KENTUCKY WILDCATS
School
University of Kentucky
Enrollment
28,928
Star Player
Karl-Anthony Towns, Forward, 9.7 PPG
Key Stat
34-0 on the season, making them the 19th team ever to enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to UConn in National Championship.
Why They're Here
Fat with experience from last year's runner-up finish in the National Championship Game, the Wildcats return to the tournament as the No. 1 team in the country. Their competition isn't particularly close, either. Kentucky's star-studded roster of talent (the Harrison twins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein) makes them the heavy favorite to win out this year. SMU head coach Larry Brown even called the 'Cats good enough to make the Eastern Conference playoffs. Eh, probably not. But if you're watching John Calipari & Co. cut down the nets on April 6, don't be surprised.
Hampton Pirates
School
Hampton University
Enrollment
10,934
Star Player
Cameron Payne, Guard, 20.2 PPG
Key Stat
32, the number of points Kentucky is favored by against Hampton.
Last Tourney Appearance
2011, lost to Duke in round of 64.
Why They're Here
After going 17-17 in the regular season, the MEAC conference tourney winners beat the Manhattan Jaspers in the First Four and are now in the round of 64. For their surprising string of victories, they've earned the honor of losing to Kentucky. Well, it was fun while it lasted, right?
Hardly Home But Always Reppin': Kentucky vs Hampton
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Cincinnati Bearcats
School
University of Cincinnati
Enrollment
43,691
Star Player
Octavius Ellis, Forward, 10.0 PPG
Key Stat
5.4 blocks per game, 13th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Harvard in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Why They're Here: Cincinnati doesn't possess what anyone would call a high-octane offense—the Bearcats are ranked 294th in the nation in scoring. But when your defense is ranked sixth in the country, you have the breathing room to suffer a few bricks. Cincy's stifling D could set them up for a third-round catfight against Kentucky.
Purdue Boilermakers
School
Purdue University
Enrollment
38,788
Star Player
A.J. Hammons, Center, 11.4 PPG
Key Stat
14 consecutive Round of 64 wins, a streak dating back to 1993.
Last Tourney Appearance
2012, lost to Kansas in round of 32.
Why They're Here
In the Big Ten, Purdue's offense ranked as one of the league's most prolific—a contrast to the conference's typical grind of defense-first (read: unwatchable) basketball. Efficient from beyond the arc, the Boilermakers made enough noise during conference play to earn a mid-seed selection in their favored region.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Cincinnati vs Purdue
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
West Virginia Mountaineers
School
West Virginia University
Enrollment
29,175
Star Player
Juwan Staten, Guard, 14.5 PPG
Key Stat
10.9 steals per game, first overall in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2012, lost to Gonzaga in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Two seasons removed from the tourney, West Virginia hopes to regain the form that took them to the Final Four in 2010. As the No. 5 seed, the Mountaineers will be ripe for an upset, but coach Bob Huggins is no doubt hungry for another victory to bolster his 27-20 tournament record. Their offense is solid, and their defense is elite when it comes to clogging up passing lanes, a combination that has kept them ranked for much of the season despite playing in a tough Big 12.
Buffalo Bulls
School
University at Buffalo
Enrollment
29,850
Star Player
Justin Moss, Forward, 17.7 PPG
Key Stat
38.4 rebounds per game, 16th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
First NCAA tournament appearance.
Why They're Here
Along with their "hot, young" third-year head coach Bobby Hurley, an eight-game winning streak is responsible for carrying Buffalo into their first-ever tournament appearance. Who knows what to expect from the baby Bulls? Especially when they're seeded No. 12—a position known for producing more than few upsets. Let's see if they can show that their 12-6 record in the Mid-American Conference was no fluke.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : West Virginia vs Buffalo
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Maryland Terrapins
School
University of Maryland
Enrollment
37,272
Star Player
Melo Trimble, Guard, 15.7 PPG
Key Stat
11-1 record in games decided by six points or less.
Last Tourney Appearance
2010, lost to Michigan State in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The Terps are led by Big Ten Coach of the Year Mark Turgeon, formerly of Wichita State and Texas A&M, where he experienced varying degrees of success in the NCAA Tournament. This is Turgeon's first March Madness trip with Maryland, a long-awaited development that was spurred by the team's outstanding freshman Trimble.
