Auburn Reigns Supreme: The SEC’s Dominance in NCAA Tournament Preliminary Rankings
Auburn has emerged as the standout team of the 2023 college basketball season, securing the No. 1 overall seed in the preliminary NCAA Tournament rankings. The Tigers have held the top spot in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for five consecutive weeks, solidifying their status as a formidable force. The preliminary rankings, unveiled by the NCAA selection committee, not only highlight Auburn’s ascendency but also underscore the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) overall strength. Auburn is projected to play in a close-to-home regional in Atlanta as the top seed in the South Region bracket, a fitting reward for their stellar performance.
SEC’s Impressive Showing: Five of the Top Six Seeds
The SEC’s dominance extends beyond Auburn, with the conference boasting five of the top six seeds in the preliminary rankings. Alabama, Duke, and Florida join Auburn as the other top seeds, giving the SEC three No. 1 seeds. Tennessee and Texas A&M are the top 2-seeds, further cementing the league’s reputation. This year marks a significant achievement for the SEC, known primarily for its football prowess, as it has clearly made its mark on the basketball court as well. The conference’s success is a testament to the depth and quality of its basketball programs.
A Closer Look at the Top 16 Seeds
The preliminary rankings reveal a competitive field, with several teams vying for top seeds. Purdue and Houston join the SEC’s Tennessee and Texas A&M as the 2-seeds, adding to the league’s strong representation. Iowa State, Wisconsin, and Arizona are slated as 3-seeds, alongside Kentucky, which is projected as a regional 3-seed. Texas Tech, Michigan, preseason AP No. 1 Kansas, and St. John’s round out the top 16 as 4-seeds. This diverse list of teams reflects the high level of competition across the nation and the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament.
Historical Trends and Predictability
Saturday’s reveal serves as a crucial snapshot of the current landscape, but it is not set in stone. Historically, teams listed above the cutline for a top-four regional seed tend to remain in that position, though there can be minor fluctuations in seeding. Since the first seed-reveal show in 2017, 94 of 112 teams (83.9%) have maintained their status as top-16 seeds, excluding the 2020 tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, at least 11 teams from the preliminary reveal have ended up as top-16 seeds every year, with 14 of 16 making it last year and 15 of 16 in 2017, 2022, and 2023. These trends suggest that while some movement is expected, the top teams are generally consistent in their performance.
Key Statistics: Top Seeds and Final Seeding
For the teams vying for the coveted top seeds, the preliminary rankings are particularly significant. Of the 28 teams that have held a 1-seed in the preliminary rankings, 22 have ultimately remained on the top line by Selection Sunday. This includes at least three of the four top seeds every year, with all four maintaining their position in 2023. Only one team listed as high as a 2-seed has failed to remain inside the top 16 (Villanova in 2021), reinforcing the importance of the preliminary rankings for the top contenders.
Looking Ahead: Selection Sunday and Beyond
Selection Sunday is set for March 16, with the First Four games beginning two days later and the first round following on March 20. The regionals are scheduled for Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Newark, New Jersey, from March 27-30. The Final Four will take place in San Antonio, with the semifinals on April 5 and the championship two days later at the Alamodome. As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts will closely monitor the performances of these top teams, eagerly anticipating the thrilling matchups and the ultimate champion.
