A host of Australians in top programs are vying for a chance to cut the nets down at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.
NCAA WOMEN
On the women’s side four Australians find themselves in top five seeded programs heading into March, with championship credentials spurred across the Aussie cohort.
Monique Williams has the strongest chance of going the distance in March amongst the Australians, with Vanderbilt (2) sitting as a top contender.
Meanwhile, other favourites have formed with the likes of Isla Juffermans at Louisville (3) and Sarah Portlock at TCU (3), with both teams presenting as tournament fortresses.
It’s hard to pick a favourite between the bunch, with a large contingent of outsiders pushing the mid table pack. Baylor’s (6) Ella Brow, Washington’s (6) Sienna Harvey, Illinois’ (7) Erica Finney and Oregon’s (8) Mia Jacobs are all circling as dark horses to sweep through March.
There are quiet achievers leading their programs as well. Queenslander, Jessica Petrie has been a consistent weapon for Nebraska (11), driving the Cornhuskers throughout the season with averages of 11.5 PPG and 4.9 RPG.
A transfer in the off-season has worked wonders for Last-Tear Poa, who prepares for another March Madness run with the Arizona State (10).
Likewise, the Colorado Buffaloes (10) feature the Australian duo of Jade Crook and Tabitha Betson and enter March Madness as an outside chance for the championship.
Erin Condron is another notable Australian playing on an underdog program. Condron is the floor commander for the UC San Diego Tritons (14), leading the team with averages of 15.7 PPG and 8.6 RPG.
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NCAA MEN
Anthony Dell’Orso has been a difference maker for Arizona. The Wildcats (1) enter March as the top seed in the West and a clear top three favourite in the tournament alongside Duke and Michigan.
However, Alex Condon and the Florida Gators (1) know the feeling of reigning supreme in March. The 211cm forward eyes a golden chance to steer Florida to consecutive March Madness championships, with the team ranking as the top seed in the South.
Not trailing too far behind is 24-year-old Oscar Cluff, having a big impact for Purdue (2). The Queenslander has been averaging 10.6 points and 7.4 rebounds, with a string of solid contributions leading into March.
Austin Rapp and his Wisconsin Badgers (5) have performed well in the West, with championship pedigree across the roster. The Victorian has built steadily for March with his best performances coming against top contending teams over the past month, including an 18-point outing against the best from the Midwest, Michigan (1).
CoE graduate Jacob Furphy is also on the roster of a top contender. The freshman from Smithton, Tasmania has been on reduced minutes for the UConn Huskies (2) in the East.
The Aussie stronghold at Saint Mary’s (7) is primed for another March Madness run.
The trio of Harry Wessels, Rory Hawke and Joshua Dent steady themselves to lead the Gaels.
Outside of the top contenders five other Australians will represent their programs in March:
Jayden Stone - Missouri (10) West
Josh Ibukunoluwa - High Point (12) West
Peitok Machar - McNeese (12) South
Harry Rouhliadeff - Hawai’i (13) West
Charles Johnston - Furman (15) East
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