Former President Barack Obama unveiled his 2021 predictions for the NCAA Division I men and women’s basketball tournaments beginning Thursday.
“Like many of you, I’m thrilled that [March Madness] is finally back,” Obama wrote on Twitter on Thursday along with his predictions.
Like many of you, I’m thrilled that #MarchMadness is finally back. You can check out my picks here: https://t.co/S5mlQofvAp pic.twitter.com/xyePa9ux2y
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 18, 2021
For the men’s tournament, Obama picked Gonzaga University, University of Michigan, Baylor University and the University of Illinois to make it to the final four.
He ultimately chose Gonzaga University as the winner of the men’s tournament.
For the women’s tournament he predicted Baylor University, Stanford University, the University of Maryland and North Carolina State University to make it to the final four with Baylor ultimately taking the title.
The NCAA canceled the tournaments last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” the NCAA said in a statement.
Brett Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball, announced teams only need five healthy players to play.
“We decided if they had five players eligible and healthy” the teams could play.
“We wrestled with contingencies, and thought it was fairest for a team that earned its way, that even if it was compromised, they should have the opportunity to play rather than be replaced,” Gavitt added.