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The Breakfast Buffet: March Madness Edition

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Things To Sample

Thomas Haugh has broken out during the postseason
Florida’s unsung presence has played his best basketball during the most critical time on the college basketball calendar. In seven postseason games, the 6-9 Haugh is averaging 13.0 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 35.0 percent from three-point range. Haugh is one part of of a loaded frontcourt that has allowed the Gators to overwhelm their opponents physically up front.

Houston’s last Final Four appearance was not one to remember
The Cougars will play in their second Final Four under Kelvin Sampson on Saturday in San Antonio against Duke and everyone associated with this program is hopeful that this appearance is significantly better than the one four years ago. In 2021, Houston lost by 19 points to Baylor — the eventual national champion — and trailed by 25 at the half. Regardless of the result on Saturday, everyone associated with the Cougars’ program is banking on a better showing this weekend.

Magoon Gwath’s decision to return to San Diego State gives hope for non-power conference programs
The reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year broke the hearts of Aztecs fans when he put his name into the transfer portal. He then instantly won them back when he announced late on Tuesday night that he was returning to Viejas Arena for another season. The 7-footer averaged 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks this season and should be the preseason favorite to be Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025-26. His return to San Diego State gives hope that certain programs outside the power conferences can still be competitive in this volatile landscape.

On The Side

  • Ole Miss AD Keith Carter announced on Wednesday that Chris Beard will stay with the Rebels and is no longer a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Texas A&M. According to a source, Ole Miss is working on a new contract for Beard, who led the Rebels to the Sweet 16 this season.
  • Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie met with Tennessee on Wednesday and is also receiving interest from Kentucky, North Carolina, Villanova, and Maryland, according to his father. The 6-1 Gillespie averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists this past season for the Terps.
  • Aday Mara’s decision to enter the transfer portal leaves a gaping hole in the middle for UCLA. The Bruins are probably a quality wing and a quality big man away from being one of the top teams in the sport entering next season. The 7-3 Mara averaged 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 13.0 minutes in 2024-25.
  • The SEC has not won a national title since 2012.
  • One thing to keep in mind regarding the transfer portal? With the COVID year no longer an option for college players, the depth of quality transfers that are available is going to shrink dramatically.

Leftovers