Duke

The Blue Devils had one of the most hyped recruiting classes in recent memory—and they’ve lived up to it.

Freshmen Zyon Williamson, RJ Barret and Cameron Reddish are averaging a combined 59.3 points per game.

“Zyon is in a galaxy of his own,” Travis Smith of the Ball Durham said. “A galaxy of jaw-dropping dunks and highlight reel plays.”

Duke’s opening night rout of Kentucky has given them the best win of the year so far, and even though they lost to No.1 Gonzaga by two last week, Duke is still a force to be reckoned with.

Kansas

Last year with Devonte Graham and Malik Newman running the show the Jayhawks made it to the final four, and this year, with a revamped roster, Kansas is looking to get back.

Transfer Dedric Lawson and freshmen Quentin Grimes and Devon Dotson are newcomers to the starting line-up, and they are producing. Lawson is leading the team in rebounding at 10.6 per game and is also second in scoring at 17.8 points per game.

The Jayhawks have impressive wins over No. 6 Tennessee and No. 9 Michigan State.

“I think each player is doing their job and what needs to be done in order for the team to be successful,” said senior Lauren Hanslaben, who will be attending Kansas University next year.

Michigan

Michigan made it to the championship game last season, and they are at it again.

The No.7 ranked Wolverines have two impressive wins over No. 11 North Carolina and No. 23 Villanova.

Canadian freshman Ignas Brazdeikis has provided a huge spark for Michigan and is leading the team with 16.9 points per game.

“Iggy finishes in the paint better than anyone,” senior Michigan fan Zac Crutchfield said. “He brings an exciting element and confidence to the team.”

Michigan’s No.1 ranked defense has also contributed to the team’s 7-0 start.

“The defense has been able to dominate all over the court,” Crutchfield said. “Jon Teske keeps the bigs from scoring in the paint and Zavier Simpson can control the quickest of guards.”

Gonzaga

The Zags have beaten the most talented team in the nation in Duke, so it’s not question they can make a final four run.

Gonzaga, led by junior Rui Hachimura and sophomore Zach Norvell Jr., are legit. They are big, athletic and experienced out on the floor.

Most of all, Gonzaga is a deep team this year with eight people averaging more than 15 minutes per game.

“They’re good. I mean they have good basketball players,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said to the Chicago Sun Times. “They’re strong, they’re old, they’re unselfish and they play their butts off.”