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March Madness A-Z guide to the 2019 NCAA Tournament

By Cody Williams

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) and Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) at the end of the of the ACC Tournament championship game with the Duke Blue Devils versus the Florida State Seminoles on March 16, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) and Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) at the end of the of the ACC Tournament championship game with the Duke Blue Devils versus the Florida State Seminoles on March 16, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RICHMOND, KY – FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, KY – FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

G – Gardner-Webb Bulldogs

The Gardner-Webb Bulldogs went on a shocking run through the Big South Tournament to earn their automatic bid as the 3-seed in the conference. The Bulldogs enter March Madness as perhaps the No. 16 seed with the best chance to replicate UMBC’s success — and not just because they’re taking on Virginia. Gardner-Webb has some phenomenal talent, starting with David Efianayi and D.J. Laster. Taking on the Cavaliers, they aren’t going to let down at all against the top seed in the South Region.

H – Houston Cougars

Though the Houston Cougars lost in the AAC Tournament final, they shouldn’t be taken lightly in the slightest. Led by Corey Davis Jr. and Armoni Brooks this season, they have passed almost every test put before them this season, including notching non-conference wins over Oregon and even LSU throughout the year. The Cougars will start March Madness by facing Georgia State, but they could be a true sleeper to watch from the field of 68.

I – Ignas Brazdeikis

Despite the fact that the Michigan Wolverines have struggled to get past rival Michigan State this season, they were still able to capture a No. 2 seed in this tournament field. A big reason for that has been the breakout performance this season from freshman forward Ignas Brazdeikis. While Michigan will need everyone from Jordan Poole to Charles Matthews to Jon Teske to show up, Brazdeikis should continue to be their offensive X-factor.

J – Ja Morant

Murray State Racers star guard Ja Morant figures to be a high lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, but before that, he could create some magic in March Madness. Entering the tournament as a 12-seed and eyeing a matchup with Marquette, Morant is one of the most exciting players in college basketball, from busting out highlight-reel dunks nightly to averaging a ridiculous line of 24.6 points, 10 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game on the season. If you’re looking for a March superhero, Morant is going to be a popular pick — perhaps second to only Zion Williamson.

K – Kentucky Wildcats

After starting out their season by getting blown out by 34 points against Duke, the Kentucky Wildcats have rebounded in a monster way since, improving dramatically as the year has progressed under John Calipari. Many thought this team would’ve been a 1-seed had they not lost to Tennessee in the SEC semifinals, but they are a dark horse to make a real run behind a balanced and explosive group featuring P.J. Washington, Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson.

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