UCLA and Memphis are the two best teams, but they can’t play for the championship. How the Final Four teams rank going to San Antonio:
1. UCLA Bruins.
Why they will win: Kevin Love will not let them lose. As a defender, rebounder and especially a complete offensive player, he has performed best under the most pressurized circumstances.
What could stop them: Love will face a great defensive center, Joey Dorsey. The Bruins still aren’t getting the kind of perimeter scoring they need.
2. Memphis Tigers.
Why they could win: Derrick Rose will not let them lose. Now that he’s on the national stage, this bears repeating: Rose is the most physically gifted point guard ever to play the position. He has a calm presence that keeps his teammates functioning at a high level.
Why they won’t: UCLA’s defense will be the most composed and disciplined the Tigers have faced and the best at keeping the ball out of the lane. The Tigers will have a difficult time getting the ball to the rim against the Bruins.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels.
Why they could win
Why they won’t: The UNC defense has dramatically improved but hasn’t been forced to handle the level of challenge any of the other three teams presents.
4. Kansas Jayhawks.
Why they could win: The Jayhawks should be unburdened by finally reaching the Final Four after falling short since 2003; so will they relax and decline or relax and prosper?
Why they won’t: KU did not handle the pressure of their last tournament game well. At too many positions, the Jayhawks seem to lack the maturity needed to separate from the other three teams.
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