Category Archives: Final Four Forecast

BrackEYEtestology: Ranking the First 11 Teams in the Tourney

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Each March, the NCAA Tournament introduces college basketball fans to a new group of mid-major champions who earned automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments. This blog article will evaluate the visual “eye test” qualities of each mid-major team that secured a place in the 2026 Men’s College Basketball Tournament bracket, focusing on those who punched their ticket prior to Gonzaga.

While Gonzaga appears on this conference outline, the program is widely regarded as a national power despite competing in a traditionally weaker conference structure. The goal of this article is to provide quick-hit visual scouting impressions of these mid-major qualifiers.

BY MATTY D.

Tennessee State Jumps Off the Page when Comparing Hype to the Eye Test

One of the first teams to punch their tickets to the 2026 Men’s College Basketball Tournament could be one of the most dangerous and dramatic upset candidates in the entire tourney. If you like riding underdogs on your bracket, you may enjoy how this team’s entry will be old news by the time Selection Sunday gets sorted out.

Guard Aaron Nkrumah absolutely jumps off the page. Or, should I say, he jumps off the TV screen with athleticism. The bouncy 6-6 senior scored 14 points in the championship win against Morehead State, but it was actually noteworthy that the Tigers enjoyed five players scoring in the teens during that game. This is on par with how Tennessee State has been finishing up its regular season. Since losing its last time this season to Morehead State, the Tigers have been beating teams by an average of 18 points, including two lopsided wins of 27 and 26 points against SIUE and Morehead State, respectively.

If you needed any more reasons to like Tennessee State as a sleeper team, consider its head coach. This past summer, former 4-year starting Duke point guard Nolan Smith was announced at the Tigers head coach. This, after serving as an assistant with Memphis and Louisville.

Rookie head coach Nolan Smith was nominated as a finalist for one of the best mid-major coaches in America.

Tennessee State’s announcement of the Nolan news put it in context the best:

“Smith spent his entire playing career at Duke under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. That experience helped shape Smith’s foundation as a tactician, motivator, and leader.”

Seniority “On Brand” as UNI Finds the Field Once Again

In this age of NIL, it’s hard to find examples of seniority thriving in college basketball.

Yet, there’s a perfect example of hard work paying off in the Missouri Valley Conference. The University of Northern Iowa is led by 4-year senior guard Trey Campbell, who also led an Iowa high school team to a state championship.

Of course, it wouldn’t be “on brand” to say that UNI is a one man show. Campbell leads the team with 13 points per game, but has four other teammates averaging around double digits.

Northern Iowa also has seniority when it comes to its long tenured head coach. Ben Jacobson has been at the helm for the Panthers since 2006.

Furman Finds Itself As Another Fiesty 6 Seed to Fight Its Way Into the Tournament

Ironically, both the Furman Paladins and that Northern Iowa Panthers teams are making it into the tournament as former 6 seeds in their own conferences.

Furman is a well-put-together roster with capable athletes everywhere. Led by a true freshman in Alex Wilkins, he has brothers Cooper and Cole Bowser attacking the rim at his side.

Not only do UNI and Furman share similarities as 6 seeds to win their conference championship, but they also squared off earlier this season in non-conference play.

Former Syracuse Fan Favorite Fanning the Flames of Upstate New York Revival

If you live in New York, you might be happy to hear that three of the first 11 teams to make the NCAA Tournament are from the Empire State. Upstate New York may have been hopeful of a rejuvenation of Syracuse basketball with Carmelo Anthony’s son playing for the orange and blue.

However, it’s another former Syracuse Orange player who is making a splash.

Syracuse cult hero Gerry McNamara, aka “G-Mac” has led another Upstate New York program to prominence. You’ll remember Gerry McNamara as the starting point guard on the 2001 Syracuse Orange championship team. Now, the Siena Saints of the capital region will return to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with McNamara as their head coach.

Siena Saints head coach Gerry McNamara courtesy SienaSaints.com Potographer Josh Miller

True to the script of how the universe is unfolding as it should, McNamara’s Saints are led by another gritty undersized under-recruited combo guard from Upstate New York. Gavin Doty of Fulton, NY is averaging 18 points for the Saints in his sophomore season. Siena was dominating Merrimack in the MAC Championship game in the first half before they had to fend off a more serious run.

What Else You Should Know about the First 10 Teams to Make March Madness 2026

As the bracket continues to take shape, six additional mid-major champions who punched their tickets before Gonzaga deserve at least a quick closing nod. Queens (N.C.) arrives from the ASUN with one of the nation’s most aggressive transition attacks, routinely pushing tempo behind dynamic guard play. High Point leaned on a prolific perimeter scoring profile during its Big South title run, spacing the floor with multiple double-figure shooters. Wright State brings a physically imposing interior presence that has powered one of the Horizon League’s most efficient paint-scoring units. Long Island surged late with disruptive on-ball pressure that fueled a top-tier steal rate in Northeast Conference play. And North Dakota State, long respected for disciplined execution, once again showcased a methodical half-court offense that finished near the top of the Summit League in shooting efficiency — a reminder that even in a tournament defined by chaos, structure and shot-making still travel well when the lights get brightest. Hofstra returns to March Madness with a reputation for elite ball security, consistently ranking among conference leaders in assist-to-turnover efficiency.

