Gerry Broome/Associated Press
With 68 slots in the 2020 N.C.A.A. tournament, many of the 300 Division I teams that began the college basketball season last week can legitimately dream about making a postseason run.
The level of separation between programs is much smaller than it was last season, providing more opportunities for teams to break through in March.
Here are a few to keep an eye on well before Selection Sunday.
The Heavyweights
Michigan State The Spartans are already dealing with adversity, but Coach Tom Izzo is always up for overcoming obstacles.