While 4 #1 Seeds have advanced to the Final Four, there is no doubt in my mind that these two are the best of the bunch. Kansas, in my opinion, deserves the nod in this one, as they have the size, quickness, depth, and athleticism that finally will give Carolina a taste of their own medicine. In no way will I guarantee a Kansas win, but in watching the two teams play game after game all season long, I’ve been quoted saying that, ”Kansas is Carolina’s toughest match-up.” This should be one hell of a game, but if a slight edge has to be given, the corner is beveled just slightly toward Kansas.
Storylines:
From the get go, you have to mention the coaching situation. See, Roy Williams was that man that coached Kansas to all levels of success prior to the 2003 season in which he bolted for his alma mater. As the coach of the Tar Heels, now, Williams gets to see his successor taking his former team to their first Final Four since his departure. And he’ll have to beat his old school for a chance at the title.
These two teams are awesome because of their depth. Kansas has 7 players that average big minutes, all seven of which score at least 7 points per game. With a team full of super athletes and guys that would surely be #1 options on many college teams around the nation, Kansas is as unselfish as a team could be, as nobody averages more than 13 points per game. With four guys averaging at least 4 rebounds per game, you can see the Jayhawks overall size and athleticism.
The Tar Heels have found success at every turn this season. Carolina looked to take a big hit when their motor, point guard Ty Lawson, went down with a sprained ankle. However, the Heels lost just one game without Ty, and now they are better for it.
Tyler Hansbrough has won a few ”Player of the Year” awards thus far, and I’m sure there are more to come. But he’s not the only weapon in Carolina either. Ty Lawson has been feeling it in the tournament while Danny Green and Wayne Ellington have been snipers from the outside. Deon Thompson and Alex Stephenson give the Tar Heels two solid big men to benefit from all the attention Tyler gets. Marcus Ginyard, Will Graves, and Quentin Thomas all play big rolls in team success, which gives the Heels a roster that is 9 deep.
This game should be awesome.
Best Coach: Push
Bill Self and Roy Williams - come on - it doesn’t get much more impressive than those two guys these days. Self finally got into the Final Four, but he’s always been one heck of a coach.
Best Run Thus Far: Carolina
Talk about dominance - the Tar Heels haven’t had an opponent finish within 10 points of them in the first 4 rounds of this dance. Kansas has done well, but it hasn’t been just rainbows and butterflies for the Jayhawks. A couple close games and a foot on a last second jumper away from being the Goliath Davidson slayed. Both these teams have been great, well, they are here aren’t they? But Carolina has to get the nod for the most impressive play thus far.
Key to the Game:
Rebounding. It’s the key to every game really, but if Carolina can continue to attack the offensive glass like they have all tournament long, this game will be there’s. I think Kansas will have a box-out or two in this one, and they’ll do their own glasswork, but this game will rely on that stat alone. I’m 99% sure that the team that wins the glass battle will win the war.
