4 teams, 4 different identities

Going into the final four, we couldn't ask for a more diverse group. Each team with its own special qualities that make them unique from the rest. Throw out the rankings because they don't matter anymore at this stage. Each team has a chance, underdog or not. It's the final four and it doesn't come down to who is the better team or who has more players going in the first round of the NBA draft. It comes down to the DNA of each team. What parts do they struggle with? Where can they cause match-up problems? What style can they use to offset the other team? Experience? All of these aspects go into each game and like I said, its not about who is the better team, but who is better on that day!

Lets begin with the Kentucky Wildcats, a team picked by many to be crowned the next NCAA Champions. This team is the "Goliath" team of the tourney.

POSITIVES: A team loaded with talent across the board with 2 of the top five players in the nation in Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Their starting five is the best in the country and can put points on the board like any other team. Don't turn the ball over against them or they will go up by 10 in a heartbeat. Davis gives them a lift on defense with his length and shot blocking ability. This makes it hard for teams to score inside the paint. But lets not talk about "D" with this team because its all about the "O".

NEGATIVES: Lets begin with their experience. Sure they don't start 5 freshman but they do start three, and the other two are sophomores. In the past John Calipari's teams have lacked in the experience department. Losing close games down the stretch because they don't keep their composure. Free throws are a little better this year for Calipari's team but let's not forget about his Memphis team who let Kansas back into the National Title game because of missed free throws. The weak spot is coaching. Calipari is a great recruiter and he will reload his teams each and every year. In game situations however he doesn't compare to other elite coaches. Kentucky also lacks depth, so if their starters get into foul trouble we could see some problems.

Kentucky will be taking on Rick Pitino and his Louisville squad. Louisville is that "pesky defender" during a game who pisses you off but you can't help but to acknowledge all the hard work he has put in.

POSITIVES: This team may be the dark horse to win the Championship out of the final four. When you have Pitino as your coach, you have to like your chances. Their crazy and uncharacteristic style keeps teams from getting into their rhythm. They can speed you up or slow you down, depending on how talented the other team is. They will most likely try to slow things down against the Wildcats. Very good defensively and a point guard in Peyton Siva who is not only the leader of this team but has a will to win that many others don't.

NEGATIVES: Pitino has had a lot of talented teams in the many years he has coached but this one isn't up in the top tier. They are solid at each position but not exceptional. They don't have great height and length with the exception of forward Gorgui Dieng. Can be very streaky when shooting from the outside. Despite the negatives, they are overall a good team.

Now on the other side of the bracket there are the 2 seeds in Ohio State and Kansas
Kansas was overlooked at the beginning of the season and many believed they still overachieved during the regular season. You can't argue with wins though. With a regular season Big 12 title and a final four appearance they are a solid team. This Jayhawks team is like a "deadly assassin," because when everything is clicking they are hard to beat.

POSITIVES: Thomas Robinson, should I say anymore? Not only has he gone from being the 6th man last year to the leader of this team but he is up for player of the year and has Kansas back in the final four. If Robinson is Batman, then Tyshawn Taylor is Robin. Kansas will go as far as these guys will take them. They have a great supporting cast that steps up in big situations. And o yeah, Bill Self is there coach. That means their defense usually isn't lacking.

NEGATIVES: They do rely heavily on Robinson and Taylor, if either of these guys has a horrific night they are in trouble. Their bench is good but streaky. They tend to not show up in some games and in those games Kansas usually gets beat bad.

To round out the final four you have Ohio State. This team is the "comeback kid". They never go away and never stop fighting. After a disappointing end to last season, they are ready to redeem themselves and show that they can win it all.

POSITIVES: Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft lead the troops. Ohio State has the ability to beat you in numerous ways. Whether it is in the post, in a transition game or just an old fashioned shoot out. They can do it all. Numerous players who can shoot the rock and aren't afraid to step up and hit clutch shots down the stretch. Ohio State is a fearless team.

NEGATIVES: Sullinger has to assert himself early in the game or he usually struggles the rest of the time. He is good defensively but sometimes gets into foul trouble. At times they rely too much on the 3 pointer. If they are on, they are great and if they are cold they can shoot themselves out of a game. Also at times Craft becomes too passive and isn't aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. If he isn't a threat that allows teams to key in on their other scorers.

So there is the layout. 4 teams with 4 different make-ups. One thing is certain though. Each of them want to be the 2012 NCAA champs. I see Kansas beating Ohio State and Kentucky getting by Louisville. That would leave us with a Kentucky vs. Kansas final, but only time will tell.