5 Conference Tournament Sleeper Teams That Could Crash March Madness

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BY MATTY D.

Oddsmakers Face a Tricky Puzzle Entering Conference Tournament Week

No one is ever going to feel badly for the sportsbook, but they do have a tricky dilemma headed into conference championship week. Some of the Power Five’s best teams might have players nursing injuries or doing load management. On the flip side, you have teams at the bottom of the league that are incredibly desperate to win the conference tournament and punch their ticket to March Madness. Creating the odds in this landscape is most certainly a challenging exercise.

Conference tournament week is often where March Madness sleepers emerge, especially when desperate teams collide with favorites managing injuries or tired legs.

A team like UConn might be an obvious minus-150 moneyline favorite to win its league in the Big East. However, there could always be a team lurking around 80-to-1 that suddenly becomes very dangerous. Here are a few sleeper teams for conference championship week when everything is on the line.

Could the Running Rebels Bring Vegas High Wire Act Into the Big Dance?

My #1 Sleeper Pick — Because the Odds Payout Could Be Huge

With Cincinatti losing to (8 seed in the Big 12) UCF on Wednesday, only one more team is running away with my fantasies of super underdoggery.

UNLV is staying true to its form as the entertainment capital of the country with how the Running Rebels are entertaining college basketball fans in the closing weeks of the season.

They have a leading scorer in Dra Gibbs-Laworn who dropped 42 points in an overtime win against Nevada. They also won a thrilling matchup against Boise State after coming back from more than 25 points. Not long after that, UNLV absolutely crushed Utah State, which is a no-doubt NCAA Tournament team.

Gibbs-Lawhorn is a top scorer across college basketball.
Click here to see how leading scorers should be feared historically, regardless of seed line.

With that kind of momentum and scoring ability, the Rebels could be a dangerous sleeper if they carry that energy into conference tournament play. According to the eye test, UNLV is clearly one of the March Madness sleepers to watch if they can string together a few wins in their conference tournament.

Could Stanford’s Quietly Improving Season Turn Into an ACC Tournament Surprise?

Could Red-Hot Colorado State Carry Its Late-Season Momentum Into the Mountain West Tournament?

My #2 Sleeper Pick

Another team that has been heating up late in the season is Colorado State. The Rams struggled earlier in the year and at one point started the season just 3-8 before finding their rhythm.

Since that slow start, Colorado State has quietly been one of the hotter teams in its league, going on an impressive run and winning the majority of its games down the stretch. The Rams have been able to win with balanced scoring and efficient shooting, and they have shown they can beat quality teams in the Mountain West. Center Kyle Jorgensen is one of many players who have returned from injury and are playing with upbeat swagger.

That type of late-season momentum can be dangerous in a conference tournament setting. If you’re looking at conference tournament predictions, Colorado State is the type of team that could surprise people if their recent form continues.

Could Northwestern’s Gritty Wildcats Turn Close Calls Into a Tournament Run?

Teams That Could Shake Up Conference Tournament Week

Prior to a championship week starting with very disappointing performances by the so-called bubble teams, ironically the two remaining bid stealers were from the Mountain West.

On this article, I had previously written how, “conference tournament week is always chaotic.”

History shows that several surprise teams reach the NCAA Tournament every year. Cincinnati, UNLV, Stanford, Colorado State and Northwestern all have recent momentum or roster advantages that could make them dangerous in a single-elimination setting.

If even one of these teams catches the right matchups and continues its late-season form, the road to March Madness could suddenly look very different.

NCAAB Best Betting Future Values for College Basketball Futures in 2026

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Now that the NFL season is over, it’s time to get serious about which teams I would invest in as future values for the 2025-2026 Men’s College Basketball season and March Madness. Here are some teams that I would consider for a low risk, high-reward payoff in the futures market.

BY MATTY D.

For example, I had a ticket for Oregon to win a national football title at 8-1 before the night began. After the Miami Hurricanes beat the odds-on favorite for a national title, the Ohio State Buckeyes, that same ticket became 6-1 (theoretically increasing in value 25%).

Volatile Kentucky Futures Worth Monitoring for Low Risk High Reward Payoff

Even by Kentucky standards, this college basketball season has been very dramatic. There have been big highs and low lows. Head coach Mark Pope was a champion as a player with the 1996 Kentucky team. Yet, after a so-so start to the 2025-2026, some Kentucky fans were calling for his job. After high profile back-to-back wins against Indiana and St. John’s to finish 2025, it was the consecutive losses to Alabama and Missouri to start 2026 that got Wildcats fans twisted.

Kentucky’s futures value to win a national championship has fluctuated anywhere from the 40-1 territory to sitting around 100-1 in mid February (according to DraftKings NCAAB futures market).

Kentucky’s volatile future value can also be contributed to the health status of key players.

