The excitement of college basketball is palpable as the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament gears up to begin on March 18, 2025. Eight bubble teams will compete starting Tuesday for the coveted 11 and 16 seeds, setting the stage for the first round on March 20-21. This tournament, renowned for its unpredictability and drama, promises thrilling matchups featuring established powerhouses and rising contenders alike.
This year, the tournament welcomes not only perennial favorites but also teams making remarkable comebacks. Chief among them is St. John’s University, which has just enjoyed its best season in decades. With a record of 30-4, the Red Storm won their first Big East regular season title in 40 years and claimed their first Big East Tournament crown in 25 years. The team is now heading to the NCAA tournament as the No. 2 seed in the West Region, marking their return to March Madness for the first time since 2019.
Star guard RJ Luis, who earned the title of Big East Player of the Year, expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m psyched. That was my first time experiencing [going to the tournament].” He recounted the struggles of the previous year, emphasizing how this season feels like redemption for him and his teammates. Waiting anxiously during last year’s selection show only made the victorious announcement this time around feel even sweeter.
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino, who has made seven Final Fours and won two national championships, has instilled confidence and resilience within the team. Ahead of their regular-season finale against Marquette on March 8, Pitino created high-pressure game scenarios, reminding his team, “This is your one and done. You lose this game. The season’s over.” Those high-stakes moments culminated with dramatic victories, including wins over Butler, Marquette, and Creighton during the Big East Tournament.
Pitino's tactics appear to have paid off, turning St. John's team dynamics around dramatically. Luis noted, “Just listening to coach and the coaching staff because obviously, they have more experience than all of us put together.” The focus on defense and rebounding has allowed St. John’s to rank seventh nationally with 40.9 rebounds per game and tenth for turnovers forced.
This year’s tournament is not only about St. John’s though. The field is loaded with incredibly talented teams. Florida, the last No. 1 seed heading to the tournament, has been dominant as they recently overwhelmed competition including Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee with commanding victories. Meanwhile, second-seeded St. John’s and Texas Tech, the highest-ranked third seed according to KenPom, are poised for deep runs.
Other formidable contenders include the Auburn Tigers with star Johni Broome, Duke with standout Cooper Flagg, and Houston featuring L.J. Cryer. Maryland, seeded number four, will be tough as they’re led by freshman Derik Queen. Even Kansas, the seventh seed, isn’t to be taken lightly, with star center Hunter Dickinson commanding their paint.
With the first games fast approaching, fans are buzzing with anticipation. “We’re already counting down the minutes to the first upset,” remarked one passionate fan, underscoring the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Ticket availability is becoming limited, but as of March 17, 2025, fans could find two-game session tickets starting at just $22, with all-day sessions going for $166 before fees as listed by Vivid Seats. The excitement isn’t just for the teams, but also for the fans eager to witness the magic of live basketball.
The tournament structure allows for intense competition, starting with the preliminary matchups leading to the Final Four which takes place on April 5 at the Alamodome, followed by the National Championship game on April 8. With broadcast options spanning CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, fans will have access to all the thrilling action. Streaming services like Max and Paramount+ will also air tournaments, ensuring no one misses out on the drama.
The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds anticipate excitement as well, taking place across prominent venues including the Prudential Center and Lucas Oil Stadium late March 2025. Each match promises to be packed with energy as teams battle for the ultimate glory.
While fans are eagerly filling out their brackets and making game-day plans, the only certainty is the unpredictability of this tournament—characteristic of March Madness. With surprises lurking around every corner, which teams will rise and which will falter? One thing’s for sure—the tournament this year is shaping up to be one for the history books.
