Villanova, 1st seed
From an NBA (or at least Sixers) perspective, Villanova might be the most noteworthy tournament team. You can attribute most of that to Mikal Bridges, who has emerged as a bona fide top-10 talent in one of the deepest draft classes we’ve seen.
If it isn’t Miles Bridges, Mikal is the guy most pundits have the Sixers picking (assuming he’s available). A long wing and talented defender, Bridges’ 43.3 percent clip from deep and improved ability to hit shots on the move has scouts raving. He’s the ideal 3-and-D prospect in a year where that archetype is highly coveted.
Bridges has had to step into an increased role with Josh Hart in the NBA, and he has done so with impressive success. Jalen Brunson has also emerged as a Player of the Year favorite and potential second round pick, if not late-first round. He’s somebody the Sixers should be eyeing as well.
Nova is my current championship pick. That probably means they won’t win it, but they’re an elite all-around team with relevant NBA talent. They’re also the hometown team, which boosts their standing on this list even more.
Enjoy what will be a month filled with basketball, and best of luck to all of you in your bracket challenges. Trust the Process.