Starting point guard Jaland Lowe is out for the season with a shoulder injury and super athletic big man (and Arizona State transfer) Jayden Quaintance has been missing a slew of games with a knee injury. The Wildcats had won 8 of 9 games without Quaintance is a nice run in mid-January to mid-February before getting dominated by a bigger Florida bunch.

The Lexington Herald Leader was reporting in mid-February how Quaintance’s draft stock was decreasing due to his extended absence with that knee injury. If he made a triumphant return to the lineup in March, that would be a major boost to the stock of a program that we know has a high ceiling.

Kentucky’s season has not been all about inconsistency. Combo guard Otega Oweh has been the model of consistency. He has shown an ability to shoulder the load and lead this Cats bunch.

Over that 8-of-9 run, Oweh regularly posted 20-plus points while contributing across the stat sheet — mixing efficient shooting with rebounds, assists, and timely defensive plays that helped stabilize Kentucky’s offense when other key pieces were banged up. His scoring spurts against Ohio State, Tennessee, and Arkansas weren’t just box-score padding; they shifted momentum in games where Kentucky needed a go-to option, and his willingness to shoulder that responsibility underscored the Wildcats’ potential when their stars are firing on all cylinders. That blend of production and poise from Oweh during their best stretch this season crystallizes just how high this Kentucky roster can rise when roles are clear and confidence is high.

https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/ncaab/teams/main/kentucky-wildcats/injuries

Looking for even longer odds chances to snag a crazy underdog pick for March Madness 2026?
Click here to see more of my favorite futures values and underdogs for a NCAAB Championship.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Harvesting the Best Tourney Resume No one is Talking About

Even as Nebraska knocked off top 10 ranked Michigan State in dramatic fashion in a January 2nd home game, the oddsmakers kept disrespecting the Huskers. Nebraska stood as a 20-1 long-shot to make a Final Four on FanDuel, despite having one of America’s best (and still undefeated) records.

Joe Lunardi’s December 30th bracketology had them as a 4 seed in the West Region, but Monday’s AP Top 25 voting might have them as the 4th best ranked team in the nation.

It’s hard to believe that head coach Fred Hoiberg is already in his seventh season as head man at Nebraska, after his “mayoral” status at the Hilton Coliseum with Iowa State. However, his family legacy is continuing in Lincoln this season in legendary fashion. He is coaching his son to an undefeated start of the season (well into 2026) overseeing a program that his grandfather coached for 9 seasons starting in the 1950s. This team is loaded with storylines that any TV producer at CBS Sports would salivate over during March Madness. It could be time that you put a shekel on the huskers.

Nebraska maxed out at a value around 25-1 to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. At Valentine’s Day where the week saw a dramatic overtime loss to Purdue and a beat-down of Northwestern, I still love this team as a future value of 10-1 to reach a Final Four.

Utah State 200-1 to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship

Utah State delivered one of the more eye-opening results of February by dominating Memphis in a rare non-conference matchup of potential bubble teams, Utah State and the Memphis Tigers on Valentine’s Day. Even with that kind of résumé-defining performance on a national stage, the Aggies’ futures value has remained hovering around 200-1 to win a championship, the type of number that suggests the market still hasn’t fully caught up to how solid this group really is.

Someone is coming out of the Mountain West grandfathered in as the annual 7 through 11 seed, and this veteran laden bunch is as good a bet as any to win a few games.

Before conference play, Utah State Aggies quietly built a strong résumé for bettors seeking high-quality future value picks. The Aggies paired legitimate wins over programs like VCU and Tulane with dominant blowouts of Davidson, Charlotte, and Colorado State, showing both floor and ceiling. That blend of NET-relevant victories and decisive margins signaled a team undervalued nationally entering league play.

College Basketball Eye Test Notebook Logging a Spreadsheet of values 2025-2026

Arizona and Iowa are also two teams whose odds I am watching closely. Listed below is a simple chart comparing NCAAB Futures on two major Sportsbooks in December of 2025.

Iowa left the circle of trust on Valentine’s Day after being dominated by Purdue. They also struggled mightily against a bigger Illinois team in early January, exposing their lack of size.

Best Underdog Future Values to Find Under the Christmas Tree

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College basketball future tickets for an underdog team to win the national championship in 2026 could make for a perfect stocking stuffer for 2025. Here are a few tickets I’d love to see under my Christmas tree.

BY MATTY D.

Big 10 offers ample opportunities for high value underdogs in NCAAB Futures market

Let’s start our search for future values in the Big 10 Conference, where the league is making a sound argument as being the nation’s best league, with multiple different suitors for a Final Four bid. Nebraska is the poster child for the high ceiling teams within this group. In mid-November, you could find the Cornhuskers around 250-1 to win it all. Now, after winning its first 12 games and scoring key resume win against Illinois, K-State, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Creighton, this team is still a bargain at 60-1.

Here are some more Big 10 teams to consider for your portfolio. Michigan State stands at 20-1, Illinois 22-1, Iowa at 100-1, and Indiana at 120-1. Those odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and posted on Christmas Eve.

Of course, Michigan stands alone at the top with the biggest amount of respect given in the futures market currently. They are +450 to win it all. That’s at least twice as expensive as any other team in the nation.

