Final Four watch guide
GLENDALE, ARIZ. >> The Final Four is set, with one blue blood and three newbies headed to the desert to settle the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina has been there, done that with college basketball’s final weekend, reaching the title game last year.
Oregon is here for the first time since winning its only title in 1939, while Gonzaga and South Carolina are making their first ventures this deep into March Madness.
It should be a great weekend and to get you ready, we’ve got the teams, players, coaches and matchups to keep an eye on at University of Phoenix Stadium.
THE TEAMS
North Carolina. Veteran, multi-talented, been here before more times than the other teams combined. A clear favorite.
Gonzaga. Finally over the Final Four hump, the Zags are ready to take two more steps and add a title to their resume.
Oregon. The Ducks may have lost a key player with Chris Boucher’s ACL injury, but they’re talented enough to be a player in the national championship race. Just ask Kansas .
South Carolina. These Gamecocks are gamers. Already took out three of the top four seeds in the East Region for their first NCAA Tournament wins in 44 years, ready to make the trip even more special.
TOP PLAYERS
Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga. First-team AllAmerican shuts down the opposing team’s best player, runs one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, superb leader .
Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina. Physical, scores, rebounds, defends. May not be anyone playing better in the tournament.
Dillon Brooks, Oregon. Plays with an edge, usually comes close to crossing it. Always finds a way to make a big play.
Justin Jackson, North Carolina. Long, athletic, shoots inside and out, causes nightmares for opposing coaches trying to figure out how to stop him.
THE COACHES
Roy Williams, North Carolina. The dean of college basketball coaches. And dadgum it, one fiery southern gentleman.
Frank Martin, South Carolina. The big man in the big suit is known for his fiery demeanor and stareright-through-you eyes on the sideline. Also happens to be a good coach and one of the most loyal people in the sport.
Mark Few, Gonzaga. The monkey off his back — along with the dogs and cats — he has the basketball acumen and the team to take the Zags to their first national title.