The NCAA is a not-for-profit organization with main offices in Indianapolis, Indiana. It assists student-athletes who compete in college sports. The organization is the regulating authority of the student-athletes of thousands of North American conferences and institutions. It also organizes the athletic programs of universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. Division I and Division II schools have the power to give scholarships to athletes. Division III schools do not have the power to give any athletic scholarships.
Let us look at the NCAA basketball teams and the various divisions.
NCAA Basketball Teams' Divisions and Conferences
Top Ranked NCAA Basketball Teams
1. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini are having a rollicking time. They are entering this year's tournament with consecutive away wins over estimated no. 1 seed Michigan and estimated no. 2 seed Ohio State. In their previous 12 games, the team has won 11 and lost just one. The team's conference has nine teams still running for a position in the NCAA main tournament to play with the other qualified NCAA basketball teams. In conference play also, the Illini have been great navigators with a record of 16-4. Earlier this month, they had victories over the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. They also had a couple of wins against a fighting Wisconsin team. Among all the NCAA basketball teams, this is one of the leading contenders.
2. Arkansas Razorbacks
Entering the SEC tournament, the Arkansas Razorbacks have won 11 games and lost only one. They only had one rocky stretch in January, when they lost four out of the five games they played. Their only loss in the tournament was against Oklahoma State. The team had a great game from the field and still could not get the win. In February, they had a four-game away stretch. They beat Florida, Alabama, and LSU in quick succession. They also defeated Missouri in overtime. In January, the team beat Ole Miss. The big victory over Alabama was a clear signal to the other NCAA basketball teams. Arkansas Razorbacks are on the rise.
3. Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have not lost a game of basketball since February of last year. They are on an undefeated winning streak of more than twenty-nine games. Following a significant victory in the West Coast Conference title match over BYU, the team has bulldozed their path among other NCAA basketball teams to carve their undefeated season. Critics quickly point out that the team has no real competitors apart from Cougars in the entire conference. But during non-conference matches, the team won smoothly against tournament-bound teams. A victory over West Virginia is the only time they have not won by a double-digit margin this season. Further, they have great players such as sophomore Anton Watson, former five-star recruit Andrew Nembhard, and junior guard Joel Ayayi. The team sure looks like a hot favorite among all the NCAA basketball teams right now.
Conclusion
The NCAA basketball teams provide some great action for all basketball fans. The student-athletes give it their all to win big for their teams and secure their place in the coveted NBA. They show great creativity and flair during the tournament. The NCAA basketball teams indicate the future of basketball.