Which favorite is the best future value to win the 2026 college basketball championship?

With the Wolverines sitting at +450, that leaves a fleet of still great value picks around that 10-1 neighborhood. Arizona is +850, UCONN 10-1, and Duke 11-1. That group is followed by Iowa State, Purdue, and Houston at 12-1 or 13-1.

From that group, I would choose Arizona and Duke. In fact, I could easily see these teams steamrolling the competition to represent the West and East regions respectively in the national championship game itself. Having two tickets at +850 and 11-1 with that championship matchup together would be a good problem to have.

If those odds aren’t cheap enough for your liking, consider this. This is also the time of the sports calendar year where NFL teams are starting to separate themselves and either pass the eye test, or not. While teams like the Buccaneers, Lions, Ravens, and Chiefs are all suffering some unlikely knockout punches, teams like the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers are showing some incredible value.

For example, a $5 bet on the 49ers to win the NFC combined with Arizona to win the championship would net $332.

Super sleeper underdogs who could compete in the 2026 March Madness tournament

As they say, “get in the dance and anything can happen.”

Here are some crazy underdogs that I am keeping an eye on at the 100-1 and lower vicinity.

Please note that most of these teams would have to win their own conference tournament championship to enter the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

St. Mary’s is 250-1 to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship

The Gaels actually have a recent history of making the tournament as an at large team, thanks in part to its conference mate Gonzaga’s gravitational pull as a national power plus its holding its own against those Bulldogs. This year, St. Mary’s returns an impressive veteran core that includes Harry Wessels and Paulius Murauskas, plus super sophomores Mikey Lewis and Andrew McKeever. McKeever, a 7 foot 2 center from California is averaging nearly a double double after 13 games (11-2 in that stretch).

Utah State 200-1 to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship

Someone is coming out of the Mountain West grandfathered in as the annual 7 through 11 seed, and this veteran laden bunch is as good a bet as any to win a few games.

Before conference play, Utah State Aggies quietly built a strong résumé for bettors seeking high-quality future value picks. The Aggies paired legitimate wins over programs like VCU and Tulane with dominant blowouts of Davidson, Charlotte, and Colorado State, showing both floor and ceiling. That blend of NET-relevant victories and decisive margins signaled a team undervalued nationally entering league play.

South Florida Bulls at +280 to win the American Conference

Before conference play fully shapes the market, the South Florida Bulls profile as an appealing future value bet under head coach Bryan Hodgson. Coming from the Nate Oats coaching tree, Hodgson emphasizes pace, spacing, and high-volume three-point shooting. His track record of rapid turnarounds and top-50 offenses suggests South Florida’s relentless attack could outperform preseason expectations. You cannot find South Florida on futures markets just yet, so we will leave the article here with a nasty haymaker pick. If you want to play this team, you can grab them at +280 to win their conference and add to that position if/when they make the tournament that way.

Parody is Dead in College Basketball

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Parody, the primary ingredient that makes college basketball amazing, could be spoiling right in front of our very eyes. It’s the ingredient that allows for a team ranked outside of the top 100 make for a memorable Thursday in mid-March.

Last year, we watched all 1 seeds make the Final Four for the first time in nearly 20 years.

This year, we are seeing a historic streak where the basketball season is beginning with ranked teams pitching a shutout against unranked teams.

Even with ranked teams continuing their perfect record against unranked opponents, the season has already delivered moments where the upset alarm blared loud enough to make everyone look twice. In early November, Towson pushed No. 3 Houston deep into the second half before a late 13–2 run finally gave the Cougars breathing room. UC Irvine nearly stunned No. 7 Arizona, leading for long stretches until Koa Peat’s late-game heroics bailed the Wildcats out in Tucson. Charleston had No. 12 Alabama tied inside the final four minutes before the Tide’s depth finally separated. Even mid-majors like Vermont (vs. Tennessee) and Saint Peter’s (vs. Villanova) hung around into crunch time, keeping the score within a single possession late. All of these games flirted with becoming the season’s first true shocker—yet every time, the ranked favorite found a solution. Those close calls highlight how thin the margin has been, but they also underscore the larger storyline: even when threatened, the top teams simply refuse to fall.

The Rich Getting Richer Makes for a Poorer Experience for the Non-Power Schools

In the NIL era, the old saying “the rich get richer” has never felt more literal in college basketball. Money has always mattered, but now it speaks with a megaphone. The programs with deep-pocketed collectives, national brands, and massive donor networks are stacking even more advantages on top of their already dominant positions. Top-50 recruits who might have once chosen high-mid-majors for immediate playing time are now opting for Power 5 schools because the financial opportunity simply isn’t comparable. Even proven mid-major stars in the transfer portal are being pulled upward by six-figure offers and long-term visibility that only the biggest programs can provide. The result is a consolidation of talent at the sport’s wealthiest institutions—where depth charts resemble NBA benches and even the “role players” were once featured options somewhere else. As NIL accelerates this talent migration, the power dynamic continues tightening around a small handful of resource-heavy schools, making the upset landscape feel thinner than ever.

