2025 NCAA Tournament Region Preview: West
Florida holds the top spot in a competitive West region.
The NCAA tournament bracket was unveiled on Sunday, signaling the start of the action. The Blue Zone is here to analyze the top teams and potential upsets in each region:
The No. 1 Seed: Florida Gators
The Florida Gators’ basketball program is steeped in success, as they are one of the eight men’s teams to secure back-to-back national championships in 2005-06 and 2006-07. After their dominant 86-77 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Championship on Sunday, Florida earned the No. 1 seed in the West region. Under head coach Todd Golden, this marks the Gators’ first conference championship appearance since 2014, showcasing his skills in just his third full season as coach.
With four players averaging double-digit points per game, Florida boasts a talented lineup capable of dominating any game, contributing to their average of 85.4 points per game. Sophomore forward Alex Condon, recognized as SEC Player of the Week three times this season, has been pivotal on defense. Condon, averaging 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, leads the team in both categories, highlighting his crucial role in the Gators’ success.
Currently on a six-game win streak, with their only loss being to Georgia in late February, the Gators aim for six more victories to clinch their third NCAA title. A championship would also be a significant achievement for the SEC, which has not had a winner since Kentucky in 2012.
Other Contenders
The West is filled with teams eager to prove they’re the best in the country.
UConn, seeded No. 8, finds itself in an underwhelming position after struggling to maintain the momentum from its back-to-back NCAA titles in the previous seasons. Following a 71-62 loss to Creighton in the Big East Tournament semifinals, the Huskies could make a strong comeback or face an early exit against No. 9-seed Oklahoma in the first round.
Memphis enters the tournament on an eight-game win streak after capturing the American Athletic Conference title as the No. 5 seed. The Tigers are led by sophomore guard PJ Haggerty, who averages 21.8 points per game and scored a remarkable 42 points in their quarterfinal win over Wichita State. Despite being an underdog, Memphis has the potential to make a deep run due to their offensive power.
Kansas, the No. 7 seed, has had a tumultuous season. After an impressive start with a seven-game win streak, including a victory over Duke, the Jayhawks struggled to maintain consistency. Despite senior Hunter Dickinson’s averages of 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, Kansas has had a rocky season. Once ranked No. 1 for the first five weeks of the season, they eventually fell out of the top rankings by week 17. However, this slide could fuel a strong push in the tournament, helping them exceed expectations.
Saint John’s, returning to the tournament after a year’s absence, made a stunning return to dominance by winning the Big East with an 18-2 conference record. The Red Storm triumphed over Creighton in the Big East Tournament final, securing an 82-66 victory. Head coach Rick Pitino, honored as the Big East Coach of the Year, guided the team to their first championship in 25 years, earning them the No. 2 seed. Known for his strategic approach, which emphasizes aggressive defense and 3-point shooting, Pitino’s squad is ready to make a deep run, bolstered by three players averaging at least 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
The Potential Cinderella: Drake
Drake, seeded No. 11, could be the tournament’s Cinderella story. As the reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions, the Bulldogs have the potential to upset Missouri, the favorites in the region. With one of the slowest paces in the country, ranked 364th in adjusted tempo by KenPom, Drake’s offense is methodical and deliberate. Led by junior guard Bennett Stirtz, who averages 19.1 points and shoots 38.6% from three-point range, the Bulldogs have the capability to surprise top-tier teams in the region.
Regional Narrative: Wrangle the Gators
Florida, as the No. 1 seed, is the team to beat in this region. The Gators boast an offensive efficiency that ranks first in the nation according to KenPom, making them the squad to watch in the West.