Top 10 Final Four dark horses in the 2023-24 men's college basketball season, according to Andy Katz

1. North Carolina:

Odd to say this about the Tar Heels, but they won’t be expected to get back to a Final Four in the preseason. Still, the Tar Heels will have the talent to do so. 

2. Illinois:

The Illini have the 1-2 punch in Terrence Shannon Jr., and Coleman Hawkins and if they get the type of point-guard play needed then they will have to be taken seriously. 

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3. Texas A&M:

The Aggies have an experienced team led by Wade Taylor IV and never get the love they deserve. Buzz Williams could make a deep run. 

4. Maryland:

The Terps have a threesome that could lead them to Phoenix with Jahmir Young, Donta Scott and Julian Reese. 

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5. UCLA:

Odd to have the Bruins in here with so much gone from last season’s team but UCLA has a star in Adem Bona and a highly-touted freshmen class. 

6. Villanova:

The Wildcats have never been a dark horse in name, but Villanova has the goods led by Justin Moore to make a deep run.   

7. St. John’s:

The roster isn’t loaded with known national talent. But that doesn’t matter. Rick Pitino will find a way to get this team in shape come tournament time. 

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8. Boise State:

The Broncos have been consistently good under Leon Rice with the return of Tyson Degenhart and his son Max Rice Boise State has the talent to make a deep run. 

9. Wisconsin:

The Badgers return the core of their team with Chucky Hepburn, Tyler Wahl, Connor Essegian and Steven Crowl. They have the depth to make a Final Four run. 

10. Memphis:

The Tigers have a load of talent and now get the experienced point guard to put it together in the much-traveled but steady Jahvon Quinerly.