Another dynamic is clearly missing from the college game There are nearly no scenarios where the nucleus of mid-major programs are cultivating with each other, and delivering results, within a four year window. If you think of the Wichita State teams from the early 2010s, there was a senior leadership that blended young stars (like Fred Van Fleet) and then blossomed come tournament time. The Butler Bulldogs of that same era grew as a unit with a mix of one or two NBA prospects with a remainder of just solid 4 year college basketball players.

Once a player does excel at the mid-major level, he jumps squarely onto everyone’s radar and therefore, likely, into the transfer portal.

Oscar Clufff is a rare case of a player journey from major, to minor, to a major conference once again.

The transfer portal has become more important than the traditional course of coaches recruiting from high schools. Look at 247sports.com listing of the top 100 players to transfer ahead of the 2025-2026 season. You’ll see the litany of instances to where a power school robs from the fruits of the mid-major level labors.

A Friday Night Features Consequential Non-conference Matchups in College Basketball’s New Era

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UCLA and Arizona showed a loyalty to the spirit of college basketball that not even the Pac-12 or Big10 conference could. Those two traditional college basketball powers prioritized a non-conference matchup with each other. This continues a great tradition, despite conference realignment that has shredded at the fabric of the sport.

As for the game between Arizona and UCLA, it delivered. And it was one of many consequential matchups between teams 1) looking to build a tournament resume OR 2) get a 1 or 2 seed.

Arizona outlasts UCLA in star-studded early season matchup

As for the game between Arizona and UCLA, it delivered. The Wildcats struck first with a flurry of transition buckets, but UCLA countered with a poised half-court approach that slowed the tempo and kept things tight. The difference came late, when Arizona leaned on its length and timely shot-making to pull away. It was the type of November game that felt like March—two proud programs trading punches and revealing both strengths and flaws that will matter months from now.

Montiejas Krivas was the x-factor in this one, as there were no answers for the 7-2 Lithuanian during some important stretches.

Gonzaga gets tough against an aspiring upset-minded Arizona State

Graham Ike showed an ability to take a punch and answer a serious shot from an upset-minded underdog. Arizona State has notoriously been a volatile bunch under the leadership of head coach Bobby Hurley. The Sun Devils can be hot as hell. They can also scorch themselves with foolish play. On this Friday night, Arizona State came out swinging and put up a nice run to start the game. Ike, a transfer who took his talents from Wyoming to Spoke two years ago, put up 20 points looking like an NBA prospect down low doing it.

A still frame from Graham Ike’s dunk over the Arizona State frontline, courtesy Gonzaga Twitter.

Duke Overwhelms Indiana State with High-Powered Offensive Burst

Duke wasted no time imposing its talent on Indiana State. The Blue Devils came out flying, pushing tempo and getting early paint touches that broke the game open before halftime. What stood out most was how crisp the ball movement was — extra passes, kick-outs, and decisive drives that left the Sycamores scrambling. Duke’s depth also showed, as fresh legs kept the pressure high and the score climbing. By the time the second half settled in, Duke had full command and never looked back, showcasing the type of offensive ceiling that can dominate on any given night.

Michigan grinds out a tough win over TCU in a possession-by-possession battle

Michigan and TCU played one of the most competitive games of the night, a true rock fight that demanded execution on every trip. Both teams traded short runs but neither could fully separate, making the final minutes a test of poise. Michigan’s physicality on the glass and timely rim protection proved to be the difference, as the Wolverines finally strung together a few stops to clinch it. TCU showed resilience throughout, but Michigan’s ability to close late — especially against a veteran-heavy Horned Frogs lineup — was the defining moment of a well-earned road victory.

Other notable results shape the night across college basketball

Plenty of action beyond the headliners shifted the early-season landscape. Georgia quietly improved to 4-0 by taking down in-state rival Georgia Tech, a win that reinforces the Bulldogs’ steady climb under their current regime. Meanwhile, UCF pulled off one of the night’s biggest surprises by upsetting Texas A&M, a result that could age very well if the Knights continue trending upward. Taken together, these outcomes added another layer to what’s becoming a highly competitive and unpredictable start to the college basketball season.

Sons of NBA Players in College Basketball 2025-2026 headlined by dads Lebron, Carmelo, but many more

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An impressive roster of freshmen are jumping onto the college basketball scene in 2025-2026 and a few of them have familiar names from NBA greats.

The LeBron, Carmelo Era officially ending as active players as sons take the reins

The 2025-2026 college basketball season is full of exciting storylines, especially from famous basketball families whose sons are now making their own names on the court. One of the biggest examples is Kiyan Anthony, the talented son of Carmelo Anthony. His success reminds fans of the 2003 NBA Draft, when his dad and LeBron James began their legendary careers. Now, over twenty years later, that moment feels like a distant memory as their kids and other second-generation stars bring fresh energy and talent to college basketball today.

The lineage of game-changing forwards continues to flourish across Division 1 ball

Carlos Boozer and Dominique Wilkins may have played in different eras of the NBA, but their sons enter a new generation of outstanding freshman talent across the college basketball landscape.