Valparaiso Crusaders
School
Valparaiso University
Enrollment
4,078
Star Player
Alec Peters, Forward, 16.8 PPG
Key Stat
59.3 points allowed per game, 17th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Michigan State in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Valpo is the Horizon League champion after finishing the regular season with a 28-5 record. But unfortunately, their accomplishments were only enough to earn them a No. 13 seed. If the Crusaders want to pull off the upset against Maryland, they'll need their top-ranked defense to hold the Terps down and interrupt their scorers. Over the season, the Crusaders forced their opponents to a 38 percent shooting average.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Maryland vs Valparaiso
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Butler Bulldogs
School
Butler University
Enrollment
4,902
Star Player
Kellen Dunham, Guard, 16.8 PPG
Key Stat
19-12 record in NCAA Tournament history.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Marquette in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Butler ranked second in the Big East to Villanova after finishing 22-10, earning the team their first tournament appearance of the post-Brad Stevens era. A strong squad on the glass that shoots well, the Bulldogs will try to summon the mojo that sparked their Cinderella run to the National Championship Game in 2010.
Texas Longhorns
School
University of Texas
Enrollment
52,059
Star Player
Isaiah Taylor, Guard, 13.1 PPG
Key Stat
39.7 rebounds per game, eighth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Michigan in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The Longhorns block more shots than anyone in the nation, rebound extremely well, and allow only 60.4 points per game. Unfortunately, their offense has shown a tendency to quickly go cold in crucial situations. The team suffered two separate four-game losing streaks during conference play this season—a kind of inconsistency that will have to be nipped in the bud if they want to have a shot at making it past the round of 32.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Butler vs Texas
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
School
University of Notre Dame
Enrollment
12,126
Star Player
Jerian Grant, Guard, 17.3 PPG
Key Stat
.510 field goal percentage, ranked second in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Iowa State in the round of 64.
Why They're Here
Grant—the leading candidate for Dunk of the Year after bodying Georgia Tech's Tadric Jackson in January—powered the Fighting Irish through the ACC tournament, including a 24-point performance in the championship game against North Carolina. All season long, Grant has been the focal point for the high-flying Irish, who were thoroughly mediocre last season while he was ineligible due to academic reasons. In just one season, Notre Dame has gone from 15-17 to 29-5. The Fighting Irish look to find out how long the turnaround can last.
Northeastern Huskies
School
Northeastern University
Enrollment
20,053
Star Player
Scott Eatherton, Forward, 14.6 PPG
Key Stat
.486 field goal percentage, 12th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
1991, lost to North Carolina in round of 64.
Why They're Here
After a 24-year tournament drought, the Huskies are back in the Big Dance as the Colonial Athletic Association's tournament champions. Green in experience, Northeastern doesn't figure to threaten the Fighting Irish in the first round, but head coach Bill Coen and his players should be proud of the progress they've made from last season, when they won just 11 games.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Notre Dame vs Northeastern
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Wichita State Shockers
School
Wichita State University
Enrollment
14,550
Star Player
Ron Baker, Guard, 15.5 PPG
Key Stat
55.8 points allowed per game, seventh-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Kentucky in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Defense. The Shockers are among the nation's best when it comes to shutting down the opposition. A year removed from an undefeated campaign (upset by none other than Kentucky), Wichita State will need to bring their best to the court in order to avenge last year's disappointing finish.
Indiana Hoosiers
School
Indiana University
Enrollment
46,416
Star Player
Yogi Ferrell, Guard, 16.0 PPG
Key Stat
77.5 points per game, 18th-best in the nation
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Syracuse in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
What Jim Harbaugh is to football, Tom Crean is to basketball. Love him or hate him, he's an insanely motivated coach who will happily go to war for his players and his program. And after missing the tournament last year, Crean has the Hoosiers dancing again. Their defense is bad, bad, bad, but the team's offense is largely predicated on threes, a style that could allow them to pull off a light first-round upset against the Shockers.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Wichita vs Indiana
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Kansas Jayhawks
School
University of Kansas
Enrollment
27,983
Star Player
Perry Ellis, Forward, 13.3 PPG
Key Stat
.6630 RPI, second-highest in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Stanford in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Andrew Wiggins is gone, but Kansas' latest assemblage of talent still managed to survive one of the most difficult schedules in the country this season en route to a No. 2 seed. The season began with an embarrassing 72-40 loss to Kentucky, but the Jayhawks have toughened up considerably since then. Their regular season seasoning will prove vital as they progress to the middle rounds of the tournament.
