Miracles often begin away from the spotlight.
Take the story of Dan Monson, the coach of Long Beach State. Despite being let go last week, he’s still coaching because his team made it into the tournament. Imagine the buzz if Long Beach State manages to defeat the highly favored Arizona. Could this turn of events save Monson’s job?
The West Region is brimming with compelling narratives. Tom Izzo, the Michigan State coach, has led his team to their 25th straight NCAA Tournament. There’s a potential showdown between Arizona’s Caleb Love and his old team, North Carolina. Not to forget the smaller teams like Colgate and Charleston, who dream of making a big splash.
Yet, the most inspiring story is that of Grand Canyon guard Tyon Grant-Foster. Nearly two years ago, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a game’s halftime. His heart needed to be restarted three times.
After facing such a terrifying ordeal, he had heart surgery and thought about giving up basketball. Instead, he transferred to Grand Canyon, as other schools were wary of the health risks. Now, less than a year and a half later, he’s not only playing but leading his team with an average of 19.8 points per game. He aims to secure Grand Canyon’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win.
“It’s incredibly rewarding because of all I’ve endured to get here. It feels surreal,” Grant-Foster shared with reporters last week.
USA TODAY Sports offers an in-depth look at the NCAA Tournament’s West Region.
The first-round game between Dayton and Nevada might not attract the biggest audience, but it’s a shame to overlook it. Both teams are formidable and promise an exciting game.
Nevada’s slow-paced game is powered by two exceptional guards, Kenan Blackshear and Jarod Lucas, who together average 32.9 points per game. Dayton, not in a hurry either, excels in selecting quality shots, leading to a three-point shooting accuracy of 40.7 percent, the third-best nationally.
Expect a nail-biter, with Dayton slightly favored to win.
In the first round, keep an eye on Grand Canyon versus Saint Mary’s. Grand Canyon isn’t intimidated, despite Saint Mary’s impressive record, including a win over Gonzaga. This will be Grand Canyon’s third NCAA appearance in four years, and their previous win over a ranked San Diego State shows they can compete at this level.
For Grand Canyon, much will depend on Tyon Grant-Foster and Ray Harrison’s performances. Saint Mary’s has a strong defense, but Grand Canyon has shown they can score against tough opponents.
Alabama is the sleeper team to watch. Despite their scoring defense ranking near the bottom nationally, their offense is explosive, leading the country in scoring. This high-scoring ability makes them a threat to any opponent, including a potential matchup with North Carolina.
Arizona is predicted to win the West Region. Despite recent losses, their balanced and versatile team is poised for a deep tournament run. With a mix of scoring, size, and depth, Arizona looks set to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2001.
The NCAA Tournament West Region schedule kicks off with exciting matchups, including Michigan State versus Mississippi State and Arizona against Long Beach State. Each game promises intense competition and the potential for unforgettable moments.