Casting Cinderella: 10 teams that can be March Madness darlings

SPOKANE, WA - FEBRUARY 17: Kameron Edwards #20 and Eric Cooper #2 of the Pepperdine Waves attempt to box out Silas Melson #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs after a free throw in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 17, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 81-67. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati is on the cusp of beginning a new era in their program’s history when they take the court in just a few short weeks.

It didn’t take long for the powers that be to find their replacement for Mick Cronin following his departure from the program, as their eyes turned across the river to John Brannen from Northern Kentucky. On his resume thus far, Brannen has been responsible for guiding his prior program to their first two NCAA Tournament berths within just three years of eligibility.

Brannen’s style may be different from Cronin’s, but the Bearcats’ ability to find themselves in prime position for an upset and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament after the transition.

The Bearcats return star player Jarron Cumberland, and also kept the services of Keith Williams and Tre Scott from last year’s notable players. They also hit the transfer market hard in the offseason, securing Jaevin Cumberland (yes, they’re cousins), as well as New Mexico transfer Chris McNeal.

The depth of the team may not be ideal, but there is also a plethora of talent in some of the young up-and-comers on the Bearcats’ rosters. Zach Harvey should be a nice addition off the bench, alongside fellow freshman Mika Adams-Woods.

The effect of playing for a new coach can often be extreme, and that’s what Cincinnati faithful can hope for as Brannen brings in tournament experience and a much (MUCH) faster-paced offensive scheme, to pair with an experienced starting five. Don’t be surprised to see Cincinnati soar if this team comes together quickly, maybe even to Cinderella heights.

Thus, the story of John Brannen’s Bearcats begins.