Georgia forward Jake Wilkins (21) during Georgia’s game against Morehead State at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Photo courtesy Conor Dillon/UGAAA/On3.com

Dominique Wilkins’ son treating Georgia to familiar highlight films, again

The Human Highlight Film, Dominique Wilkins’ greatness maybe best on display during his heyday and epic battle against Michael Jordan in the 1988 NBA Dunk contest. Like many who battled against Jordan in that era, he never won a title, but his mark on the game will be everlasting.

That unbreakable legacy is being renewed right now by the same fresh legs and sporty number 21 still jumping out of gyms in and around Atlanta. Georgia’s Jake Wilkins looks just like pops.

Watch Wilkins make a mockery of an early season contest in the 2025 campaign as he channeled his father for a nostalgic windmill slam: VIDEO POSTED BY ESPN.

Carlos Boozer’s son looks to repeat a championship legacy at Duke

To watch the 2000-2001 Duke Blue Devils highlights on YouTube is like watching an NBA team from that same time period. We’re talking about a starting five that could have included Jay Williams, Dahntay Jones, Chris Duhon, Shane Battier, and Carlos Boozer. Oh, and Mike Dunleavy may be coming off the bench.

Not surprisingly, that Duke team cut down the nets and won a national championship.

Now, Carlos Boozer’s son Cameron is riling up the Cameron Crazies as he attempts to repeat a family legacy: winning a national basketball championship.

Peja Stojaković’s DNA to score from anywhere passed down to Illinois Basketball

One of the best shooters of the modern NBA also has a son in college basketball. Peja Stojaković is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, having made 1,760 three-point field goals in his career; this total ranked fourth all-time upon his retirement from the NBA. Stojaković won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Now, his son is a leading score for the certain tournament team in Illinois. Andrej Stojakovic actually played his first two college basketball seasons at Cal, but will finally see the light of day in the NCAA Tournament as he transferred to the Illini before the start of this season.

Underrated stars get a second opportunity to remind fans of greatness

One of the most underrated stars of the late 1990s and early 2000s was Jermaine O’Neal. In an era where high school kids coming straight into the NBA became commonplace, this ambidextrous post scorer smoothly found his way into the rotation of grown-ass-men who routinely found themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals. He played his first four seasons with the Portland Trailblazers, before being legally able to drink, then found himself in Indiana.

O’Neal “senior” played for 18 seasons and racked up over 13,000 points in his career.

Photo courtesy Jermaine O’Neal Jr’s Instagram page

Now, Jermaine O’Neal Jr. is similarly flying under the radar in an SMU Mustangs uniform. With UNC, Duke, and even Louisville capturing headlines in the ACC, this dangerous bubble team could be popping into the tournament with one of the best performing second generation players in the nation.

Andre Iguodala’s Son Playing for the Baylor Bears in College Basketball

Andre Iguodala’s impressive 19 year NBA career came to an end only two short years before his son started playing college hoops. Andre Iguodala II started his Division I career on the injury report with the Baylor Bears as a redshirt freshman. He should take some self-care advice from his pops. If Iguodala junior sips from that fountain of youth that his father discovered, he should be thriving on the court in no time.

Imagine: If Iguodala the Second does follow in his father’s footsteps, the NBA could have an Iguodala playing in the NBA in 84.4% of a 45 year stretch. This might be the eye test dot com, but that’s some fun data to throw around!

It’s also ironic that an Iguodala makes this list opposite of LeBron James’ son. James and Iguodala senior had some epic battles against each other as the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Golden State Warriors in three consecutive NBA Finals. Iguodala won the series in that matchup, earning a Final MVP Award in the process.

LeBon James raises another son who makes it into Division 1 basketball

While LeBron has played as teammates with his older son Bronny, Bryce James is still enjoying his underclassmen years at basketball power, Arizona.

D.J. Wagner takes NBA pedigree to more of a leadership role at Arkansas
The grandson of NBA veteran Milt Wagner and son of former pro Dajuan Wagner, D.J. is continuing his family legacy at Arkansas Razorbacks under coach John Calipari. In the 2024-25 season he started all 36 games, averaged 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists, and led the team in assists on 16 occasions. He’s embraced more of a facilitator role while still showing scoring ability, and heading into 2025-26 he’s been recognized by the SEC media (preseason All-SEC third team) as a key piece of Arkansas’s plans. Arkansas Razorbacks While his shooting numbers haven’t yet turned into elite efficiency, Wagner’s role as lead guard and his family pedigree keep the spotlight on him — especially as the Razorbacks look to make noise in March.

Assistant Coaches Oversee Sons Carrying Family Legacies

Perhaps missing from this list could be a few 11th or 12th men on Division 1 benches who are not only the sons of an NBA player, but that player is now coaching them as an assistant. See, for example, Howard Eisley Jr. currently playing for the Michigan Wolverines. As of the first month of the season, Eisley Jr. had not logged a minute yet in the college basketball season. In the 2024-2025 season, he played just 4 minutes total over two games. Yet, he makes this list and enjoys the excitement of college basketball alongside his father. That, in and of itself, is pretty great.