New Mexico State Aggies
School
New Mexico State University
Enrollment
17,651
Star Player
Remi Barry, Forward, 13.3 PPG
Key Stat
59.3 points allowed per game, 18th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to San Diego State in round of 64.
Why They're Here
The 13-game winning streak that the Aggies are riding powered them through the WAC tourney and straight into the Big Dance. But that streak will likely come to an end against Kansas.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Kansas vs New Mexico
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Wisconsin Badgers
School
University of Wisconsin
Enrollment
43,275
Star Player
Frank Kaminsky, Forward, 17.5 PPG
Key Stat
7.4 turnovers per game, fewest in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Kentucky in Final Four.
Why They're Here
Their offense is ridiculously efficient. They have more experience playing in big games than anyone else in the country. And they have one of the best players in college basketball in Kaminsky. It's hard to imagine them not making another trip to the Final Four.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
School
Coastal Carolina University
Enrollment
8,867
Star Player
Warren Gillis, Guard, 13.1 PPG
Key Stat
8.6 average rebound margin, fourth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Virginia in round of 32.
Why They're Here
If they had somehow managed to earn a 13 or 14 seed, the Chanticleers (yes, the Chanticleers) might have had a chance to use their experienced roster to steal an upset win. But because they're going to get stomped by Wisconsin in the round of 64, they'll have to settle for having the coolest mascot in the field. A chanticleer is a fierce, angry rooster that looks like it could kick the crap out of the Badgers mascot in a heartbeat.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Wisconsin vs Coastal Carolina
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Oregon Ducks
School
University of Oregon
Enrollment
24,548
Star Player
Joseph Young, Guard, 20.0 PPG
Key Stat
75.6 points per game, 26th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Wisconsin in round of 32.
Why They're Here
While the Pac-12 wasn't particularly strong this year outside of Arizona, Utah, and UCLA, Oregon more than held their own in the conference and surprised some people by finishing in third place. They also put together a nice run in the Pac-12 tournament before getting crushed by Arizona in the title game. This team struggles against talented teams, but they can also score in bunches and have the experienced Young on their side. So they could present an interesting matchup for Wisconsin if they make it out of the round of 64.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
School
Oklahoma State University
Enrollment
26,073
Star Player
Le'Bryan Nash, Guard/Forward, 17.0 PPG
Key Stat
5.0 blocks per game, 22nd-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Gonzaga in round of 64.
Why They're Here
The Cowboys lost six of their last seven games this season, which is why they're stuck in the middle of the pack in the tournament. But they beat Baylor twice, Texas twice, and Kansas once this year, which proves that they can play with the big boys when they bring their A-game. They just have to show everyone that they can still do it.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Oregon vs Oklahoma State
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Arkansas Razorbacks
School
University of Arkansas
Enrollment
25,365
Star Player
Bobby Portis, Forward, 17.6 PPG
Key Stat
78.0 points per game, 16th-most in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2008, lost to North Carolina in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The Razorbacks play a fast-paced brand of basketball that puts a lot of other teams on their heels. They also have Portis, the SEC Player of the Year, on their side. The problem is that they haven't been tested much this season, outside of their matchups against Kentucky. But they're going to be a tough matchup for any team that's not ready to deal with their speed.
Wofford Terriers
School
Wofford College
Enrollment
1,536
Star Player
Karl Cochran, Guard, 14.6 PPG
Key Stat
59.8 points allowed per game, 27th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Michigan in round of 32.
Why They're Here
They put together an impressive 16-2 record in the Southern Conference. Of course, the Southern Conference features teams like Samford, The Citadel, and Furman, an 11-22 club that almost knocked off Wofford in the Southern title game. But this is the best the Southern Conference has to offer, and if Cochran can get hot for a game (he took more than 250 three-pointers this season), there's a chance this team could present some problems for Arkansas.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Arkansas vs Wofford
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
North Carolina Tar Heels
School
University of North Carolina
Enrollment
29,127
Star Player
Marcus Paige, Guard, 13.6 PPG
Key Stat
Second in the nation in rebounds per game (41.0) and assists per game (17.7).
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Iowa State in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Although the Tar Heels struggled against elite teams like Duke, Notre Dame, and Virginia earlier this season, they played well in the ACC Tournament and knocked off Louisville and Virginia in back-to-back games before falling to ND in the title game. They can be inconsistent on both ends of the court at times, but they have the size inside to match up with just about anyone.
