Blue bloods reign supreme in NCAA Final Four
The invitation to this year’s Final Four seemed to have specific rules: No upstarts or Cinderellas. Big boys only.
Following a string of NCAA tournaments with mid-major party crashers, the Final Four is going back to the big time with Florida and Wisconsin joining the Wildcats and Huskies in North Texas. We’ve got a rundown of what to look for:
THE TEAMS
Florida. The top overall seed in the NCAA tournament has played like it by extending its winning streak to 30 games.
Kentucky. John Calipari’s latest group of one-and-dones needed a little time to get going. Once the roll started, no one has been able to stop it.
Wisconsin. The Badgers are feisty, fundamentally sound and one of those teams opponents hate to play.
UConn. The Huskies won the 2011 title behind Kemba Walker. Shabazz Napier is the one-man gang this time.
THE STARS
Shabazz Napier, UConn. A 6-foot-1 point guard who can do it all and had a great mentor in Kemba Walker.
Julius Randle, Kentucky. The projected No. 1 overall NBA draft pick is big, athletic and often unstoppable.
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin. When he’s hitting his 3-pointers, this 7-footer is all but unguardable.
Scottie Wilbekin, Florida. Has gone from being asked to transfer by his own coach to becoming one of college basketball’s best closers.
THE COACHES
Billy Donovan, Florida. So much for not being able to get the Gators to the Final Four without NBA-ready players. Might be the best coaching job of his career.
John Calipari, Kentucky. The slick coach with the designer suits might irritate some, but he sure can recruit players — and win games.
Bo Ryan, Wisconsin. His has been the feel-good story so far, making the Final Four for the first time as a coach after taking his late father, Butch, every year since 1976 as a birthday gift.
Kevin Ollie, UConn. Thrust into a difficult situation following the retirement of Jim Calhoun and NCAA sanctions last season.
Managed it all incredibly well, particularly for a first-time head coach.