What makes a Cinderella team in March Madness successful?

Every March, as the NCAA Tournament unfolds, basketball fans are treated to a thrilling spectacle of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and the undeniable magic of the Cinderella story. These underdog teams — often seeded low and overlooked by the pundits — defy the odds to make deep runs, knocking out some of the tournament’s heavyweights along the way. 

The appeal of these Cinderella teams is universal: they embody the very essence of hope, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible.

But what exactly makes a Cinderella team successful in March Madness? How do these squads manage to knock off top-ranked opponents and captivate the hearts of fans around the world?

While star players can elevate a team’s chances in the NCAA Tournament, many Cinderella teams are known for having strong team chemistry and playing as a cohesive unit. These teams typically don’t rely on one or two high-profile players to carry the load but rather thrive through collective effort, teamwork, and shared responsibility.

A prime example was Loyola Chicago’s 2018 run to the Final Four. While they didn’t have any NBA-caliber players, their team chemistry, led by the leadership of seniors and a well-balanced offense, allowed them to play above their talent level. The tight-knit group was able to overcome adversity with a sense of unity, coming together in crucial moments.

Another pretty obvious hallmark of Cinderella teams is excellent coaching. Though they may not have the same level of talent as the blue-blood programs, these teams often excel because their coaches are able to put them in the best positions to succeed. Coaches of underdog teams are often tactical geniuses who can exploit weaknesses in higher-seeded teams’ game plans.

One of the most famous examples of coaching brilliance was Davidson’s 2008 run to the Elite Eight under coach Bob McKillop, where a gameplan centered around getting the ball in the hands of future NBA star Stephen Curry and surrounding him with efficient shooters led to a string of upsets over Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin.

He even spoke about Curry and his commitment to the school when others tried to recruit him.

“In the capital world we live in, it became of no value to have a degree from Davidson College. That wasn’t going to make him any more famous or any more money. But he honored his commitment, and he got his degree. So, he was faced with a similar kind of scenario, it played out in a different way, but he honored his commitment, just like he honored his commitment when he decided not to go to those two schools who tried to get him while he was still in high school.” 

In March Madness, momentum is everything. Cinderella teams are often able to catch fire at just the right time, riding a wave of confidence and belief that they can achieve the impossible. Whether it’s a conference tournament win, a strong finish to the regular season, or just an all-around hot streak, these underdogs often get better as the tournament progresses.

Cinderella teams often start the tournament with a “nothing to lose” mentality, but with each upset victory, they gain confidence and play with more freedom. This “nothing to lose” attitude can be liberating, allowing players to take risks, play aggressively, and stay loose in high-pressure situations

Take George Mason University’s miraculous run to the Final Four in 2006 for example. Their success came on the back of momentum. George Mason had a strong end to the regular season and used that momentum to knock off powerhouses like Michigan State, North Carolina, and Connecticut. Their ability to build confidence in successive wins helped them believe they could continue to knock off giants.

Another factor that contributes to the success of Cinderella teams is favorable matchups. The NCAA Tournament, by nature, features a bracket structure that can often create mismatches. Underdogs can succeed if they exploit specific weaknesses in higher-seeded teams.

No Cinderella team has ever made a deep run without a little bit of luck— and even more so, heart. These underdogs often have an intangible “it factor” that propels them to greatness. Whether it’s an unlikely buzzer-beater, a last-second shot that goes their way, or a key injury to a higher-seeded team, luck can be a major contributor to success. However, these teams also show an uncommon level of resilience. 

These teams often benefit from players who rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. These teams have players who are willing to take — and make — the big shot, especially when the game is on the line.

Take NC State’s 1983 championship run, where the Wolfpack, led by coach Jim Valvano, defied all odds to win the national title. Not only was their victory a testament to resilience and clutch performances, but their path was paved with moments of serendipity— key injuries to opponents, a few lucky breaks, and remarkable team spirit.

Cinderella teams in March Madness are defined by their ability to rise above expectations, overcome adversity, and make magic happen when it matters most. While luck plays a part, success for these underdogs hinges on many factors: strong team chemistry, brilliant coaching, favorable matchups, momentum, and intangible qualities like resilience and heart. 

Every year, a new batch of underdog teams emerges with dreams of upsetting the status quo, and the beauty of March Madness lies in watching these dreams unfold, one shocking upset at a time. All while you tear up your filled-out brackets.

It’s this unpredictability, the sense of possibility for every team, that makes the tournament so captivating, and why Cinderella stories will always hold a special place in the hearts of college basketball fans.