Harvard Crimson
School
Harvard University
Enrollment
21,200
Star Player
Wesley Saunders, Guard, 16.3 PPG
Key Stat
57.2 points allowed per game, 12th-fewest in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Cincinnati in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Yale basically handed them the Ivy League title. The Bulldogs lost a heart-breaking game to Dartmouth at the end of the season and then lost to Harvard in a rare Ivy playoff game (they only hold a playoff if two teams finish tied during the regular season). That means that Harvard probably shouldn't even be in the NCAA Tournament. But since nobody is really expecting anything from them, that could work to their advantage.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : North Carolina vs Harvard
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Xavier Musketeers
School
Xavier University
Enrollment
6,451
Star Player
Matt Stainbrook, Center, 12.0 PPG
Key Stat
16.4 assists per game, ninth-most in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to N.C. State in round of 68.
Why They're Here
No one on the Musketeers is going to blow you away with their talent. Their leading scorer and rebounder Stainbrook is a part-time Uber driver who looks like he should be driving a taxi for a living as opposed to patrolling the paint for a college basketball team. But their offense is efficient and everyone gets touches, which means that it's difficult to game plan for them. So they could easily steal a couple wins in the tournament.
Ole Miss Rebels
School
University of Mississippi
Enrollment
20,112
Star Player
Stefan Moody, Guard, 16.4 PPG
Key Stat
3-7 against teams in the NCAA Tournament this season.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to La Salle in round of 32.
Why They're Here
They managed to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament to knock off BYU. It's also worth noting that Ole Miss almost handed Kentucky a loss back in early January. They took them to overtime before losing 89-86. So even though they just barely made the tourney and very easily could have lost to BYU, you probably shouldn't sleep on them.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Xavier vs Ole Miss
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Baylor Bears
School
Baylor University
Enrollment
16,263
Star Player
Taurean Prince, Forward, 13.0 PPG
Key Stat
14.7 offensive rebounds per game, seventh-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Wisconsin in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
The Bears don't shoot the ball particularly well and turn the ball over a little too often. But they rebound at an extremely high level and have been able to knock off tournament teams like West Virginia (twice), Iowa State (twice), and Oklahoma as a result.
Georgia State Panthers
School
Georgia State University
Enrollment
32,842
Star Player
R.J. Hunter, Guard, 19.8 PPG
Key Stat
9.1 steals per game, sixth-most in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2001, lost to Maryland in round of 32.
Why They're Here
They have three guys who should be on your radar. Hunter is likely going to play at the next level. Ryan Harrow (who may miss the first game of the tournament with an injury) used to start for Kentucky. And Kevin Ware is the guy who broke his leg during the NCAA Tournament while he was playing for Louisville a couple seasons ago. That's a lot of talent for a 14th seed.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Baylor vs Georgia State
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams
School
Virginia Commonwealth University
Enrollment
31,163
Star Player
Treveon Graham, Guard, 15.9 PPG
Key Stat
9.7 assists per game, third-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Stephen F. Austin in round of 64.
Why They're Here
They're not the same team that they were prior to senior guard Briante Weber going down with an ACL/MCL/meniscus tear back in January. But the Rams have learned how to play without Weber in recent months and have gotten back to causing havoc—and in turn, creating turnovers—on the court. This team is, as always, dangerous come tournament time.
Ohio State Buckeyes
School
Ohio State University
Enrollment
57,466
Star Player
D'Angelo Russell, Guard, 19.1 PPG
Key Stat
24th-most points per game (75.8) and assists per game (15.4) in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, Lost to Dayton in round of 64.
Why They're Here
D'Angelo Russell, D'Angelo Russell, D'Angelo Russell, D'Angelo Russell, and D'Angelo Russell. It's just too bad that there aren't actually five of him on the team. That squad would be something.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs Ohio State
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Arizona Wildcats
School
University of Arizona
Enrollment
40,621
Star Player
Stanley Johnson, Forward, 14.5 PPG
Key Stat
17.8-point average scoring margin, third in the nation behind only Kentucky and Gonzaga.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, Lost to Wisconsin in Elite Eight.
Why They're Here
The Wildcats have more than just a potent offense that averaged more than 76 points per game. They also have one of the stingiest defenses and allow the fewest second-chance opportunities to opposing teams in the country. Plus, they have just as much talent as any team outside the state of Kentucky.
