Before we dive into the Final Four later this week, let's start by recapping another amazing weekend of college hoops. The Sweet 16 and Elite 8 was incredible. Today, I'll simply give you my reaction:
- Wisconsin stepped up! Last year the Badgers bowed out in their first NCAA Tourney game getting upset by Ole Miss. It was embarrassing for the team, the Big Ten, and the millions that picked them to advance (I had them in Elite 8). This year, they played their best basketball to date and took out everyone in their path en route to the Final Four. Most thought Baylor would be a tricky game... it was a blowout from the start. Arizona could have been a tough matchup for them, but they overcame the size thanks to Frank Kaminsky. I should add here that Frank is the tourney MVP at this point. That regional final against Arizona was one of the best games of the tourney. And although there was a little controversy at the end, I believe the better team did win.
- Florida is the clear favorite now. With MSU going down, Florida is way better than the remaining teams. Only Wisconsin has a chance, but they'd have to shoot lights out. I know UCONN beat them early in the year, but that was at UCONN, on a last second shot, when Florida wasn't at full strength yet. Won't happen again. Florida has also owned Kentucky in both matchups this season. So yeah, it looks as if they will be cutting down the nets.
- Arizona will be back next year. Although they'll likely lose Gordon to the NBA, they could retain everyone else, including Brandon Ashley who has been injured the last couple months. They'll also add a terrific recruiting class, highlighted by Stanley Johnson who is a flat-out stud. Even if Nick Johnson turns pro too, they'll still be one of the best teams in the country. If Johnson returns (and Hollis-Jefferson too), they could start #1 in the preseason.
- Dayton should be proud, as should Stanford. Dayton in particular will look back without regret. This was an amazing performance that could be used to build momentum within the program. And even though Stanford didn't play well against the Flyers, the tourney was still a massive success for Coach Dawkins.
- UCLA put up a great fight, but defense cost them. If you've watched Alford's team all season, that statement explains a lot. Early departures for the NBA will hurt them next season, but there will still be a lot of talent. They'll continue to push Arizona out west.
- Friday could have been the best day of the tourney yet. Connecticut vs. Iowa State was a high scoring and highly entertaining game. The same was true with Tennessee and Michigan, as the Vols nearly overcame a big deficit. Kentucky was able to come back and beat Louisville in a big time rivalry game. And MSU's win over Virginia had the feel of a Final Four contest. 14 points was the combined margin of victory in those four games combined. It was a special night.
- What might have been for Iowa State. If Niang hadn't gotten injured, the Final Four could look different. What he brings to Iowa State is very important. They obviously were held by back the injury, and may have been able to continue their postseason run with him healthy. I guess we'll never know.
- Louisville's run ends. Remember that Louisville had been to 2-straight Final Four's, including their National Championship run last season. Many liked them to do it again. But it wasn't so. I remember thinking early in their game against Kentucky that it was going to be blowout city for the Cardinals. I changed to the other game and didn't flip back until the second half. The run is over, and as Pitino put it, that's the end of an era.
- Kentucky's freshmen have arrived. It took all year, but Kentucky is playing like most expected they would at the start of the year. Randle and Johnson are dominating inside. The Harrison twins are playing like men. The contributions from the role players is exactly what is needed. Their talent is simply willing them on. Can they keep it going?
- Shabazz Napier should be hyped a whole lot more. This guy has been producing all season long, yet is often overlooked due to the freshmen craze and a fellow senior named McDermott. But Napier fills it up in every way possible, is the game's best leader, and is the most clutch player in college basketball. When watching the Final Four, I hope people realize that they are watching a special player.
- The state of Michigan should be in mourning. MSU looked to be on the verge of blowing out UCONN in the second half. They went up 9 and were controlling everything. Then, they allowed UCONN to go on a big run that the Huskies would ride to the finish line. Michigan also looked to be in the driver's seat against Kentucky. After going back and forth most of the game, Michigan took a 4 point lead late after a mini-run. Momentum was on their side and they seemed to be in control. But just like the Spartans, they allowed Kentucky to make a run and ride it to the finish line. I thought both squads from Michigan would still be dancing. But neither are.
- Aaron Harrison (along with Cleanthony Early) has helped his draft stock tremendously. Every game they've played in the tourney he's been there. He's finished inside, knocked down jumpers consistently, and he's been their most clutch player. Just like Early did last weekend, Harrison jumped from a second round pick to a first rounder, potentially in the Top 20.
- Lastly, the Final Four won't equal the rest of the tourney. It's been one of the best tourneys I can remember in terms of viewing pleasure. But I think the Final Four may disappoint. I think Wisconsin and Kentucky could be awesome, but I have a feeling that will be it. I hope I'm wrong, but that's my feeling now.
Enjoy the Final Four, and hope your bracket is better than mine.
By: The Sports Guys
No comments:
Post a Comment