The 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been the topic of discussion for basketball analysts, pundits, and “experts” since the NCAA announced the tournament schedule and wouldn’t be cancelled.
Of course this wasn’t the case in 2020 when less than a year ago we were deprived of our normal March Madness fever. The annual college basketball tournament was cancelled for the first time since 1939 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 March Madness odds and predictions
Fast Forward a year later, and here we are with less than a week remaining till tip-off to the 2021 NCAA Tournament, and we’re fully stacked with competition. With so many new and exciting teams at the forefront of the competition, it’s time to take a look at the 4 programs with the best shot of winning the whole thing at least according to Thabet and other sportsbooks handicapping the upcoming tournament.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (+250) – The Gonzaga Bulldogs have dominated all year long, carrying the only undefeated record amongst top seeded teams, and have set the standard for the rest of the field. Gonzaga currently leads the NCAA in PPG with 92.1, as well as FG% (55%), and are 3rd in APG (18.3).
Baylor Bears (+300) – The Bears are another team that has annihilated competition for most of the year, with their only major losses coming to other big-time programs. The Baylor Bears is a gritty group that rebounds at an exceptional rate, specifically on offense as they lead all contenders with 12.88 per game. They also follow closely behind Gonzaga in APG with 17.04.
Michigan Wolverines (+400) – With the return of Fab-5 legend Juwan Howard as the Head Coach of the Wolverines, this team has far surpassed expectations, and have emerged as legitimate contenders. Michigan are one of the more efficient teams in the country, as they lead all major contenders in 3pt% with 39%. They also are amongst the best in terms of FG% and FT% as well.
Illinois (+800) – A tight knit group, the Fighting Illini have shocked the basketball world as one of the toughest, fastest, and most electric young teams in the entire NCAA. An amazing defensive team, that plays with the fire, comradery, and passion to make a serious run at the title. Illinois gets the majority of their points on the interior, and carry one of the better FG% in the nation as a result (50.1%).
SLEEPER PICK
Iowa Hawkeyes (+1500) – A deeper pick to win the whole thing most definitely, but the Hawkeyes have been impressive all season long, thanks in large part to their Big10 Player of the Year; Luka Garza. Don’t sleep on Iowa though, as they lead the entire NCAA in APG (19), and are extremely efficient from deep (39%) as well.
Print out the March Madness bracket for 2021
This year’s NCAA Tournament is sure to be filled with jaw-dropping highlights, memorable moments, and emotionally-charged storylines. It’s no surprise that March Madness is garnering so much attention this year after last year had essentially no sports for us to pay attention to. Whatever the reasoning, we aim to keep you up-to-date, help you follow along with the games with out printable tournament bracket.
When it comes to March Madness brackets we like to give you at least a couple different options to choose from. If you want to see more blank and fillable brackets for this year’s NCAA tournament, you can check out this page with 30+ bracket designs and templates from you to choose from. Before you go here’s one with a light blue border that may resonate with you.
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