The College Basketball Crown Tournament: Identifying Each Team by Their Disney Prince

If your team didn't make it to March Madness this year or didn't advance as you would have liked, don't worry. A new college basketball tournament has been announced, giving top teams another shot at postseason wins.

Have you heard of "The Crown" television series? We know you recognize that the crown symbolizes royalty. However, we are not talking about TV, Princess Kate, or the crown your dentist mentioned at your last appointment. We are talking about the newest jewel in college basketball's postseason: the Crown Tournament.

The College Basketball Crown Tournament began on March 31st and will run until April 6th. As sixteen teams compete, we are excited to watch another week-long tournament on our screens. This tournament allows those teams who didn't make the finals to showcase their talent.

The participating teams consist of teams from the Big Ten, Big 12, and the Big East. Each of the three Bigs received two automatic bids, with the rest chosen by a select committee. As the tournament continues, here is our take on which Disney prince relates to each team.

Butler as Prince Eric

The Butler Bulldogs from Indianapolis have advanced after defeating Utah State by a narrow four points. We like to compare this team to Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. Just as Prince Eric is a determined sailor who perseveres through challenges, the Bulldogs exhibit strength in sports, particularly basketball. We're excited to see the Bulldogs face off against the Broncos on April 2nd to determine which team will advance.

Boise State as Aladdin

The Boise State Broncos are getting warmed up to play against the Bulldogs after a decisive 30-point victory over the George Washington Revolutionaries. Despite struggling at the beginning of the game and scoring only three points in the first eight minutes, the Broncos demonstrated their ability to recover. Similarly, Aladdin's story shows that anyone can overcome a rough start to achieve a successful outcome. With courage and kindness, he escaped poverty, just as the Broncos relied on their skills and teamwork to lead them to victory.

Cincinnati as Prince Philip

The Cincinnati Bearcats are not particularly known for their basketball consistency, but they have a history of achievements and a strong sense of determination. After defeating DePaul, the team will advance in the Crown Tournament. We compare the Bearcats to Prince Philip. Like Prince Philip, who faced many challenges, such as being imprisoned by Maleficent and needing permission to marry Aurora, the Bearcats demonstrate a similar determination and grit in their journey.

Georgetown as Prince Naveen

The Georgetown Hoyas are currently ranked 7th in the Big East. They will advance in the tournament after defeating Washington State 85-82. Georgetown has a rich history, including a national championship in 1984, five Final Four appearances, and a longstanding presence in the Big East. However, in recent years, the team has faced challenges and is rebuilding, aiming to regain its former glory.

This situation can be compared to the story of Prince Naveen. Coming from wealth and royalty, Prince Naveen lost everything when he was transformed into a frog. During his time as a frog, he discovered his true purpose in life and learned valuable lessons. Similarly, the Hoyas are working hard to reconstruct their team through dedication and perseverance.

Nebraska as The Beast

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have faced significant challenges over the years, and so has the Beast. Despite reaching the NCAA Tournament eight times, the Cornhuskers have struggled to advance past the first round—until this year, when they successfully defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils by 8 points in the Crown Tournament. The Cornhuskers are a competitive team within the Big Ten, and we believe the Beast should serve as their mascot. Although his intimidating mane can be misleading, the Beast has a warm-hearted personality, much like the Cornhuskers, who often go unnoticed despite their impressive skills. Both the Cornhuskers and the Beast have encountered tough challenges, yet they continue to shine. We are confident that the Cornhuskers will keep surprising their fans.

Villanova as Flynn Rider

The Villanova Wildcats have advanced in the Crown tournament after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes 85-64. The Wildcats are known for their strong teamwork, a principle emphasized by their former coach, Jay Wright, who highlighted the importance of building relationships within the team beyond the court.

In thinking about their ideal leader, many might agree that Flynn Rider from Disney's "Tangled" embodies that perfect prince. You might be wondering why, but consider this: Flynn works with Maximus, the horse. Initially, they struggle to get along, much like players may face challenges building their chemistry. However, they become great friends over time, showcasing the power of collaboration and camaraderie.

UCF as Kristoff

In a nail-biting game, the UCF Knights narrowly defeated the Oregon State Beavers with a final score of 76-75. The Knights are particularly recognized for their strong defensive skills. They focus on protecting the rim and aim to prevent other teams from scoring. Similarly, Kristoff showcased excellent defense when he stopped Prince Hans from scoring alongside Anna.

USC as Li Shang

The USC Trojans have impressed us with their 14 league championships and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the Final Four. Although they didn't make it to March Madness this year, the Trojans showcased their talent with a first-round victory in the Crown Tournament against the Tulane Green Wave. Their dedication and determination to succeed lead us to believe that the character who best represents the Trojans is Li Shang from Mulan. Both Li Shang and the Trojans exemplify discipline and perseverance, always ready to face any challenges that come their way.

Stay tuned for April 6th to see who will take the crown in the first Crown Tournament!