The four teams left standing were all viewed as fringe men's national title contenders before the season — but only if everything came together. There were no guarantees. Only UConn was ranked in the top four of the AP preseason poll. Michigan was seventh, Arizona 13th and Illinois 17th.
Yet, they're all on their way to Indianapolis because they proved they were the best in a particular category during their NCAA tournament runs.
If this were an awards show, Arizona would win the honor of most balanced team. The Wildcats are top 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency. In Saturday's Elite Eight win over Purdue, eight Wildcats scored.
Michigan would win the award for best defense. Led by a frontcourt featuring three 6-foot-9 standouts and a 7-3 center, the Wolverines are first in adjusted defensive efficiency. In Sunday's Elite Eight win over Tennessee, they outscored the Vols by 23 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half.
Illinois would take the best offensive engine award. The Illini have been No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency for the bulk of the season. They've made 59% of their shots inside the arc since March 1.
Connecticut would earn the best coach honor. At one point in the first half of Illinois' Elite Eight win over Duke on Sunday, Dan Hurley's Huskies had missed 13 of 15 shots. Yet, they clawed back in the second, giving Hurley a chance to make history as the first coach since John Wooden to win three national titles in four years.
Every team that reached the final weekend of the season had to fight to get there. There is no debate about that. They're all deserving of this shot at history.
All times Eastern
1. Michigan Wolverines
Original seed: No. 1 (Midwest)
Tournament results: Def. No. 16
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