Texas Southern Tigers
School
Texas Southern University
Enrollment
9,262
Star Player
Madarious Gibbs, Guard, 14.1 PPG
Key Stat
831 free throw attempts, seventh-most in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Cal Poly in round of 68.
Why They're Here
The Tigers have next to no chance of knocking off Arizona in the tournament. But for what it's worth, they did beat both Michigan State and Kansas State on the road this season, which proves that they aren't necessarily just going to roll over as soon as the ball is tipped during their tournament game.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Arizona vs Texas Southern
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Villanova Wildcats
School
Villanova University
Enrollment
10,735
Star Player
Darrun Hilliard II, Guard, 14.3 PPG
Key Stat
Six players shoot 37 percent or better from three-point range.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to UConn in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Villanova has won 32 games on the strength of three double-digit scorers. They also have a recent—and well-publicized—history of choking in the tournament. But coach Jay Wright is equipped with perhaps his best Wildcat team yet. And remember, this year is the 30th anniversary of when they upset Georgetown to win the NCAA Championship. So who knows what might happen?
Lafayette Leopards
School
Lafayette College
Enrollment
2,488
Star Player
Dan Trist, Forward, 17.3 PPG
Key Stat
.488 field goal percentage, eighth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2000, lost to Temple in round of 64.
Why They're Here
They won the Patriot League as a No. 4 seed in their conference tournament, becoming the lowest seed ever to earn an automatic bid through it. Led by the rebounding and scoring of senior center Trist and the experienced coaching of Fran O'Hanlon, the Easton, Penn.-based team hopes to knock out their coach's alma mater Villanova in the first round.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Villanova vs Lafayette
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
NC State Wolfpack
School
North Carolina State University
Enrollment
34,009
Star Player
Trevor Lacey, Guard, 15.8 PPG
Key Stat
4-9 against teams in the tournament field.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Saint Louis in round of 64.
Why They're Here
The Wolfpack have wins against North Carolina, Duke, and Louisville. But they also have losses against Miami, Boston College, and Wofford. Those games, coupled with a 24-point loss to Duke in the ACC tournament, makes NC State an intriguiging, yet flawed team to watch.
LSU Tigers
School
Louisiana State University
Enrollment
26,902
Star Player
Jarell Martin, Forward, 16.9 PPG
Key Stat
Ranked 313th in the nation in experience, according to kenpom.com.
Last Tourney Appearance
2003, lost to Duke in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The defensive prowess of their dominating frontcourt tandem of Martin and Jordan Mickey stifled opponants all season, but they also lost to five teams outside of the RPI 100 which hurt their overall standing. And they took Kentucky down to the wire earlier this season, but they were also knocked out of the SEC tourney by Auburn. They are consistently inconsistent.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : NC State vs LSU
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Northern Iowa Panthers
School
University of Northern Iowa
Enrollment
13,168
Star Player
Seth Tuttle, Forward, 16.0 PPG
Key Stat
They allow 54.3 PPG, 4th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2010, lost to Michigan State in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
Seth Tuttle. He's fantastic. And as he goes, so go the Panthers. With Seth balling out and the teams' plentiful three-point shooters hitting at nearly 40 percent, UNI has been a scary matchup throughout the season.
Wyoming Cowboys
School
University of Wyoming
Enrollment
12,928
Star Player
Larry Nance Jr., Forward, 16.1 PPG
Key Stat
They allow 56.0 PPG, eighth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2002, lost to Arizona in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Larry Nance Jr. is healthy again. After a February battle with mononucleosis ruined the Cowboys' regular season hopes, Nance's return in March improved the team enough to knock off Boise State and San Diego State on their way to a Mountain West Championship.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Northern Iowa vs Wyoming
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Louisville Cardinals
School
University of Louisville
Enrollment
22,293
Star Player
Terry Rozier, Guard, 18.0 PPG
Key Stat
5.5 BPG, 11th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Kentucky in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
Head coach Rick Pitino's stingy defense. The Cardinals are fantastic on the defensive end of the floor, while offensively they've struggled to keep up the same level of play. Normally this is a team that many would have in the Elite Eight or Final Four, but because of a lack of scoring—particularly after the dismissal of guard Chris Jones for sending a threatening text earlier this season—they're not as strong as they otherwise might've been.
UC Irvine Anteaters
School
University of California
Enrollment
29,588
Star Player
Will Davis, Forward, 12.9 PPG
Key Stat
7 feet 6 inches—the height of Mamadou N'diaye, Division I's tallest player.
