Final Four 2015

This exciting season of college basketball is almost over, with only three games remaining. These are the final four matchups.

Kentucky vs Wisconsin

This is the matchup everybody has been hoping for, despite that fact that it is not the title game. Wisconsin is widely believed to be the team with the best chance to beat Kentucky. Some may have believed Kentucky was invincible, but their narrow escape against Notre Dame proves otherwise. Notre Dame’s ability to score took Kentucky off guard, but the Cats rallied in the end to win a close game. This is a challenge Kentucky had not faced all year. This is the very reason Wisconsin has a real chance to win. They possess the ability to score as well, but they are also tall. The average height of the Badgers’ starting five is 6’7”, while the Wildcats’ is 6’9.
Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker has become a star during this tournament, highlighted by his 5 for 6 three-point performance against Arizona. Dekker is averaging 13.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg for the season. He has been overshadowed by the brilliance of C Frank Kaminsky, who is averaging 18.7 ppg, 8 rpg, and 2.7 apg. Dekker is 6’9”, making him almost impossible to guard. Wisconsin has all the ability, and I believe they will win if they play to the best of their ability. They beat Arizona pretty easily, despite trailing at halftime. Kentucky is the better team, but they may be burnt out at this point. Whoever wins this game will win the title, because this side of the bracket is more talented than the other.

Duke vs Michigan St.

This game has a bit of a David vs. Goliath type of feel to it. Duke is a one seed who many believe to be the third best team behind Kentucky and Wisconsin. Michigan State is an overachieving team who lost its two best players from a year ago to the NBA. (Adreian Payne and Gary Harris) Travis Trice has shown stellar leadership, evident by his intelligent point guard play. Denzel Valentine’s ability to hit outside shots helps stretch the defense. I correctly predicted that coaching would get the Spartans over the hump. In their last two games against Oklahoma and Louisville, the team made significant halftime adjustments. They turned around the first half rebound deficit against Oklahoma, and came back against Louisville despite trailing by eight at the half.
The three freshmen on Duke have been stellar. Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, and Justise Winslow. The three totaled 40 points in the Elite Eight against Gonzaga, and Okafor has been particularly dominant down low. The team combines the infusion of youth with veteran leadership. Coach K is one of the few people whose coaching acumen can compete with that of Tom Izzo. This game will go down to the wire, but Duke wins close in the end.