Fascinating Tidbits about the Elite Eight: Ranging from Obama's Predilections to Sister Jean's Respect, Here's Your Intriguing Roundup
Fun Facts for the April 2 Showdown:
Get ready for a thrilling Final Four, chums! If you found the stats-heavy rundown a tad too much, I've got some flavor mixed in for ya!
1. Bill Self finds familiar digs.
The Alamodome has hosted three previous Final Fours (1998, 2004, 2008), but Bill Self's only been here once – when his Jayhawks won that title back in 2008.
2. Loyola's back after 33 long years.
These Ramblers haven't graced the NCAA Tournament since 1985. But they sure know how to make an impact, having won the title way back in 1963.
3. Sister Jean: More Than Just a Prayer Warrior
Loyola's charming 98-year-old nun, Sister Jean, ain't just a good-luck charm. ESPN reveals she's worked strategy and scouting reports into her pre-game prayers. Did someone say secret weapon?
4. Obama's onboard, Ramblers.
No surprise here! With the team hailing from Obama's hometown, they've snagged the support of the 44th POTUS. Go Loyola, let's keep the dream alive!
5. Villanova: 100% All-American.
Unlike their opponents, Villanova hasn't dipped into the international talent pool. However, Mo Wagner (Germany), Udoka Azubuike (Nigeria), Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine), and Bruno Skokna (Croatia) will bring some global flavor to the court!
6. ACC's Fall from Grace
The ACC burned brightly, easily dominating NCAA tournaments in recent years. But this year, Duke was eliminated in the Elite Eight, and Virginia crashed out in a stunning loss to UMBC. The ACC ain't looking so... regal.
7. The Seed Watch
With Loyola reaching the Final Four as the 11th seed, the quartet's total adds up to a hefty 16. That's significantly higher than the average of 10.82 since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. But it's a far cry from the record of 26 set back in 2011.
8. Championship Experience on Display
I wouldn't worry too much about the nerves – each team has won a national championship before (except Michigan, but they've still got a great shot this year).
9. Mikal Bridges on the Radar
Looking for the next NBA superstar? Keep an eye on Villanova's Mikal Bridges. A tenacious defender with elite athleticism and impressive three-point shooting, he's the only projected lottery pick left in the tournament.
10. John Teske, the Giant Paw
At 7'1, Michigan's John Teske knows a thing or two about posterizing opponents. He's been able to gobble up rebounds with ease this year, but don't expect much from his jump shot – he's yet to hit a three-pointer.
12. Udoka Azubuike, the Behemoth
Tip the scales at 280 pounds, Kansas' Udoka Azubuike has been a force inside, averaging an impressive 17.1 rebounds per 100 Possessions. Unfortunately, his free-throw shooting has been less than stellar – just 41.7%.
13. Wildcats on a Roll
Villanova isn't the only team with a "Wildcats" name in the Final Four – Kentucky also carries the mantle. And let me tell ya, the Wildcats have been a regular presence in the Final Four since 2011, except for 2013 and 2017.
14. The "Ramblers" and "Jayhawks" Stand Alone
No sharing nicknames for Loyola or Kansas – they're the only teams in Division I basketball to bear those names.
15. Wolverines in the Wild… or Not
The origins of Michigan's moniker as the "Wolverine State" are murky at best. However, it's a well-known fact that Michigan's wolverine population is smaller than Loyola's chances of winning the national championship. In fact, there was only one wild wolverine sighted between the early 1800s and 2004, and it expired six years later. Looks like the Wildcats are the real masters of the Midwest!
- The Alamodome will witness the return of the Jayhawks, who, under Bill Self's leadership, claimed their last NCAA-Basketball title there in 2008.
- In the midst of the NCAA-Basketball action, the average seed of the final four teams is significantly higher than the average since the tournament expanded in 1985, reaching 16.
- Despite being a 1-seed, Villanova's roster is comprised solely of American players, unlike some other teams that will bring international flavor to the NCAA-Basketball Final Four.
- Coincidentally, Sister Jean, Loyola's charming 98-year-old nun, works strategy and scouting reports into her pre-game prayers, making her more than just a good-luck charm.
