The 2023 men’s NCAA basketball tournament is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of seeing which teams will secure their spot as an automatic qualifier. This year, teams will compete in their respective conference tournaments to earn a bid, with the winner of each tournament securing an automatic spot. This article will explore each conference and the teams competing, highlighting their strengths and challenges as they battle for a chance to compete in the ultimate college basketball championship.
March Madness 2023: The Automatic Qualifiers
As the NCAA men’s basketball season advances, the ultimate goal for most teams is to secure a spot in the March Madness tournament. Sixty-eight teams will compete for the national championship, but not all of them will have to fight their way through the playing-in rounds. The thirty-two automatic qualifiers are guaranteed a spot in the main tournament, with seventeen of them coming from the most prominent college basketball conferences. Here’s a rundown of all the conference champions that have punched their ticket to March Madness 2023 so far.
Atlantic 10 Conference – Dayton Flyers
The Dayton Flyers are no strangers to the NCAA Tournament, having appeared in the Big Dance 18 times. The Flyers secured their eighth Atlantic 10 Conference title in 2022 and earned an automatic bid to the 2023 tournament. Anthony Grant’s squad boasts a high-scoring offense and sturdy defense, led by the defensive anchor Elijah Weaver.
Atlantic Coast Conference – Duke Blue Devils
Duke is one of the most successful programs in college basketball history, having won five national championships and making 43 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils won their 22nd ACC title in 2022 and are expected to be a force in March Madness 2023. Led by highly touted freshmen, Duke should be among the tournament’s top seeds.
Big 12 Conference – Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks are already off to a positive start, taking the conference championship in 2022. The Jayhawks have won 64 NCAA Tournament games and made 32 appearances in the tournament’s history. Head coach Bill Self has built a program that thrives in the fast-paced nature of March Madness, so don’t be surprised if Kansas finds themselves in the Final Four again.
Big East Conference – Villanova Wildcats
The Villanova Wildcats have emerged as a powerhouse program in recent years, winning two of the past five national championships. The Wildcats play their best ball in March, as displayed by their four Big East titles since 2014. Jay Wright’s squad has multiple scoring options, making them a threat to go deep in March Madness 2023.
Big Ten Conference – Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue’s recent success has come from an experienced roster that knows how to win. The Boilermakers won their conference championship in 2019 and made the Elite Eight the same year. With a talented head coach in Matt Painter and a record of success, Purdue will be a team to watch in the 2023 tournament.
Conference USA – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky secured their fourth Conference USA Championship in 2022, thanks in part to a solid roster that includes star guard Dayvion McKnight. Led by head coach Rick Stansbury, the Hilltoppers could be poised for a deep run.
Ivy League – Yale Bulldogs
The Ivy League is home to some of the most rigorous academic institutions in the country, with sport often being a secondary priority. Despite this, Yale has found success in recent years, winning their third title in 2022. With a predominantly veteran roster, the Bulldogs could be an under-the-radar team in the 2023 tournament.
Mid-American Conference – Toledo Rockets
Toledo is coming off of a dominant 52-49 victory in the MAC Championship and will look to continue their success in March Madness 2023. The team is anchored by a strong defense, led by senior guard Ryan Rollins.
Mountain West Conference – San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State had a strong showing in the 2020 NCAA Tournament and hopes to repeat their success in 2023. The Aztecs feature one of the most balanced rosters in the country, with multiple players averaging double-digit points per game.
Pac-12 Conference – Oregon Ducks
Oregon has become a men’s basketball powerhouse in the Pac-12 Conference, making the Sweet Sixteen in both 2019 and 2021. The Ducks are armed with one of the most talented rosters in the country, led by explosive freshman guard TyTy Washington.
Southeastern Conference – Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers have a rich basketball history, having made two consecutive trips to the Final Four in 2018 and 2019. Led by head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn features a roster full of hardworking players who have the potential to create chaos in March.
Southern Conference – Wofford Terriers
Wofford is coming off of their fourth Southern Conference championship win in the past five years. While not a powerhouse program, the Terriers are a team that is not to be underestimated, boasting a tough defense and the ability to score points in bunches.
Southland Conference – Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Stephen F. Austin has been a consistent presence in March Madness over the past few seasons, despite playing in the Southland Conference. The Lumberjacks have a high-powered offense that has proven to be a match for some of the nation’s top teams.
Southwestern Athletic Conference – Texas Southern Tigers
The Texas Southern Tigers won their fourth SWAC Championship in 2022 and look to repeat their upset success from previous NCAA tournaments. Led by head coach Johnny Jones, the team has depth and experience that could give them an edge come March.
Sun Belt Conference – Georgia State Panthers
In 2015, the Georgia State Panthers captured the hearts of many NCAA fans with a dramatic upset victory, complete with a thrilling buzzer-beater. This year, the Panthers are once again conference champs, poised for a possible Cinderella run.
West Coast Conference – Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga is a perennial March Madness program, with four straight trips to the Elite Eight and two national championship appearances under head coach Mark Few. With a slew of talented players and an established winning culture, Gonzaga is one of the favorites to win it all in 2023.
Conclusion
The road to the national championship is littered with challenges, twists, and surprises that no one can predict. These automatic qualifiers have punched their ticket to March Madness 2023, and the rest of the field will be determined by at-large bids. The NCAA Tournament is set to be another exciting whirlwind of college basketball, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
