As the college basketball season approaches, krikya18.com's Andy Katz lists his 10 dark horse teams to make the 2024 Final Four in Phoenix.
1. North Carolina:
Odd to say this about the Tar Heels, but they won’t be expected to get back to a Final Four in the preseason. Still, the Tar Heels will have the talent to do so.
2. Illinois:
The Illini have the 1-2 punch in Terrence Shannon Jr., and Coleman Hawkins and if they get the type of point-guard play needed then they will have to be taken seriously.
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3. Texas A&M:
The Aggies have an experienced team led by Wade Taylor IV and never get the love they deserve. Buzz Williams could make a deep run.
4. Maryland:
The Terps have a threesome that could lead them to Phoenix with Jahmir Young, Donta Scott and Julian Reese.
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5. UCLA:
Odd to have the Bruins in here with so much gone from last season’s team but UCLA has a star in Adem Bona and a highly-touted freshmen class.
6. Villanova:
The Wildcats have never been a dark horse in name, but Villanova has the goods led by Justin Moore to make a deep run.
7. St. John’s:
The roster isn’t loaded with known national talent. But that doesn’t matter. Rick Pitino will find a way to get this team in shape come tournament time.
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8. Boise State:
The Broncos have been consistently good under Leon Rice with the return of Tyson Degenhart and his son Max Rice Boise State has the talent to make a deep run.
9. Wisconsin:
The Badgers return the core of their team with Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Wahl, Connor Essegian and Steven Crowl. They have the depth to make a Final Four run.
10. Memphis:
The Tigers have a load of talent and now get the experienced point guard to put it together in the much-traveled but steady Jahvon Quinerly.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.
