The Final Four

With the Final Four this weekend, I am constantly being bombarded by with comments that this is one of the most uninteresting and predictable Final Fours in history. OK? Can you explain this to me? Are you upset because for the first time in the history of the sport the professionals got it right? For the first time ever all Final Four teams had a one seed in their brackets.

Remember folks, when a team gets a number one seed it is not considered a successful tournament unless, they make it to the Final Four. That’s why you’ve got to be thankful. We are going to get to see the greatest teams in the country lineup verses each other. You are going to tell me you would rather see Davidson play Siena or West Kentucky play Michigan State. That’s fine, I’ll take UNC v. Kansas and UCLA go against Memphis everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

I will be honest, when Davidson’s Jason Richards’ toss up that last second off balance prayer verse Kansas to get to the Final Four, yes I got a little excited. That’s what makes the dance so exciting, it’s the little schools knocking out the big boys. Honestly though, with the way North Carolina is playing, Davidson has about as much of a chance a snowman verses a Mac truck. Let’s not lie and say Kansas played a game for the ages though. This team played did not play to win, they played not to lose. Which, they didn’t.

The NCAA has always favored the big conference national powerhouses. These teams get the best coaches who in turn recruit the best players. So, that’s what you are getting the best coaches, with the best players squaring off to determine the national championship. None of these teams have fallen lower than sixth in the country all season. I personally can’t wait.

So yes, everything did play out as is should have. The 2008 NCAA tournament will not be remembered for one Cinderella going to the Final Four. However, what it will be remembered for is the top teams in the country playing to the top of their game and letting it all hang out when it really mattered. The North Carolina Tar Heels are playing some of the best most dominant basketball in the last twenty years. Kansas finally is playing in the Final Four and will play to win. UCLA has not shown complete dominance but when this team plays as a complete team, they can be the greatest team in the country. And finally, the closest thing to an underdog in the Final Four; the Memphis Tigers are probably the most entertaining and well coached team in the dance. As a Tiger’s fan I can’t wait for the rest of the country to get a taste of this team.

So sorry America, the mid night came early this year, but you are seeing the best teams play for the title. Sit back and enjoy the weekend. It will be a good one.