get involved in the tournament and follow your favorite teams. You can fill out a bracket online or print one out from a newspaper or magazine.
• Watch the games with friends and family: The NCAA Tournament is a great time to get together with friends and family and watch some exciting basketball. Make a party out of it and enjoy the games together.
• Follow the tournament on social media: Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights from the tournament. Follow your favorite teams and players on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Bet on the games: If you’re feeling lucky, you can bet on the NCAA Tournament games. There are many different ways to bet on the games, so be sure to do your research before you place any bets.

Tips

Here are a few tips for making the most of your 2024 NCAA Tournament experience:

Tip 1: Fill out a bracket: Filling out a bracket is a great way to get involved in the tournament and follow your favorite teams. You can fill out a bracket online or print one out from a newspaper or magazine. If you’re feeling lucky, you can even enter your bracket in a pool for a chance to win prizes.

Tip 2: Watch the games with friends and family: The NCAA Tournament is a great time to get together with friends and family and watch some exciting basketball. Make a party out of it and enjoy the games together. You can watch the games on TV, online, or even at a local bar or restaurant.

Tip 3: Follow the tournament on social media: Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and highlights from the tournament. Follow your favorite teams and players on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also follow the official NCAA Tournament accounts for live updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Tip 4: Bet on the games (responsibly): If you’re feeling lucky, you can bet on the NCAA Tournament games. There are many different ways to bet on the games, so be sure to do your research before you place any bets. Remember to bet responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose.

Tip 5: Enjoy the tournament! The NCAA Tournament is a special time of year, so be sure to enjoy it. Watch the games, cheer for your favorite teams, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

These are just a few tips for making the most of your 2024 NCAA Tournament experience. So get ready to fill out your bracket, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the madness!

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great time watching the 2024 NCAA Tournament. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the games!

Conclusion

The 2024 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With so many talented teams and players, the tournament is sure to be full of surprises.

Gonzaga is the clear favorite to win the national championship, but there are a number of other teams who could make a run to the title. Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina are all legitimate contenders, and a few mid-major teams could also make some noise in the tournament.

Individual awards will also be up for grabs during the tournament. Armando Bacot is the favorite for Player of the Year, but there are a number of other players who could also win the award. John Calipari is the favorite for Coach of the Year, but there are a few other coaches who could also be in the running.

The NCAA Tournament is always full of surprises, and the 2024 tournament is sure to be no different. Be sure to tune in to all the action when it tips off in March!

So get ready for the madness, and enjoy the tournament!