Murray State races towards Mason Miller in the transfer portal
Son of NBA champion sharpshooter Mike Miller, Mason Miller began his collegiate career at Creighton Bluejays where he made strong strides, including leading the Big East in 3-point percentage in 2023-24 at 45 percent. For the 2025-26 season, he transferred to Murray State Racers, reuniting with his former assistant-coach-turned-head-coach Ryan Miller.

Standing at 6′9″, Mason blends floor-stretching shooting (76 career 3-pointers) with positional versatility, and his move to Murray State signals a new chapter where he may have expanded opportunity. With his height, shooting and the lineage of his father’s championship experience, Mason could surprise this season if his development continues the upward trend.

Want to see more second generation players?
Click here to see the 2024-2025 roster for sons of NBA players in college basketball.

Other families ties across college basketball link to former NBA players

Liberty Flames redshirt senior guard JJ Abrams is the stepson of Bo Outlaw. Outlaw was a 15 year veteran of the league who did the dirty work for some of the NBA’s worst teams during that time. He played for the Clippers and Magic, to name a few. Outlaw snagged a few top 10 votes as the leagues defensive player of the year for his commitment on that end of the floor.

Abrams, a redshirt senior, could be seen this season in March Madness. The Liberty Flames are widely regarded as one of the nation’s best true mid-major programs remaining, under the leadership of head coach Ritchie McKay.

Player movement across NCAAB with the transfer portal and NIL has made it more difficult for mid-majors to compete. Click here to read more about the current threat to parody across the NCAA.

Other fun family ties to professional athletes across college basketball in 2025-2026

Milwaukee Bucks player and UCONN champion Andre Jackson’s brother Marcus plays at Siena.

Long-time defensive tackle Vince Wolfork’s son Antoine plays for undefeated Miami of Ohio.

Sweet 16 Betting Breakdown: Thursday’s Best Against the Spread Picks

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Looking for smart betting picks for Thursday’s Sweet 16 matchups? This article breaks down four key NCAA Tournament games, with against-the-spread predictions for Michigan vs. Auburn, Michigan State vs. Ole Miss, BYU vs. Alabama, and Arizona vs. Duke. See which underdogs have value and which favorites are poised to cover based on matchups that pass the eye test.

It’s funny how reunions of both friends and foes are a constant theme of the college basketball tournament. Caleb Love will, again, be battling with his former in-conference rival, Duke. As you know, Love played for years at UNC where there were some classic clashes with the Blue Devils.

Click here to read 6 more trends fixed as annual traditions during March Madness

Michigan +8.5 vs. Auburn College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Michigan enters this Sweet 16 matchup with one of the biggest frontcourts still standing. Auburn might be the higher seed, but the Wolverines can lean on their size and physicality to dictate the terms of this game. The rebounding edge is where this could tilt. Second-chance points, long possessions—those all benefit Michigan’s style of play. Auburn will try to run, but Michigan has enough discipline and toughness to weather that storm. It’s a tall task to win outright, but getting eight-and-a-half points here looks appealing.

Michigan State -3.5 vs. Ole Miss College Basketball Prediction, Pick
It’s March. And that means one thing: Tom Izzo. His teams tend to tighten up their execution just when other squads start fraying. This version of the Spartans is classic Izzo—experienced guards, versatile forwards, and an edge in physical matchups like this one. Ole Miss has impressed with some big wins to get here, but Michigan State’s defense and discipline should win out in the late possessions. Laying 3.5 with Izzo in March? That always looks good to the eye.

BYU +4.5 vs. Alabama College Basketball Prediction, Pick

This is the most intriguing game of the night for me. Alabama is deep and dangerous, no doubt. But BYU is one of the few teams in the country that can go possession-for-possession with them and keep up the scoring. The Cougars have sharpshooters at every position and play with a pace and confidence that won’t shrink against the Crimson Tide’s press and length. In any 5-on-5 set, BYU can match Alabama bucket for bucket. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cougars win this one outright, and grabbing 4.5 points in a shootout like this looks like a lock.

Arizona +8.5 vs. Duke College Basketball Prediction, Pick

This is where things get tricky. Arizona has the physical tools and offensive firepower to give Duke problems—especially in transition. The Wildcats move the ball well and know how to punish mismatches. But let’s be real: Duke is playing with an NBA showcase right now. They’ve got four, maybe five pros on the floor, and they’re all playing like it’s draft week. Arizona should keep this tight with their own versatility, but I’m not sold on them pulling it out late. Still, 8.5 points feels like too many in a game with this much top-end talent. Arizona to cover looks like a confident lean, even if the Blue Devils escape with the W.

Sunday Game Picks for NCAA Men’s College Basketball March Madness

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The Ticket of Integrity: Saturday’s Smartest College Hoops Plays

A loaded slate of college basketball action means it’s time to lock in a Saturday ticket that blends sharp lines, big matchups, and teams with something to prove. This one’s dubbed The Ticket of Integrity, and there’s a lot to like. Let’s break it down pick by pick.

