The dates, schedules, and locations for the long-awaited 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, dubbed 2022 March Madness, are out. The selection Sunday is March 13, 2022. The First Four games will be in Dayton, Ohio, while the Final Four will be in New Orleans.
Some of the important dates to mark are Selection Sunday: March 13, First Four: March 15-16, First round: March 17-18, Second round: March 19-20, Sweet 16: March 24-25, Elite Eight: March 26-27, Final Four: April 2 and finally NCAA championship game: April 4.
The 2022 Final Four will take place in New Orleans on April 2 & 4. Your opportunity to apply for tickets is coming to a close, so act before it's too late! Application closes May 31.
NCCA changed the transfer policy this year and announced that student-athletes can now transfer without having to wait for one year out. The transfer portal is recording high numbers with the new ‘freedom of movement’ following the announcement. The college basketball odds are also changing as seniors take advantage of the extra year of eligibility to join their dream programs. The following are some of the major names on the transfer portal.
Marcus Carr, Minnesota
Carr withdrew his name from the NBA draft and is now back in college. While he was with the Golden Gophers last season, he averaged 19.4 points and 4.9 assists as a third-team All-Big Ten guard.
Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
He is one of the biggest transfers on the portal so far. Last season, Cockburn averaged 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds as a first-team All-Big Ten performer. Expect him to be a pre-season All-American irrespective of where he lands. However, Kentucky is the most likely school to join.
Timmy Allen, Utah
Allen is expected to be a boost to Chris Beard’s squad in his first year with Austin. As a versatile and playmaking forward, Allen averaged at 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in Utah as a first-team All-Pac-12.
Walker Kessler, North Carolina
Kessler is already committed to Auburn. In February, he had a four-game stretch where he scored double points in each. One of his most remarkable games was in the ACC tournament, scoring 16 points, eight blocks, and 12 boards against Notre Dame.
Remy Martin, Arizona State
Kansas will take Martin as a preseason All-American candidate in the 2021-22 season. In the last two seasons, Martin has averaged 19.1 points as a first-team All-Pac-12 pick in each.
Top 5 college basketball rankings for 2021-22
Even though it is early to rank NCAA basketball teams, last season’s performance, NBA draft, movements, and transfers can allow us to rank different teams. The following are the top five preseason teams so far:
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are still leading in the latest rankings. The coach does not have to worry about the NBA draft this year as decisions are being made early. Drew Timme withdrew his name from the NBA draft while, Andrew Nembhard made known early that he will stick around. Chet Holmgren is one of the best players entering college and expected to a big boost to Gonzaga.
Villanova Wildcats
Villanova Wildcats is still holding the second place position on the preseason ranking. Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels were among the players who took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to announce they will still play for the Wildcats. Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree missed the entire last season, but he might be available for the 2021-22 season. Trey Patterson, who made two appearances for the Wildcats, can be a big deal this year.
UCLA Bruins
The preseason ranking gives UCLA Bruins the 3rd position. Johnny Juzang and Chris Smith are yet to make their NBA draft decisions, which might change the Bruins’ fortunes. Smith was out for the last 24 games of the season after suffering an injury. However, Smith was the team’s second best scorer before the injury. On the other hand, Juzang proved himself during the NCAA tournament to warrant a mention of the NBA draft.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas has already released its non-conference schedule, and the Champions Classic will be their first stop. They will start with the Michigan State team and then face Alabama. In January, Kansas will host Kentucky during the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Kansas’ projected starting lineup includes Remy Martin, Christian Braun, Ochai Agbaji, Jalen Wilson, and David McCormack.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Duane Washington Jr. is yet to decide whether to drop the NBA draft or stick with his college team. The 3-point shooter is good at what he does, and his decision will influence the team’s fortunes. Justin Ahrens, a part-time starter, is likely to see an increased role as he is one of the team’s best shooters if Washington goes to NBA. The incoming freshman Malaki Branham is another option for Chris Holtmann in case Washington does not return.
