Mar 15, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts to a foul called against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images For a vast majority, it’s only a dream.
And for a few, a distinct possibility.
Here are five teams (listed alphabetically) whose chance of lifting the trophy on Monday, April 7, at the Alamodome in San Antonio falls into the latter category.
Auburn (+350)
Big man Johni Broome is in a close contest with Duke’s Cooper Flagg for player of the year, and the Tigers have four other players averaging between 10.7 and 12.6 points per game. Auburn might not have any lottery picks in the NBA draft, but it has an experienced group with all five starters in at least their fourth season of eligibility. The Tigers have the top offense in the country based on the KenPom ratings (their defense is 12th). Auburn lost 70-65 to Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference semifinals, giving the Tigers an extra day of rest this week. They had 16 Quad 1 victories on the season, the most in the nation. Coach Bruce Pearl looks to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2019.
Duke (+350)
Feb 5, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer talks with guard Cooper Flagg (2) against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images Florida (+380)
Mar 15, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) reacts after a made three point basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Gonzaga (+5000)
Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) celebrates after a timeout is called by the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Houston (+600)
Jan 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars forward J’Wan Roberts (13) dribbles against West Virginia Mountaineers forward Amani Hansberry (13) in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images The Cougars won their first Big 12 tournament championship, beating Arizona 72-64 in the title game. Houston closed that game with an 11-2 run, holding the Wildcats without a field goal in the final 5:32. Point guard Milos Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma, has settled into the role and scored a career-high 25 points in the Big 12 finale. As long as the Cougars can keep chugging offensively, they’re primed for a deep NCAA run. They shoot nearly 40% from 3-point range and are good at gaining extra possessions thanks to their offensive rebounding.