Last Tourney Appearance
First NCAA tournament appearance.
Why They're Here
They have the "twin towers" of 7'6" Mamadou N'diaye and 7'2" Ioannis Dimakopalous. Giant guys with giant fun names who clog up the middle and keep opponents below 43 percent shooting anywhere inside the three-point line.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Louisville vs UC Irvine
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Providence Friars
School
Providence College
Enrollment
5,025
Star Player
LaDontae Henton, Senior, 20.4 PPG)
Key Stat
Kris Dunn's 50.5 percent assist rate, best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to North Carolina in round of 64.
Why They're Here
The play of Henton, along with the return of Kris Dunn, has given the team enough offensive firepower to win, but bad losses to bad teams have plagued them all season. They've held their own for the most part in the Big East, but losing to Brown is unacceptable. If they play down to their competition like that in the tournament, it may be a quick March Madness for the Friars.
Dayton Flyers
School
University of Dayton
Enrollment
10,857
Star Player
Jordan Sibert, Guard, 16.5 PPG
Key Stat
The Flyers have won 21 straight games on their home floor; they open in Columbus, Ohio.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Florida in Elite Eight.
Why They're Here
Coach Archie Miller has put in work. This is a team that surprised many to make it to the Elite Eight last year, yet this season with only six scholarship players they're back in the tournament. If the Flyers can keep their home winning streak alive, they might just have another memorable run in them.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Providence vs Dayton
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Oklahoma Sooners
School
University of Oklahoma
Enrollment
30,303
Star Player
Buddy Hield, Guard, 17.2 PPG
Key Stat
38.1 RPG, 23rd-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to North Dakota State in the round of 64.
Why They're Here
Excellent defense, a fantastic backcourt, and big wins throughout the season has them ready for a March run. Buddy Hield is one of the best wing players in the country, but the Sooners lack someone who can get buckets on their own when they need them
Albany Great Danes
School
SUNY University at Albany
Enrollment
17,316
Star Player
Sam Rowley, Forward, 14.0 PPG
Key Stat
They've gone 19-1 since January 1.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Florida in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Three players with great range (Sam Rowley, Peter Hooley and Evan Singletary) coupled with a grind-it-out style of play has helped the Great Danes (!) beat up on lesser competition. They're probably not going to be as lucky now that they're playing bigger schools.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Oklahoma vs Albany
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Michigan State Spartans
School
Michigan State University
Enrollment
50,085
Star Player
Denzel Valentine, Guard, 14.7 PPG
Key Stat
The team averages 17.1 APG, fourth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to UConn in Elite Eight.
Why They're Here
Coach Tom Izzo has to be at the top of this list. With an up-and-down season due to moving pieces in the starting lineup, Tom Izzo has coached his ass off this year to get Sparty in decent tournament position. With a solid offense that moves the ball, future NBA player Branden Dawson, and coach Izzo screaming on the sidelines, the Spartans look to make another classic Michigan State March Madness run.
Georgia Bulldogs
School
University of Georgia
Enrollment
26,278
Star Player
Marcus Thornton, Forward, 12.2 PPG
Key Stat
8—the slim point margin in their loss to Kentucky earlier this season.
Last Tourney Appearance
2011, lost to Washington in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Defense. While they haven't defeated any premier competition yet this season, they've mostly won when they should and were able to showcase themselves nationally when they lost a close one to top-ranked Kentucky earlier this month. Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann are worth keeping an eye on.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Michigan vs Georgia
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Virginia Cavaliers
School
University of Virginia
Enrollment
21,238
Star Player
Malcolm Brogdon, Guard, 13.8 PPG
Key Stat
Virginia only allows 50.8 points per game, the lowest number in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Michigan State in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
They won the ACC regular season title. They started off 19-0. They've beaten eight top-50 RPI teams. They haven't lost to anyone outside of the Top 25. There are three Cavaliers averaging double-digit points. They've only lost twice with Justin Anderson in the lineup. Theyre, uh, really good. If Kentucky is going to take an L at all this tournament, it may happen at the hands of UVA.
