Hello, reader. I’m Shane McNichol. I write about college basketball on the internet. For fun and sometimes for money. Wild world we live in, huh?
I’ve been obsessing over the teams in this tournament since November. That’s right, these teams have existed for months! You, however, are likely paying attention to college basketball for the first time this month. Maybe you dabbled on some big games or one team all season, but now things get real. You’re going to pick a bracket. You’re going to talk about these teams with your friends and family or even your neighbors and co-workers (shudders). You’re going to pick a bracket and maybe enter the Palestra Back Fantasy Shootout. You’re going to wager money on this!
You should do some studying. The final starts this weekend and you need to cram. Grab a coffee, put up your feet, and allow me to guide you through everything you might need to know before the chaos starts.
We’ll start with things that I have written at this outlet and others, and if time permits, maybe a few other pieces I found helpful.
Joe Lunardi’s ultimate guide to men’s March Madness 2025 – ESPN+ ($$)
I jumped down into the Bracket Bunker to help Joe Lunardi and his team breakdown all 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament. It’s a breeze through every single team’s best and worst quality, with tons of fun facts. You’d be nuts to fill out a bracket without skimming this bad boy.
2025 NCAA Tournament Bracket Reveal: How to Bet Every Game – Action Network
If you’re more than a bracket person and have plans to toss a few dollars on games this weekend, this is your required reading. During the Selection Show, myself and my colleagues at Action Network gave our first thoughts on every single game happening Thursday and Friday. It’s part reaction, part spreads and totals, but makes for a great primer for anyone watching games this weekend.
My Final Four and National Championship Best Bets – Action Network
I doled out two bets I like for Final Four runs and the two best value plays for a champion as well. Do two of these four teams potentially play in the second round? Reader, of course they do. But the winner of that game will be smooth sailing. I might have taken the coffee recommendation to heart. This cold brew is kickin’.
Breaking Down the Worst Travel Itineraries for First Round Teams – Action Network
You think about how the teams matchup. You think about the who is hot and who has gone cold. Did you forget to think about where the game is being played? My goodness, did you forget about ALTITUDE? I’ve got you covered with this deep dive into first round geography.
Favorite Cinderella Pick This March – Action Network
Hi, hello, have you heard the Good Word of our saviors, the Yale Bulldogs? Allow me to evangelize about these miracle boys from the Ivy League.
Game Previews: Coming Soon!
Things From Other People!
I’m not sure anyone on the internet follows and discusses sports in a way that delights me quite like Rodger Sherman. No one is tuned into the weird and wacky like he is, finding true joy in a world often lacking it.
If you’re more of a listener than a reader, this is your preview. No one follows all 364 college basketball programs closer than the Weave boys.
Matt Norlander’s Cheat sheet for making 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament picks, including must-know Final Four stat – CBS Sports
You won’t find a more complete list of facts and figures than this beast.
Ranking the 13-15 Seeds Chances of an Upset – Stuckey from Action Network
Before I started writing about the gambling side of things, I’m not sure I fully understood the appeal. Having dabbled in that world for a few years, I will say that you absolutely find more knowledge of low and mid-major basketball among gambling analysts than big time media members. Even if you don’t bet a dime on this tournament, trust me that people looking at the tournament from that angle can have real value for your basketball viewing needs. And if you are going to bet, you simply must get Stuckey’s thoughts.
Palestra Back 