Florida Gators -9.5

The Gators are rolling at home and have a clear edge in both talent and tempo. They’ve been dominant in Gainesville lately, and their aggressive defense tends to overwhelm lesser opponents. Against a team that struggles to score in bunches, Florida should build a lead and keep the foot on the gas. Expect them to cover with some breathing room.

Baylor Bears +12.5

Baylor isn’t your typical double-digit underdog. Even in tough road environments, their backcourt is experienced and battle-tested. This line feels inflated—possibly reacting to a strong opponent—but Baylor’s ability to control pace and knock down timely threes makes them dangerous. They don’t even have to win, just keep it close—and they’re more than capable of that.

Jeremy Roach isn’t the only point guard who is playing his former team for a chance to advance. Roach plays a Duke program he spent three seasons with, but Tre Donaldson will be playing against his old Auburn team for a shot at the Elite 8. This fascination with revenge games, or at least awkward matchups among exes, is one of several trends fixed as annual traditions in recent years. Click here to read 5 more traditions that we now see on an every year basis.

Kentucky Wildcats +2

Kentucky’s youth is starting to gel at the right time. When they’re locked in, this is one of the most offensively explosive teams in the country. They’ll have the best player on the floor and a coaching edge in late-game scenarios. Getting them as an underdog is rare value—this is a live dog play all the way.

Alabama Crimson Tide -250 (Moneyline)

Alabama at home is a different beast. Their offensive firepower, led by elite guard play, can torch defenses in a hurry. While laying -250 on the moneyline is steep, this is about securing a key piece of the parlay with a team unlikely to lose outright. The Tide roll here—plain and simple.

Ironically, St. Mary’s remains one of my top remaining underdog values in the tournament.
Click here to see what teams I had identified as the best 5 future values once the tourney began.

Iowa State Cyclones -5.5

Cyclone Nation is built on suffocating defense and Hilton Magic. Iowa State’s ability to force turnovers and control tempo makes them a nightmare matchup, especially in Ames. With a manageable spread, they’re in a perfect spot to not just win, but win decisively. Trust the home court to deliver once again.

Maryland Terrapins -7.5

The Terps have quietly become one of the more consistent home teams in conference play. Their defense has clamped down lately, and they’ve shown they can string together scoring runs that bury teams quickly. Against a weaker opponent, Maryland should flex early and often. A double-digit win is well within reach.

Arizona Wildcats -3.5

When Arizona is humming, they look like a Final Four team. Their inside-out balance and high tempo can overwhelm opponents who aren’t used to that kind of pace. With tournament positioning on the line, expect a focused effort and a margin that clears the number. The Wildcats know what’s at stake—and they’ll play like it.

🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles 🏆

🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀

Let’s see if the Ticket of Integrity lives up to the name. Seven plays, one ticket, all winners? We’ll find out soon enough.

PropSwap Futures Tickets for Sale by College Basketball Eye Test Blog

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We are sweetening the pot for the most intriguing thing about March Madness, rooting for the underdogs, by selling some futures tickets on our favorite underdogs to win the tourney. Blogger Matty D. has invested in all of these teams and will be riding the bandwagon with you. However, it’s time to hedge and sell off a portion of these shares as these teams are gaining value.

Click here to see our favorite remaining 3-4 future values remaining in the tournament.

These futures tickets for the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament are listed on PropSwap.com, which is a secondary marketplace to resell physical tickets.

Texas A&M Futures Ticket for Resale Ahead of Major Matchup against Michigan

Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for an Aggies Championship.

Wade Taylor IV and the Aggies are moving on after knocking off another one of my favorite future values this season, the Yale Bulldogs. They’ll square up against Michigan, which is a tough matchup with the two 7-footers they run out there. However, one of Texas A&M’s best assets is its depth. They’ll have plenty of bodies and plenty of fouls to throw at the Wolverines. Next up, a potential rematch with SEC foe Auburn. If Auburn’s first half performance against Alabama State is any indication, the Tigers could be vulnerable. If the Aggies get past those two challenging matchups, the sky is the limit. The Aggies also just beat Auburn to finish its historically great regular season (beating a #1 overall ranked team for the first time in its 100+ year history).

Saint Mary’s Futures Ticket for Resale for Those Who Like to Grind Out Wins

There are more exciting teams to watch than St. Mary’s, but the Gaels are good enough to make a Final Four. They have veteran leadership, have an identity with their methodical pace, and have beaten a good Gonzaga team on multiple occasions this season. Therefore, they’re proven.

Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for a St. Mary’s Championship

Join the Drake Train While You Can at a Crazy Number for a Huge Payout

At the time that this ticket was listed, it was the first and only Drake ticket listed on the PropSwap marketplace. Therefore, let the bidding begin at 100-1!

Click here to view or purchase this ticket to win $2,500+ if Drake Wins it All

If you watched Drake dismantle a good Missouri team, it’s not hard to imagine this ticket gaining value. PropSwap currently has this ticket rated as a “poor” value, but I disagree!

PropSwap is not a sponsor of this article.
For business inquiries about this blog, please email mattydmedia@gmail.com today.