NCAA: Final Four Predictions
- Alicea Ulmer
- Mar 17, 2016
- 3 min read
With the tournament set to tip off in less than 30 minutes, I decided to list my final four predicitions and why I'm going with each.
Michigan State: Coach Tom Izzo always has his team ready to play come tournament time with his Spartans reaching seven consecutive final fours so you can never count them out. Player of the year candidate Denzel Valentine willing his team to victories all season and with a hot shooting Bryn Forbes, the inside should be open for Matt Costello and the other fowards. Spartans have been solid all year only really showing inconsistency during the stretch when they lost Valentine to injury.
Kansas: The Jayhawks are coming in hot with a win streak as they closed out with another regular season Big 12 championship and conference tournament championship. Everyone already knows what Perry Ellis will give you, Devonte' Graham and Frank Mason have shown to be pesky defenders and provide a consistent scoring punch. Carl Bragg has come on strong as of late. But the key to the Jayhawks' success is which Wayne Selden will show up? In Kansas' losses Selden failed to reach double figures. When he's aggressive and attacking instead of just standing on the perimeter, the team can go.
UNC: Coming in the Tarheels were the favorites with everyone returning from a season ago, but slightly underachieved. On paper I think they have the best team, and they certainly have depth. Joel Berry stepped up in Marcus Paige's absence to start the season and he has really been rolling as of late helping UNC win the ACC. Brice Johnson has been a monster all year getting it done inside. The key for UNC will be Justin Jackson and Paige. Jackson proved to be more than a stand still shooter this year when he wasnt in a slump. Paige has struggled with his shot much of the year as well. If All American Paige shows up with a Jackson in rhythm to back up Johnson and Berry I like the Tarheels chances to go all the way.
Oklahoma: Player of the year Candidate Buddy Hield and his backcourt mate Isaiah Cousins have certainly carried this team offensively. Prolific scorers putting pressure on your defense. Cousins has shown he can hit big shots as well. With their toughness and help from their supporting cast, I think they can rally and make a final four appearance.
***BONUS: Sleeper Team:
Kentucky: Tyler Ulis has been phenomenal running his team, a true floor general. With the platoon system no longer in place he has flourished offensively and barely comes off the floor. Freshman sensation Jamal Murray helps Ulis carry that offensive load. They are a great 1,2 punch. Add in Freshman Isaiah Briscoe who brings them tenacious defense on the wing and strength around the rim, you have a 3-headed monster. The key for the Wildcats succes will depend on their frontcourt players though. Will they rebound? Will they stay out of foul trouble? Will Alex Poythress play like a vet and produce? Will Skal Labissiere have a breakout post season run? They've shown flashes of just how good they can be, they're a scary team when all clicking.
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Comment your final four picks, lets chat!
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