No March disappointment existed this time for Illinois since the Illini's 14-18 season actually ended in February. But there's plenty of March excitement still to be had in the NCAA tournament. Finding that special team in the tourney field might seem daunting, but college basketball writer SCOTT RICHEY has your back, with the teams ranked 1-68 by rooting interest:
1. Villanova (East, No. 1)
Why root for the Wildcats: It's like rooting for a blue blood without all of the shame that comes from rooting for a blue blood. No team has had as much success the past five seasons as Villanova.