College basketball fans celebrating the NCAA tournaments can also enjoy the unique mascots, with Bulldogs being a popular choice among schools like Yale, Drake, and Gonzaga. However, this year's tournaments feature a variety of mascots, from the well-known Albert the Gator to the lesser-known Hatters of Stetson, Gaels of Saint Mary's, Lancers of Longwood, to the California Baptist Lancers and Presbyterian Blue Hose making their first appearances.

The Big Picture

This story highlights the diverse mascots that add color and character to the NCAA tournaments, reflecting the historical and cultural significance behind each mascot choice.

By the Numbers
  • 15 NCAA Division I schools have bulldogs as their mascots.
  • Stetson Hatters make their first appearance in the tournament since becoming a Division I team in 1971.
State of Play
  • Schools like St. Mary's, Longwood, California Baptist, and Presbyterian are making noteworthy appearances with their unique mascots in the NCAA tournaments.
  • The Chattanooga Mocs, with their mascot paying homage to the Tennessee state bird, add an element of surprise to the tournament matchups.
Bottom Line

The NCAA tournaments not only showcase thrilling basketball action but also bring attention to the rich history and diversity of mascots representing various schools, adding an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to the event.