As the NCAA tournament gears up, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is making waves with his take on bracket strategy. With March Madness set to tip off, fans are busy crafting their perfect brackets.
While many opt for multiple entries to hedge their bets, Haliburton has a different approach: stick to one bracket and commit to it. His advice?
“Make one bracket and stand on it.”
Haliburton might be backing his alma mater, Iowa State, in this singular bracket. The Cyclones are entering the tournament with a strong 27-7 record as a No. 2 seed, ready to face Tennessee State.
They’ve got some solid support, too. ESPN’s Jay Bilas sees them making a deep run, potentially reaching their first Final Four since 1944.
Bilas praises their defense, highlighting their ability to score off turnovers. However, he does note their shaky free throw shooting as a potential hurdle.
While Bilas is high on Iowa State, Arizona seems to be the popular pick among ESPN analysts, with nearly half predicting the Wildcats to take the title on April 6. As of Tuesday, 19.9% of the public agrees, choosing Arizona in their ESPN brackets.
Yet, Duke edges them out as the favorite, with 24.8% believing the Blue Devils will claim their first national title since 2015. Riding high after clinching the ACC Championship and boasting a 32-2 record, Duke is a formidable force.
They rank at the top in KenPom’s ratings, with a balanced attack featuring a top-five offense and defense. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer is a standout, making Duke a team to watch.
Other contenders include Michigan, picked by 14.3% of ESPN bracket participants, while Florida and Houston also have their share of supporters. Florida aims to defend its title, backed by 7.5%, and Houston, seeking redemption from last year’s National Championship Game loss, is favored by 5.9%.
As the tournament unfolds, fans will see if Haliburton’s one-bracket strategy pays off, and whether his Cyclones can make history.