One shining moment. That moment of immortality as they ascend the ladder and cut down the nets—though for Zach Edey, forget the ladder. Not only is it a chance for glory, but for some players stepping onto the court at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, these games may mark their final appearance representing their school or even their last opportunity to play organized basketball. This year’s rendition of the Final Four is replete with compelling storylines. We watch UCONN’s relentless march toward back-to-back titles to D.J. Burns Jr. and N.C. State’s Cinderella run. There’s much to admire about this year’s field in the culmination of the NCAA Tournament.
As we approach the conclusion, there promises to be plenty of excitement in the remaining days of the 2023-2024 NCAA Basketball season. What can we anticipate from these final games? Can anyone derail UCONN’s quest for a second consecutive NCAA championship? Can Zach Edey conclude his storied collegiate career atop the college basketball mountain?
Let’s first delve into UCONN—the top overall seed in this year’s tournament, exhibiting absolute dominance thus far.
The defending champs have beaten their opponents by an average margin of 27.75 points per game. They’ve triumphed in 10 consecutive NCAA Tournament games by double digits, with only one loss since the turn of the new year. The Huskies are on a mission, possessing numerous strengths and minimal weaknesses. It’s difficult to envision any team halting their bid for back-to-back titles—the first team to achieve such a feat since Florida in 2006-07. In the way of UCONN’s pursuit is the Alabama Crimson Tide. Head coach Nate Oats has steered the Tide to their inaugural Final Four appearance in school history.
Photo Cred: Sporting News
With a commendable 117-53 record and four tournament appearances since his appointment in 2019, Alabama’s presence at this stage isn’t entirely unexpected. Boasting the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 90.6 points per game, Alabama possesses the firepower to compete with UCONN in a high-paced shootout. Guard Mark Sears has been instrumental for Alabama in the tournament, ranking third in scoring with 97 points across four games, trailing only Zach Edey and Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht. The clash between UCONN and Alabama promises the potential for an all-time classic, given the caliber of each team’s offense.
Both schools rank among the top three in the NCAA in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom. UCONN also boasts a place among the top 10 teams in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency, whereas Alabama lags significantly behind at 105th. If Alabama can dictate the pace as they have throughout the tournament, they might stand a chance at dethroning the defending champions. UCONN’s superiority in shooting percentage and adaptability to any pace of play suggests a formidable opponent. While Alabama could make this a closely contested game, Dan Hurley and the Huskies will likely advance to the final on Monday for their fifth national championship appearance in the 21st century.
Now, onto the clash of the Titans in the paint. Zach Edey is the probable back-to-back Wooden Award winner, and D.J. Burns Jr is a seasoned sixth-year senior due to Covid. Both men have traversed arduous paths to this juncture. Edey, once a three-star recruit from Florida with few offers out of high school, has now become a dominant force, averaging a double-double for the second consecutive year with over 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. Despite Edey’s brilliance, team success has sometimes eluded Purdue until this season’s breakthrough.
Photo Cred: NCAA
On the other side stands the Cinderella of this year’s tournament, the N.C. State Wolfpack, led by the tenacious Burns Jr. In his sixth year of college after stints at Tennessee and Winthrop, Burns Jr. has become the linchpin of the Wolfpack’s ACC Tournament Championship and Final Four run. While N.C. State’s relentless schedule initially fueled doubts, but their resilience has defied expectations, propelling them past Marquette and Duke. Although tempted to back N.C. State’s underdog narrative, I’m inclined to favor Edey and the Boilermakers to continue their redemption tour.
Much like Virginia in 2019, Purdue seems poised to capitalize on their past setbacks and seize the moment. While Burns and N.C. The state has showcased remarkable resilience, and Edey’s defensive prowess presents a formidable challenge that may impede Burns’ scoring opportunities. It appears we’re on a collision course for a UCONN-Purdue showdown—a fitting climax for two of the NCAA’s finest teams this season. Having weathered myriad challenges, they now stand on the precipice of realizing their dreams in the Final Four.