Belmont Bruins
School
Belmont University
Enrollment
7,244
Star Player
Craig Bradshaw, Guard, 18.1 PPG
Key Stat
0—the number of tournament games Belmont has won in their program's history.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Arizona in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Coach Rick Byrd has constructed an offense that's difficult for teams to predict, as it's effective at cutting to the rim, hitting the midrange shot, and firing from deep. They stink at defense, but who cares? They're here to entertain us by keeping their matchup competitive, and this offense can certainly do that.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Virginia vs Belmont
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Duke Blue Devils
School
Duke University
Enrollment
14,600
Star Player
Jahlil Okafor, Center, 17.9 PPG
Key Stat
7-2 against ranked opponents this season.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Mercer in 1st round.
Why They're Here
Jahlil Okafor is the best college basketball player alive right now, and with Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow, and a troop of shooters buzzing around Okafor's all-powerful post-ups, the Blue Devil offense runs with tremendous efficiency. Coach K knows this is the best team he's had this decade. Anything less than a National Championship would be wasteful.
Robert Morris Colonials
School
Robert Morris University
Enrollment
4,496
Star Player
Rodney Pryor, Guard, 15.2 PPG
Key Stat
8.5 SPG, 13th-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2010, lost to Villanova in the round of 64.
Why They're Here
After winning the Northeast conference championship, the Colonials topped the North Florida Ospreys in the First Four to set up their round of 64 match-up against Duke. As a 15-seed in 2010, the Colonials pushed Villanova to overtime before eventually falling 74-70. Can the small-time school bring Jahlil Okafor and the Blue Devils to the brink?
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Duke vs Robert Morris
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
San Diego State Aztecs
School
San Diego State University
Enrollment
33,483
Star Player
Winston Shephard, Forward, 11.2 PPG
Key Stat
53.1 PPG allowed, second-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Arizona in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
Steve Fisher's Aztecs are built with an iron base. Their defense is virtually impenetrable, playing with man-to-man intensity and physicality for all 35 seconds of the shot clock. Scoring the ball is an adventure, but their suffocating defensive style chokes out most teams by the final buzzer.
St. Johns Red Storm
School
St. Johns University
Enrollment
20,448
Star Player
D'Angelo Harrison, Guard, 17.8 PPG
Key Stat
15.6 team TOV%.
Last Tourney Appearance
2011, lost to Gonzaga in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The Red Storm gain control of games by taking care of the basketball. Sir'Dominic Pointer doesn't slip up often, and his teammates are just as turnover adverse. This team won't beat themselves, but because they only go six-deep, they're unlikely to have gas to go further than a charge to the Sweet 16.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : San Diego vs St. Johns
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Utah Runnin' Utes
School
University of Utah
Enrollment
32,388
Star Player
Delon Wright, Guard, 14.3 PPG
Key Stat
The team shoots 40 percent from three-point range.
Last Tourney Appearance
2009, lost to Arizona in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Head coach Larry Krystkowiak has built Utah from a six-win squad to one of the Pac-12's best programs. Senior Delon Wright is his marshall on the court, and with an upperclassman-led team behind him, Utah will be looking to vault to the Elite Eight.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
School
Stephen F. Austin State University
Enrollment
12,999
Star Player
Thomas Walkup, Guard, 15.1 PPG
Key Stat
24.8 opponent TOV%, fifth in the country.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to UCLA in round of 32.
Why They're Here
The Lumberjacks are thieves, and everyone knows it. Everything they do is predicated on forcing turnovers and finding easy baskets. Not many teams play such an aggressive, non-stop full-court press. They didn't play a ranked opponent all season though, and with the field full of experienced, cool-headed backcourts, SAF won't be in the tournament long.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Utah vs Stephen F. Austin
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Georgetown Hoyas
School
Georgetown University
Enrollment
17,849
Star Player
D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Guard, 16.0 PPG
Key Stat
9 players average more than 10 minutes per game.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Florida Gulf Coast in round of 64.
Why They're Here
For most teams, the Hoyas are too deep to keep up with. They send wave after wave of units, playing intense defense and a hard-driving style when trying to generate points. It'll be tough, if not downright impossible, to send them home on the first weekend.
Eastern Washington Eagles
School
Eastern Washington University
Enrollment
12,130
Star Player
Tyler Harvey, Guard, 22.9 PPG
Key Stat
80.8 PPG team average, third in the country.
Last Tourney Appearance
2004, lost to Oklahoma State in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Eastern Washington should be an electric team to watch. These kids light up scoreboards in a hurry. Tyler Harvey is the nation's leading scorer, and the entire team knows how to get buckets, but they're too pedantic on defense to make a deep run.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Georgetown vs Eastern Washington
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
SMU Mustangs
School
Southern Methodist University
Enrollment
10,893
Star Player
Nic Moore, G, 14.4 PPG
Key Stat
Larry Brown's 18-7 tournament record.
