Full Breakdown
March Madness: Potential Cinderella Teams for 2023
3/17/2026, 2:27:29 PM
Overview of the NCAA Tournament Landscape
The 2022 NCAA Tournament was marked by the dominance of the four No. 1 seeds, all of which reached the Final Four for only the second time since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Notably, the absence of traditional Cinderella stories was a significant storyline, as no true mid-major teams advanced to the Sweet 16, with Arkansas being the only double-digit seed to make it that far.
The Case for Mid-Major Inclusion
This year's tournament presents an opportunity for mid-major teams to assert their presence, especially given the underperformance of lower-tier power conference teams. Fans recall thrilling runs from teams like St. Peter's in 2022 and George Mason in 2006, which have set a precedent for smaller schools to make deep tournament runs.
Key Cinderella Candidates
Several teams have emerged as potential Cinderella stories for the 2023 tournament:
Hofstra Pride
Hofstra, making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001, has shown promise with a strong performance in the CAA Tournament. The team boasts a dynamic guard duo, Cruz Davis and Preston Edmead, who average a combined 36.1 points per game. Hofstra is a 13-seed facing Alabama, a team known for its three-point shooting, which could create upset potential if shots do not fall.
Northern Iowa Panthers
The Northern Iowa Panthers, representing the Missouri Valley Conference, have rebounded from a mid-season slump and are currently on a five-game winning streak. They are known for their strong defensive capabilities, allowing only 61.3 points per game. The Panthers are set to face St. John's, a team lacking a true point guard, which could play to Northern Iowa's advantage.
High Point Panthers
After a successful season with a 30-4 record, High Point returns to the tournament looking for its first win. The team averages an impressive 91 points per game, led by players like Cam'Ron Fletcher and Chase Johnson. High Point's first matchup against Wisconsin could lead to a high-scoring contest, with potential for an upset against SEC champion Arkansas in the next round.
Santa Clara Broncos
The Santa Clara Broncos are making their first tournament appearance in 30 years and have demonstrated their ability to compete against strong teams, including victories over Minnesota and Saint Mary's. With a deep rotation and key player Christian Hammond averaging 15.8 points per game, they are well-equipped to challenge Kentucky in their opening game.
McNeese Cowboys
The McNeese Cowboys, returning to the tournament after a successful season, are known for their aggressive defense, ranking second in the nation for steals per game. They will face Vanderbilt in a 5-12 matchup, which could be advantageous given Vanderbilt's recent SEC Tournament run. A potential matchup against Nebraska could further their journey to the Sweet 16.
Akron Zips
Akron, fresh off a strong finish to the season with 20 wins in their last 21 games, has been recognized as a formidable opponent. The Zips, who average 38.5% shooting from beyond the arc, will face Texas Tech in a 5-12 matchup, presenting an opportunity for an upset.
Conclusion
As the 2023 NCAA Tournament approaches, several mid-major teams are poised to make significant impacts, potentially reshaping the narrative of the tournament. With a mix of strong performances and favorable matchups, teams like Hofstra, Northern Iowa, High Point, Santa Clara, McNeese, and Akron could emerge as the next Cinderella stories in March Madness history.
