CJ Fulton, a promising basketball player from Belfast, is set to represent the Charleston Cougars in the much-anticipated ‘March Madness’ tournament in the United States. The Cougars, who secured their tournament spot by winning the CAA Conference Tournament, will face off against Alabama in their opening match. Fulton, 21, has expressed his excitement about participating in an event he equates to the Super Bowl and NBA finals, a dream he harbored since childhood in Northern Ireland. The young guard’s journey from winning titles in Ireland to making significant strides in the American college basketball scene underscores his dedication and talent. As the Cougars rank 13th among the 68 contenders, Fulton is optimistic about surpassing previous performances and advancing in the NCAA Championship.

Meanwhile, in the realm of men’s college basketball, standout players have been recognized on the AP men’s college All-America teams. Purdue’s Zach Edey, a towering figure at 7-foot-4, has been unanimously named a first-team All-American for the second year in a row, a testament to his scoring and rebounding prowess. He is joined by Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, the AP’s Southeastern Conference player of the year, and North Carolina’s RJ Davis, recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year. These athletes, along with Jamal Shead from Houston and Tristen Newton from UConn, have been pivotal in their teams’ successes this season.

Women’s college basketball is also in the spotlight, with captivating matchups and emerging superstars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drawing significant attention. This year’s women’s NCAA Tournament has seen a surge in viewership, highlighted by a heated game between South Carolina and LSU that attracted almost two million ESPN viewers, outperforming some NBA broadcasts. The popularity of women’s college basketball is attributed to the high-quality performances and the star appeal of players, with Clark’s games selling out in minutes and resale ticket prices soaring. As the tournament progresses, the enthusiasm for the women’s game underscores its growing status as an essential and exhilarating component of college sports.