Last Tourney Appearance
1993, lost to Brigham Young in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Larry Brown has made SMU basketball important for the first time in about 20 years. He has the Mustangs playing sound defense, and his team is loaded with scoring stars, but it's the first time they've made the tournament since 1993. Can they really hang with the best?
UCLA Bruins
School
University of California Los Angeles
Enrollment
42,163
Star Player
Norman Powell, Guard, 16.4 PPG
Key Stat
All starters average at least 10 PPG.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Florida in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
UCLA has one of the best starting fives in the tournament. Beyond that though, the Bruins don't amount to much. Norman Powell's streaky scoring can carry them, and the entire starting unit can get to the cup, but watch out for center Tony Parker—if he's clicking on the inside, the rest of the team gets into an extra gear.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : SMU vs UCLA
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Iowa State Cyclones
School
Iowa State University
Enrollment
34,732
Star Player
Georges Niang, Forward, 14.5 PPG
Key Stat
They allow 54.3 PPG, fourth-best in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to UConn in Sweet 16.
Why They're Here
Fred Hoiberg keeps the cupboard stocked every year. Iowa State lost their two best players from last season, but they've replenished: Six players average double-digits in scoring. Ultimately though, the Cyclones are too vulnerable inside to improve on 2014's Sweet 16 finish.
UAB Blazers
School
University of Alabama
Enrollment
17,999
Star Player
Robert Brown, Guard, 13.1 PPG
Key Stat
10 of the team's 13 players are freshman and sophomores.
Last Tourney Appearance
2011, lost to Clemson in round of 68.
Why They're Here
The Blazers are young, talented, and balanced throughout, but they're not good enough to wear their youth as a badge (only Kentucky can do that). This is the program's first tournament bid since 2011, and once their roster grows up, they'll be a serious threat. As impressive as making the last 68 is, now isn't their time.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Iowa State vs UAB
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Iowa Hawkeyes
School
University of Iowa
Enrollment
31,387
Star Player
Aaron White, Forward, 16.0 PPG
Key Stat
9 of 15 players are either juniors or seniors.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Tennessee in round of 68.
Why They're Here
Aaron White's senior season didn't disappoint. He'll leave the team this March as one of the best players in Hawkeye history, and he's backed-up by guys who've grown with him. Sporting an eight-man rotation full of juniors and seniors, this team's experience makes this No. 7 seed very dangerous.
Davidson Wildcats
School
Davidson College
Enrollment
1,850
Star Player
Tyler Kalinoski, Guard, 16.2 PPG
Key Stat
14.3 turnover percentage, third in the nation.
Last Tourney Appearance
2013, lost to Marquette in round of 64.
Why They're Here
Davidson has a bounty of scoring options. All five of their starters have had 20-point games this season, and all four of their starting guards average double-digits. Wait—four starting guards—what? Standing at 6'7", Peyton Aldridge is their tallest starter. Not having much height or size is a weakness that'll be easily exploited by this field.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Iowa vs Davidson
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
School
Gonzaga University
Enrollment
7,764
Star Player
Kyle Wiltjer, Forward, 16.4 PPG
Key Stat
Kevin Pangos' 44 percent three-point average.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to Arizona in round of 32.
Why They're Here
Shooting, duh. The Bulldogs shoot the air out of the damn ball, man. Przemek Karnowski is a steel rod in the middle, allowing the best shooting team in the country to light it up from anywhere there's an open spot. It'll take a complete 40-minute defensive effort to stop the Zags.
North Dakota State Bison
School
North Dakota State University
Enrollment
14,443
Star Player
Lawrence Alexander, Guard, 18.9 PPG
Key Stat
1-2 all-time NCAA tournament record.
Last Tourney Appearance
2014, lost to San Diego State in round of 32.
Why They're Here
They won the Summit League tournament playing grind-it-out basketball. They'll take their sweet time on offense, swinging the ball until an open three comes up. That may work well enough to tire Summit League opponents, but this is the last 64, man. Hopefully they enjoy the trip.
Hardly Home But Always Reppin' : Gonzaga vs North Dakota State
The players, the hometowns, and the location of the game.
