NCAA Basketball Bracket 2018: Mobile-Friendly Primer for March Madness

After last year's wildness, the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament could be even more exciting.

The 2017 version of this event featured a No. 7 seed South Carolina in the Final Four, No. 11 Xavier in the Elite Eight and three top-two seeds failing to reach the second weekend. Considering top teams have been suffering shocking upsets throughout the 2017-18 season, we could see more of the same over the next few weeks.

Here is what you need to have and what you need to know heading into March Madness.

NCAA Tournament Bracket

Interactive bracket available at NCAA.com.

Tournament Favorites

Virginia

Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images

Teams around the country have rotated around the Top 25 after disappointing losses, but Virginia found a way to remain consistent.

The group has just two losses all year, including an incredible 17-1 record through the ACC schedule plus a conference tournament title. No matter the opponent, it has been difficult to solve this team.

Although the Cavaliers aren't loaded with star power, Kyle Guy and Devon Hall are more than capable of carrying the offense if needed. More importantly, however, the team excels on the defensive end.

The squad leads the country with just 53.4 points allowed per game, also ranking first in defensive efficiency, per KenPom.com.

Fans have dismissed Virginia for years due to its "boring" brand of basketball, but it remains effective, especially this season. If opponents are unable to score, they will be unable to win.

Even with a difficult draw in the South region, this team won't go down easily.

Villanova

While Virginia flexes its muscle on the defensive end, Villanova dominates offensively.

The squad almost resembles an NBA team with six players averaging double-digit points per game. Jalen Brunson is the catalyst for this group, averaging 19.4 PPG while shooting 53.1 percent from the field, also coming through in big moments time and again.

Reid Forgrave of CBS Sports praised the junior:

He had 31 points in the Big East finals win over Providence in overtime. Of course, several players are capable of taking over on a given night, including the athletic Mikal Bridges.

Although people often question the Wildcats' schedule, two wins over Xavier as well as nonconference victories over Tennessee and Gonzaga should quiet those concerns.

There aren't many teams in the country who can keep up with 'Nova on the scoreboard, and especially not in the East region.

Duke

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Consistency is a major problem for Duke this season, especially away from home. The team went 6-5 in true road games this year, including embarrassing defeats to Boston College and St. John's.

A loss to North Carolina in the ACC tournament semifinals also didn't help their cause heading into the NCAA tournament.

With that said, few teams are as talented as the Blue Devils when things are clicking.

Marvin Bagley III is often unstoppable in the post, averaging 24.3 points and 15 rebounds in his last three games. Fellow freshmen Trevon Duvall, Gary Trent Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr. are also capable of winning their one-on-one matchups on every possession.

Experience is an issue for these players, but that is where senior Grayson Allen comes in as someone who already has a national championship on his resume.

There are plenty of reasons to doubt this group, including its record away from home and lack of depth, plus a draw that could include Michigan State and Kansas before reaching the Final Four, but the upside is as good as any in college basketball. 

Players to Watch

Trae Young, Oklahoma

The shine has worn off since the start of the season, especially with Oklahoma losing six straight games in February. However, Trae Young still remains the most productive player in college basketball.

The freshman leads the nation with averages of 27.4 points and 8.8 assists per game. He was the biggest star throughout the year thanks to his ability to make Stephen Curry-esque shots:

If you are facing him, you have to account for him every second on the court or he will make you pay.

Young has had his problems with efficiency as a shooter and turnovers down the stretch, turning Oklahoma from a top contender into a squad that barely reached the NCAA tournament. However, his ability to get hot makes the Sooners a real threat over the next couple of weeks.

He is also as exciting a player as you will see in this tournament, so make sure you don't miss an opportunity to watch.

Deandre Ayton, Arizona

Timothy J. Gonzelez/Associated Press

No one in college basketball is as physically dominant as Deandre Ayton.

The Arizona freshman is averaging 20.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this year, tallying 23 double doubles in 34 games.

At 7'1", 250 pounds, Ayton is unstoppable inside while also possessing the ability to make jump shots if you give him space. Adding in his rebounding talent and there aren't many players in college basketball who can match up with him.

This skill set has him ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the 2018 NBA draft class by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

The Wildcats have one of the toughest paths in the tournament, but if they make a run, it will likely be due to the play of Ayton.

Devonte' Graham, Kansas

Despite Young's numbers, it was Devonte' Graham who was named the Big 12 Player of the Year. 

Kansas coach Bill Self provided a solid explanation for the honor.

"When you look at second-leading scorer in the league," Self said of Graham, per Chip Patterson of CBS Sports. "He takes every shot at the end of the shot clock, he's our primary handler, he never comes out, he guards the other team's best player on the perimeter every night."

Graham was a No. 3 option behind Frank Mason and Josh Jackson last season, but he has taken on a leadership role in 2017-18 and was instrumental in helping Kansas once again win the Big 12 regular-season title and tournament title.

The guard enters the NCAA tournament averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per game with an effort that goes well beyond his numbers.

Few perimeter players make as much of an impact on both ends of the court, making Graham a player to watch in the upcoming tournament.