As it happens every year, a team is bound to catch fire in the NCAA Tournament. Often, an overlooked lower seed morphs into a raging inferno. What underestimated squad from the East Region is poised to singe eyebrows? Read my sizzling hot take below.
The pick: Illinois Fighting Illini (BetMGM odds to make Final Four: +650)
When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, the draw is everything. Sometimes, the Selection Committee rewards you with smooth asphalt. In other instances, potholes and broken beer bottles litter the turnpike.
For Illinois, the road to Glendale resembles that of a post-apocalyptic landscape. Dented Dodges, random grease slicks and roaming zombie hordes populate the path.
The East Region is unquestionably the toughest in this year’s bracket. Disagree? See you at the bike racks at 3 o’clock sharp, chump.
If the Illini continue to play at their current apex, though, they will dismiss UConn, Iowa State or whatever school tries to defy them.
[ More Bracket Flames: Midwest Region | South Region | West Region ]
With a Big Ten Tournament crown affixed to their heads, the Orange and Blue enter the main March act performing at an astronomical offensive level. Over their final 10 games, they have netted an obscene 1.304 points per possession (No. 2 in the nation) while shooting 55.9% from two and 37.5% from three.
Terrence Shannon, who’s a powerful locomotive in the open court, has practically been unstoppable while attacking the tin or splashing 3s. With the All-Big Ten selection complemented beautifully by Marcus Domask’s sky-high basketball IQ and Coleman Hawkins’ fantastic multidimensionality, Illinois is a tour de force at putting the ball through the basket.
Confidence subsides on the other end of the floor. Since mid-February, the Illini rank No. 236 in effective field-goal percentage defense. Because of Hawkins’ length, getting buckets inside isn’t the easiest chore against them, but their catnap mentality stretching to the perimeter makes them most vulnerable. Also, in its last 10 games, Illinois is a lousy No. 299 in 3-point percentage defense, surrendering a staggering 37.6%.
The East Region 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bIkCGTN13Y
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 17, 2024
To command the East Region, the Illini need contributions from their tertiary weapons. Whether that boost comes from Dain Dainja (WHAT ‘CHA SELF!), Quincy Guerrier or Luke Goode, head coach Brad Underwood must receive meaningful production outside of his big two/three.
Shannon gives off Carmelo Anthony vibes. As witnessed in Minneapolis, where he set a Big Ten tourney record in shucking the Huskers for 40 points, the senior guard alone is capable of carrying his team.
Iowa State (+425 to reach Final Four) and Auburn (+425) are unquestionably other viable contenders to emerge from the East, but at +650, Illinois presents supreme value.
Get to Glendale and this Champaign native will pop corks. On name alone, it's entirely appropriate.