Tourney breakdown: Previewing the East Region
The NCAA Tournament is upon us now that Selection Sunday is officially in the books. In the buildup to the opening round, theScore is previewing each region to get you prepared to pick your bracket. The East Region gets us started, with reigning national champs UConn holding the top seed.
Top teams
No. 1 UConn
UConn has a legitimate shot to go back-to-back despite losing starters Jordan Hawkins, Adama Sanogo, and Andre Jackson Jr. to the NBA. The Huskies steamrolled through conference play, going 31-3 en route to their first Big East Tournament title in 13 years. They've been excellent at both ends of the floor, ranking No. 1 on KenPom's list for adjusted offensive efficiency and 11th for adjusted defensive efficiency. All five starters are averaging double digits in points, led by Tristen Newton's 15.2 points per contest. They're limiting opponents' shooting to just 39.8%, which is the 11th-best mark in the nation. The draw wasn't kind to the top overall seed, which drew the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC Tournament champions. But with the first two rounds in Brooklyn and the regional semis and finals set for Boston, Dan Hurley's squad will essentially have home-court advantage for each of their matchups.
No. 2 Iowa State
It's been quite the turnaround in Ames since the school brought on T.J. Otzelberger to replace Steve Prohm. In just three years, he's taken a two-win Iowa State squad to a Big 12 Tournament crown. The Cyclones are among the top defensive teams in the NCAA, ranking second in steals (10.4 per game), fourth in points allowed (61.3), and 13th in opponents' field-goal percentage (40%). Only UTEP forces more turnovers per contest than Iowa State. Their ability to cause havoc was on full display throughout their conference championship run in Kansas City. The Cyclones scored 18 points off turnovers in the Big 12 title game to secure their second victory in three meetings with the Cougars this season.
No. 3 Illinois
Illinois boasts an explosive offense led by fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. The Fighting Illini are averaging 84.2 points, good for 11th in the country. They make frequent trips to the charity stripe and are an elite rebounding team, which allows for many second-chance point opportunities. Shannon attempts nearly nine free throws per game alone and trails only reigning Wooden Award winner Zach Edey in total free throws. Seven Illinois players are tallying at least one offensive rebound per contest. Oregon transfer Quincy Guerrier has been a helpful addition on the glass, posting a team-high 6.5 boards per game.
Bracket-busters
No. 10 Drake
Drake is making its third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last four years. However, the school is seeking its first win in the Big Dance since reaching the Elite Eight in 1971. Versatile guard Tucker DeVries is leading the Bullldogs' high-octane offense, using his elite size at the position to shoot over most of his defenders. DeVries has also made tremendous strides as a playmaker, doubling his assists from last year. Drake ranks 33rd in 3-point percentage, with four starters making at least 34% of their threes. If the Bulldogs get on a heater from deep, they can certainly shoot their way to an upset.
No. 13 Yale
Yale punched its ticket to the Big Dance in thrilling fashion, defeating Brown on a buzzer-beater in the Ivy League championship game. While the Bulldogs are getting steady offensive production from their starting five, their defense will likely dictate how far they go in March. James Jones' squad is 43rd in the nation in points allowed (66.8 per game) and commits only 15 fouls per game. It also takes great care of the rock, which will be helpful against an Auburn team that loves to apply pressure and attack in transition.
Players to watch
Tristen Newton, UConn
UConn boasts a balanced offensive attack, but Newton is arguably the most significant piece. The 6-foot-5 guard was the floor general of last year's title-winning squad and has taken his game to another level this season. Newton maximizes his size advantage when attacking the rim, creates for others out of the pick-and-roll, and is capable of single-handedly taking over games with his shotmaking. He's a regular triple-double threat, ranking second in the Big East in assists (six per game) and ninth in rebounds (seven). He's one of five finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given annually to the nation's top point guard.
Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
Shannon has increased his production in each of his five seasons. He's enjoyed his best years in Champaign after transferring from Texas Tech in 2022, earning back-to-back All-Big Ten first-team nods as a member of the Fighting Illini. Shannon sits third in the NCAA scoring race with a career-high 22.6 points on 46.8% shooting. The 23-year-old recently set a Big Ten Tournament record with 40 points in Illinois' semifinal win over Nebraska. He was also the first player in 11 years to reach that output in a power conference tournament game, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Johni Broome, Auburn
Broome is another player who found success with a change of scenery. Following two standout campaigns at Morehead State, the 6-foot-10 forward made the leap to a power conference, and Auburn is reaping the benefits. Broome resides in the SEC's top 10 in multiple categories, including points (16.2 per game), boards (8.3), blocks (2.2), field-goal percentage (54%), and free throws (164). His effectiveness on both ends of the floor earned him an All-SEC first-team nod. He's also one of 15 finalists for the Wooden Award.