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.
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