Get ready for an exhilarating Final Four featuring all No. 1 seeds, set to take place in San Antonio next weekend. This college basketball season has showcased an unprecedented gap between the top teams and the rest of the field, making this year’s tournament particularly compelling.
With all four No. 1 seeds reaching the Final Four for only the second time in NCAA tournament history, the excitement is palpable. The question remains: which of these elite teams will emerge victorious? Let’s analyze each contender.
Duke
The Blue Devils present a straightforward case for championship success. With the most talented roster among the remaining teams and the standout player of the season, Duke is not only the best team statistically but is also considered one of the greatest in college basketball history.
Currently, they are hitting their peak performance, boasting an impressive overall Net Efficiency Rating of 39.63, the second-best since KenPom’s inception in 1996-97. Only the 1998-99 Blue Devils have a higher rating.
Despite initial doubts regarding their competition level in the ACC, Duke has proven skeptics wrong by dominating opponents in the tournament. As the nation’s top offensive team, Duke has consistently scored over 85 points in each of their tournament games, winning by an average margin of 23.5 points.
Star freshman Cooper Flagg is a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, leading a talented supporting cast. Freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach have stepped up their game, with Maluach excelling as the best big man in the East Region.
Food, Gun, and Kon Knueppel pic.twitter.com/aTw1Uu3iEj
— Buster (@busterbluedevil) March 28, 2025
Veteran guard Tyrese Proctor is also making a significant impact, shooting impressively from three-point range. With no evident weaknesses and a strong tournament run, Duke is poised to be remembered as one of the iconic teams of college basketball.
Florida
Florida enters the Final Four as a team that has overcome adversity, having won the SEC Tournament and proven themselves to be the hottest team in college basketball. Their resilience was on full display during nail-biting games against UConn and Texas Tech.
Key to their success has been Walter Clayton Jr., whose outstanding performances have drawn comparisons to Kemba Walker. Clayton Jr. has been instrumental in leading his team to victory, especially in high-pressure moments.
Walter Clayton Jr. delivered a signature March performance to send Florida to the Final Four. The 6-3 senior poured in 30 points, drilling a barrage of clutch triples late to get past Texas Tech. Puts immense pressure on defenses with his deep pull-up range, burst, and vision. pic.twitter.com/Ay3h6Y6I4r
— League Him (@League_Him) March 30, 2025
In addition to a strong backcourt, Florida’s frontcourt has shone through the season, with Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh providing critical contributions in rebounding and scoring. Having previously defeated Auburn this season, Florida has the momentum to continue their championship push.
Houston
Houston’s defense has made them a formidable opponent, leading the nation in defensive efficiency and holding numerous opponents under 60 points this season. Their ability to shut down offenses is unmatched, and teams struggle to score against them.
Offensively, Houston is no slouch either, shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range, the best among the remaining teams. With skilled shooters like L.J. Cryer and Emmanuel Sharp, they can create high-quality shots from anywhere on the court.
Houston’s path to the Final Four has been challenging, having outperformed higher-seeded teams consistently. Their depth and defensive prowess make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Auburn
The Auburn Tigers are a sight to behold when they are firing on all cylinders. With a diverse roster led by National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, they have the depth and experience that few teams can match.
Auburn’s schedule has been grueling, facing numerous tournament-bound teams throughout the season. Their combination of offensive firepower and defensive skill makes them a strong contender to win it all.
This season, they have displayed resilience in various game situations, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. With their dominant performances, the Tigers are a team to watch as they strive for the championship title.
