FINAL FOUR GUIDE

THE TEAMS Villanova.

The Wildcats shoot 3s like no other, play suffocating defense and have that look — the one they had winning a national title two years ago. The other No. 1 seed to get through, the offensively-gifted Jayhawks are back in San Antonio, where Bill Self won his only title in 2008. Stingy D or raining 3s, these scrappy Wolverines find ways to win. Sister Jean gets much of the attention, but the Ramblers have rambled into the Final Four with a free-flowing, nothing-to-lose style.

Kansas. Michigan. Loyola-Chicago. TOP PLAYERS Jalen Brunson, Villanova.

The Wildcats’ unassuming, unquestionable leader is racking up player of the year awards — and possibly a second national championship.

Devonte’ Graham, Kansas.

Similar attributes as Brunson, only with an added dash of dynamic-ness. The big German is crafty inside, can step out to hit 3s, can guard multiple positions — a matchup nightmare. The sharpshooting guard gets mistaken for a non-player off the court, and is often the best in the game on it.

Moritz Wagner, Michigan. Clayton Custer, Loyola. KEY CONTRIBUTORS Cameron Krutwig, Loyola.

The burly freshman gives the little Ramblers the presence they need inside at both ends.

Malik Newman, Kansas.

The athletic sophomore has become dynamic option No. 2 to Graham. He and Brunson may be the Final Four’s best 1-2 punch.

Mikal Bridges, Villanova. Charles Matthews, Michigan.

His late-season emergence is a big reason the Wolverines reached San Antonio.

THE COACHES Bill Self, Kansas.

This may be the best coaching job of his Hall of Fame career.

The coolest — and bestdressed — coach in college basketball has changed the game and put the Wildcats in position for a second national title in three years.

Redefined his team and himself by turning the Wolverines into one of the nation’s top defensive teams.

A nation of college basketball fans are learning what everyone at Loyola already knew: Moser can flat-out coach.

Jay Wright, Villanova. John Beilein, Michigan. Porter Moser, Loyola. BY THE NUMBERS

4

No. 11 seeds to reach the Final Four: LSU (1986), George Mason (2006), VCU (2011) and Loyola (2018).

29

Years since Michigan’s lone NCAA title.

43.2

Percentage of Michigan’s shots taken from 3-point range.

55

Years since Loyola’s lone NCAA championship.

77.2

Shooting percent of Kansas big man Udoka Azubuike, leading the nation.

86.6

Points per game by Villanova, tops in Division I.