Sweet 16 predictions

I'm sure a lot of you out there are just like me. Your bracket isn't turning out the way you planned so now all you care about is watching good games while hoping and praying that some how some way your bracket will remerge. The second part isn't very likely (then again it is called march madness) but the first part I definitely agree with.
All #1 seeds remain in the tourney for now. Some will have their hands full, others will probably coast on through to the elite 8.

A lot of folks had Syracuse losing to Vandy in this round. Now that can't be the case after Wisconsin beat them last round. Syracuse will be facing a tough Badgers team but look for them to win with ease. Wisconsin just doesn't have the fire power to keep up with the Orange. They are too long and athletic despite not having Fab Melo down low.

As for the Tar Heels, they got pretty lucky with their matchup. Ohio is a good story and they have a had a good run but North Carolina is arguably the most talented team in the nation. Yes, Kendall Marshall not being a 100% doesn't help their chances at winning a title, but for now they can breathe and get some good practice in against Ohio.

Tom Izzo finally has Michigan State back to playing his type of basketball. Physically and mentally tough! In the past, the Spartans have had the strength and talent but they didn't have the mental part of the game, and that is the difference this year. Draymond Green is ready to take Izzo and his team back to the final four. Louisville is a good team don't get me wrong but at times they struggle to put up points and Michigan State shouldn't have that problem against them. This is no cup cake game for Michigan State but I do see them pulling out the victory.

Finally, the "Rematch" Kentucky vs Indiana. Indiana is primed to make a run but standing in their way is the best team in the nation. The good thing for Indiana is that it doesn't matter who the better team is, as long you are the better team on THAT DAY, in that game. Kentucky can go up on you in a heartbeat. At one moment your are down 2, 30 seconds later they have just gone on a 8-0 run. This is the one #1 team who I see having some trouble, but they are also the team that could absolutely go off against a solid Hoosiers team who beat them earlier in the season.

As for the remaining games...
Ohio St over Cincinnati-too much talent, and Aaron Craft is the difference.
Kansas over NC State-Thomas Robinson's will to win and the rest of the supporting cast aren't ready to leave.
Florida over Marquette- sharp shooters every where, and Florida can match Marquette's quick pace.
Baylor over Xavier-Tu Holloway and his "Gangster" teammates have seen the end of their run. Quincy Acy is too good.

It's March Madness though, and anything can happen!

Bluejays are dancing

As the weekend came to a close teams from mid major conferences began to punch their tickets into the NCAA tournament. On Sunday Creighton defeated Illinois State for the Missouri Valley Championship. A game that many believed would be between Wichita State and Creighton still gave fans exactly what they wanted to see; a close and exciting game. Creighton won in overtime to give them an automatic bid into the big dance, now the question is how far can these Bluejays go? Currently many analysts have them as a 6 or 7 seed but that could still change before the week ends.
Despite their seed Creighton remains one of the top mid major teams in the nation along with Wichita State and Saint Mary's and if they play their basketball they could potentially make some noise in the tourney.
The last few weeks have proven a lot about this team. For starters they have shown they can win close games down the stretch. With the consistency of Doug McDermott and the leadership of Antoine Young the team answered all the critics after a 3 game skid. The Missouri Valley was a very under rated conference this season, especially with College basketball having a down year. So don't expect Creighton to just be a “one and done” team when the tourney starts.
Many teams haven't faced and don't understand how to handle the combo of McDermott and Gregory Echenique. People are going to prepare for McDermott but he will still get his production, the trouble is if you focus too much on him, Echenique has the size and potential to hurt a lot of teams down low. The one thing that they will have to step up is shooting from the perimeter. Yes they remain a top team as far as shooting percentage goes but the team’s shooting production has gone down since January. In the MVC tournament they shot well and hopefully that carries over to the dance.
Three players are going to have play well in order for the Bluejays to have success. Like I said earlier, McDermott will get his points and rebounds. 1. Grant Gibbs, the glue to this team. Gibbs played spectacular in the MVC championship and I expect him to continue. His knowledge and leadership will always be there but if he knocks down the open shot when given to him he adds another scoring threat. 2. Josh Jones, the spark off of the bench. Jones can be a lock down defender and has the capability to shoot the three, not to mention if he gets out on the break he is a great finisher. His production is key going forward. 3. Echenique: standing at 6"9" and 270lbs can be a dominating force on the offensive end but more importantly on the defensive side of the ball. With his size he can alter shots and dominate the boards.

From the beginning of the season, this has been a team that believes they can play with the best of them, and I believe they are correct. Creighton is going dancing for the first time in five seasons and look for them to keep their foot on the gas pedal.