ESPN’s WBB Bracketologist Charlie Creme is ‘Pretty Confident’ That Kentucky Will Get the 3-Seed in NCAA Tournament
As the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, ESPN’s bracketologist Charlie Creme has weighed in on Kentucky’s positioning in the bracket, offering strong optimism for the Wildcats’ postseason hopes. Creme, who has spent years analyzing and projecting tournament fields, is “pretty confident” that Kentucky will secure a 3-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, a placement that would give the Wildcats a favorable path to make a deep run.
Kentucky has had a strong season, with several standout performances and impressive wins over ranked teams. Under the leadership of head coach Kyra Elzy, the Wildcats have not only shown resilience but also an ability to compete against some of the best teams in the country. Creme pointed to Kentucky’s high level of play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where they’ve been a constant contender, as one of the reasons he believes they will earn a 3-seed.
“The Wildcats have done enough to put themselves in a great position to be a high seed,” Creme explained during a recent segment. “They’ve had some significant wins, particularly in the SEC, and their overall body of work is impressive. Kentucky has shown they can compete with the nation’s elite teams, and I think that will be reflected in their seeding.”
Kentucky’s impressive resume includes key victories over top-ranked opponents, bolstered by the strong performances of players like Rhyne Howard. Howard, a potential All-American and one of the most talented players in women’s college basketball, has been instrumental in leading the Wildcats’ success this season. Her scoring, playmaking ability, and leadership have been essential in propelling Kentucky to the top of the SEC standings.
Creme also noted the Wildcats’ solid defensive play and their ability to close out tight games as factors that will contribute to their favorable seeding. “Kentucky plays disciplined basketball on both ends of the floor,” he said. “They’ve been able to grind out tough wins in the SEC, which is always one of the toughest conferences in the country. Those types of wins are valuable when it comes to tournament seeding.”
With their strong regular-season performance and solid showing in conference play, the Wildcats have positioned themselves as one of the top teams in the country. While some other teams will still have the opportunity to prove themselves in conference tournaments, Creme’s confidence in Kentucky securing a 3-seed is rooted in their consistent level of play.
The 3-seed is a coveted position in the NCAA Tournament because it typically offers the team a relatively favorable draw in the opening rounds while still placing them in a competitive bracket. For Kentucky, this means they would likely face a lower-seeded opponent in the first and second rounds, giving them a chance to build momentum before potentially facing tougher challenges in the later stages.
Looking ahead, Creme’s prediction adds to the excitement surrounding Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament prospects. The Wildcats will likely enter the tournament with high expectations, and a 3-seed would certainly bolster their confidence as they aim for a deep run. With Rhyne Howard leading the charge and a well-rounded team around her, Kentucky is poised to make noise in March Madness.
As the selection committee finalizes its decisions and the tournament field is revealed, Kentucky will be keeping a close eye on its seed, but based on Creme’s analysis, it seems clear that the Wildcats are primed for a significant NCAA Tournament run.
