EAST REGION
Must-watch player: Terrence Shannon Jr., G, Illinois
The Big Ten tournament MVP was scorching in his last three games in Minneapolis with a combined 104 points, including a tourney-record 40 points in a 98-87 semifinal win vs. Nebraska. Shannon, an electrifying 6-6 senior, is averaging 32 points in his past four games. Legal troubles earlier in the season led to a six-game suspension for Shannon, but the Illini offense turned into the best in the country since his return. Shannon is a tough guard with his ability to score downhill, with pull-up jumpers from midrange or shots beyond the arc. He’s the highest-rated player in 2024 NBA draft projections as a potential lottery pick.
Must-watch matchup: No. 8 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 9 Northwestern
The Owls were the biggest surprise team in last year’s NCAA tournament after reaching the Final Four as a No. 9 seed. They were ranked as high as No. 7 nationally in December but fell out of the top 25. Losing four league games had FAU finishing behind South Florida for the American Conference title. One of the most exciting backcourt battles in the first round this year will be Northwestern’s Boo Buie vs. FAU’s Johnell Davis. The Wildcats are at a disadvantage because of injuries to starters Ty Berry and Matthew Nicholson.
SOUTH REGION
Must-watch player: Wade Taylor IV, G, Texas A&M
Just call Taylor the Kentucky killer. The explosive scoring 6-foot junior had back-to-back 30-point games to lead the Aggies to the SEC tournament title, including 32 points to eliminate the Wildcats in the semifinals. He also had 31 points with six three-pointers and 11-for-12 free throws in a 97-92 overtime win against Kentucky during the regular season. Taylor has seven 30-point performances this season, which included a career-high 41 points vs. Arkansas. Texas A&M isn’t only a one-man show. Taylor and senior guard Tyrece Radford combine to average 35 points per game.
Must-watch matchup: No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 James Madison
The Badgers have to feel fortunate to earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament after they lost eight of 11 games to end the regular season. The impressive run to the Big Ten tournament final before losing 93-87 to Illinois surely impressed the tourney selection committee. Wisconsin was ranked sixth in the country before the midseason slide. Could Greg Gard’s team return to early-season form? James Madison isn’t exactly the ideal first-round matchup. The Dukes, who beat Michigan State 79-76 in their season opener, are riding a 13-game win streak.
