Scott O’Brien
Sports Editor
This is the first time in March Madness history that there has been a final four without a single No. 1 or No. 2 seed. On top of that, this year’s bracket is the 2nd weakest in history with a total of 37 losses between the teams, falling short of 2000, which had 41.
With the 11 seed winning you may be wondering what the lowest seed in the title game was. It was a No. 8 seed. It has happened twice, UCLA in 1980 and Villanova in 1985. This year it will be an 8 or an 11.
Another interesting fact, even if you add the ages of VCU’s coach Shaka Smart (33) and Butlers coach (34) they are still younger then Uconn coach Jim Calhoun (68).
Only two people on ESPN have guessed the final four correct–go figure.
Now that you know all of the fun facts and history that has been made this tournament its time to talk about how the teams match up.
Kentucky v. UConn.
Personally, I am very excited to watch the game between Kentucky any UConn.
Time and time again, John Calipari is able to get his teams to play their best basketball when it counts. Like many of his teams in the past, Calipari has a roster loaded with young talent.
I am particularly impressed with Cal’s ability to recruit point guards. Although at the beginning of the season Brandon Knight was not living up to all of the hype as the number one player in the country, he has really come into his own in the post season. ESPN announcers have coined the phrase “Knight Time” because of his ability to take over the game in crucial times. Knight is going to have his hands full against Uconn trying to contain Kemba Walker.
Knight’s fellow classmates Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb play significant roles on the team. Even though Jone’s production has gone down over the course of the season, he is still a monster inside and can also step out and hit the three. Lamb on the other hand led the SEC in field goal percentage from 3-point-land shooting 47 percent and has gotten hot in big games this season.
On the other end of the court, UConn is arguably the hottest team in the country. After winning the Big East Tournament, UConn has kept the ball rolling and stormed through the tournament thus far.
Kemba Walker has been putting on a show all year with his ability to put up big numbers and clinch games. If Kemba can keep up his production level, it will be hard for any team in the country to stop UConn.
Because Kemba attracts so much attention on the offensive end of the court, it really opens up the floor for his teammates especially freshman Jeremy Lamb. Like Knight, he has really come into his own at the tail of the season and is really making a name for himself.
Although both teams have very strong guards, it is going to come down to who can control the inside both on the glass and scoring. Overall, I think Uconn has the edge with Kemba having another huge game.
Butler v. VCU
In the other semi-final game, Butler takes on VCU. Although I am not that familiar with either team, I have watched them make their way through the bracket.
Although many people saw last years final four appearance as a fluke, Butler has done it again and has established itself as an elite program.
There is something about Butler coach Brad Stevens that makes you want to pull for their team. The combination of his poise and passion for the program and the game is what all coaches should strive to be like.
VCU has done the unthinkable in making the final four. It’s a classic Cinderella story. Jamie Skeen and Joey Rodriguez have been playing out of their minds in the post season. If they could take down Kansas, my national champion, they can take down anyone.
Look out for the underdog taking out Butler and making it to the championship.
Championship game
UConn is too hot for VCU to handle. Not only that but I don’t think VCU has the personnel to slow down Kemba Walker. As always, VCU will put up a good fight but, UConn has been playing too well for them to let this game slip away.
If UConn does end up winning the championship, Kemba will seal the deal as the best player in the country and will go out on top.
I look forward to seeing how the game plays out. Feel free to share your projections for the NCAA tournament.
