The best time of the year for college basketball fans has almost arrived and March Madness is gearing up to start. With the NCAA Tournament right around the corner, the fight has begun for seeding and teams trying to get in.
Bruce Pearl led one of the best teams in the nation last season. He was the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, who made a run to the Final Four before coming up short against the eventual champion Florida Gators.
Ahead of this year’s installment of March Madness, Pearl has spoken out and revealed a team that he sees as a dark horse National Championship contender.
That team is none other than the Michigan State Spartans.
Bruce Pearl Believes Michigan State Is a Dark Horse Contender
Led by legendary head coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State has been playing well this season. While the Spartans are not one of the most talked about championship contenders, they will have a shot in the tournament.
At this point in the year, Michigan State holds a 24-5 record and is the No. 8 ranked team in the country.
Here is what Pearl had to say about the Spartans and their chances entering March Madness.
“Right now, Michigan State is playing pretty well, and I know it’s hard… like they’re not anybody’s radar to make the Final Four because those other teams are so strong,” Pearl said. “But teams that could get hot — Alabama, Michigan State — are two teams right now that I don’t think people have in the Final Four that could potentially get there.”
No one can ever count out Michigan State as long as Izzo is the team’s head coach. He has had plenty of NCAA Tournament success throughout his career. However, the mention of Alabama is also interesting.
Alabama Could Make Some March Madness Noise
Nate Oats has also become a top-tier head coach in college basketball. Once again, he has the Crimson Tide looking like a team who could make a run.
So far this season, Alabama has gone 22-7. The Crimson Tide are ranked No. 16 in the nation.
Even though Alabama lost some key pieces from last year’s team, the squad has been very competitive this season. Led by standout guard Labaron Philon Jr., the Crimson Tide will be a team to watch in the tournament.
It will be interesting to see how Pearl’s picks turn out in March Madness. Both Michigan State and Alabama have deep and talented rosters with great coaching on their side. They are both going to be difficult to beat in the tournament.
Bruce Pearl Reveals Dark Horse March Madness Contender Without Hesitation