As the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament tips off, fans are buzzing with anticipation over the major storylines set to unfold. From innovative playing techniques to historic team comebacks, this year’s tournament promises excitement. Here are six narratives to keep an eye on:
1. Wofford’s Underhanded Free-Throw Revolution
Wofford College center Kyler Filewich struggled at the free-throw line, at one point missing 14 consecutive attempts during conference play. In an attempt to improve, the coaching staff introduced him to the underhanded free-throw technique famously used by NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry.
After training sessions with Barry, Filewich debuted the “granny-style” shot on national television against Tennessee-Chattanooga.
The results? He improved significantly, earning Southern Conference Tournament MVP honors and leading Wofford to the tournament as a 15-seed facing Tennessee.
2. California Dominance in Women’s Basketball
California’s women’s basketball scene is making waves this year. UCLA, in its first Big Ten season, has posted a stellar 30-2 record, including a decisive victory over defending champions South Carolina.
With the tournament’s No. 1 seed, the Bruins are top contenders. Meanwhile, USC, led by sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins—who averages 24.6 points per game—secured a top seed as well.
Both teams are seeking to end California’s women’s basketball championship drought, with USC last winning in 1983 and UCLA still looking for its first.
3. St. John’s Basketball Revival Under Rick Pitino
Under head coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s University is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. For the first time since 1986, the Red Storm secured both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles.
Their success has reignited New York City’s passion for college basketball, with Madison Square Garden packed for home games.
St. John’s opens the tournament against Omaha, with a potential second-round matchup against Arkansas, which could pit Pitino against his former player and Razorbacks head coach John Calipari.
4. The Ivy League Makes History in the Women’s Tournament
For the first time in NCAA history, the Ivy League has three women’s teams in the tournament. Harvard secured its spot by winning the Ivy League title, led by senior guard Harmoni Turner, who scored 44 points in the championship game against Princeton.
The Crimson enter the tournament as a No. 10 seed and will face No. 7 Michigan State in the first round. This milestone underscores the growing competitiveness of Ivy League women’s basketball.
5. Cooper Flagg: Duke’s Freshman Sensation
Duke’s freshman forward Cooper Flagg has captivated college basketball fans with his dominant performances. Hailing from Maine—a state with little history of producing NBA talent—Flagg has exceeded expectations, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
His defensive prowess is just as impressive, with 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Flagg’s emergence as a leader for Duke has made the Blue Devils a strong contender in this year’s tournament.
6. The Return of Paige Bueckers
UConn’s star guard Paige Bueckers has made a triumphant return from injury, re-establishing herself as one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball.
Her leadership and exceptional skill set have been pivotal in UConn’s dominant season, making the Huskies a major threat to capture another national title. Bueckers’ comeback story adds an emotional layer to the tournament, as she looks to lead her team back to championship glory.
Final Thoughts
As March Madness 2025 unfolds, these storylines highlight the drama, talent, and passion that define college basketball’s most exhilarating event. Whether it’s historic milestones, emerging superstars, or surprising innovations, this year’s tournament promises to be one for the ages.
