Why Connecticut Will Win the National Championship
The UConn Huskies are the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and for good reason, they are the best team in the entire country. Let’s take a deep dive into a couple of reasons why UConn will repeat as National Champions.
Addition of Cam Spencer
Last year’s Connecticut basketball team had an immense level of talent, and they only got better during the offseason. Cam Spencer spent last season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and was brought in for his scoring. Spencer is averaging 14.5 points while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from behind the three-point line. When the Huskies have needed a big game from Spencer this season, he has delivered. Earlier in the season against the North Carolina Tar Heels, Spencer put up 23 points. When the lights are brightest in March, Spencer is going to rise to the occasion.
Dan Hurley
UConn coach Dan Hurley is one of the top coaches in the land, and he knows what buttons to push to get his team to perform at a high level. It’s very clear from just watching a little UConn basketball that the Huskies players love playing for Hurley. Hurley also knows the exact right time to work the fans to get them more in the game and to work the refs to maybe get a few more calls to go in their favor. Hurley is also a very good in-game coach, which is going to help the team as they go deeper into Mach.
UConn Has a Favorable Draw
Some seem concerned about UConn’s draw in the NCAA tournament, but it actually is a strength. The first two matchups should be easy victories. In the second game, UConn will play either the Northwestern Wildcats or FAU Owls in the second game. FAU is having a down season, and Northwestern really only has Boo Buie which can really hurt them. A matchup with Auburn could come in the Sweet 16, and the Tigers’ defense is going to struggle with the size of the Huskies. If UConn faces off against Iowa State in Elite 8, Connecticut’s big men are going to be a problem again. UConn really does have a favorable matchup to win the title, but with the talent this team has, it doesn’t matter the draw, they are winning the championship.