One of men’s college basketball’s most trusted experts, Andy Katz, announced his first predicted field of 68 for the 2021 NCAA Tournament bracket yesterday. With the return of both stars Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn (who both tested the NBA Draft waters), the Illinois men’s basketball squad is heavily favorited amongst the field of 68, landing one of four #1 seeds in Katz’s first predicted bracket. Other top seeds include Gonzaga, Baylor, and Villanova.
Though these are only predictions, this is a bit of positive something (anything) amidst the dreadful news cycle between the pandemic and the upcoming election.
Check out the bracket below. The season kicks off November 25th.
Top image by Michael Glasglow/Fighting Illini Athletics.