David takes down Goliath.
Rocky Balboa knocks out Ivan Drago.
USA hockey team defeats Russia in the 1980 Winter Olympics for the gold medal.
Cinderella stories and underdogs are what everyone lives for and you can add another one to your list. Me: basketball junkie Kyle McFadden. I have challenged varsity basketball coach Tom Kraft to see who has the better March Madness bracket. Sure, Coach K’s knowledge about the game of basketball is unmatched, but I am almost certain my bracket is superior to his. Here are the four teams that I have in my final four,
Florida:
With a 26-game win streak, top-seed Florida is one of the hottest teams coming into the tournament. Four players are averaging double figures in scoring and carry a 10-2 record against RPI Top 50 teams. Coach Billy Donovan has had three straight Elite Eight appearances, and don’t be surprised if the Gators hoist the championship trophy in Arlington, Texas this season.
Arizona:
One of the most dominant teams all season with a 30-4 record, top-seed Arizona rides behind guard Nick Johnson and freshman phenom forward Aaron Gordon. With a powerhouse offense, you can count on Arizona making their first Final Four appearance since 2001 and be a serious contender for this year’s National Championship.
Michigan State:
The injury plagued Spartans appear to be finally healthy coming off of a Big Ten championship. Coach Tom Izzo has reached the Sweet Sixteen in his past two seasons and is considered to be one of the top tournament coaches in the game of college basketball. Michigan State is led by guard Gary Harris and forward Adreian Payne as they provide stability throughout the Spartans lineup. With Coach Tom Izzo at the helm, Michigan is peaking at the right time and looks to win its third championship in school history.
Louisville:
With a 29-5 record, the fourth seed Cardinals have one seed potential. Rick Pitino’s squad has a legitimate chance at repeating as the national champions behind senior guard Russ Smith. Smith returns after carrying Louisville to a championship a last year. Rick Pitino has built yet another championship team that could be cutting down the nets for the second straight season.
Masterminds do think alike. Coach and I have three of the same final four teams (Florida, Michigan State and Arizona) but he left out one important team, Louisville. I believe that Rick Pitino’s Louisville squad will overwhelm Wichita State with their talent in the Sweet Sixteen and will once again make an appearance in the National Championship. On the other side of the bracket Coach has picked Florida over Michigan State to go to the National Championship but, I disagree. Sure Florida is a great team but, I think Michigan State has the tangibles and coaching staff to win it all.
Expect Tom Izzo and the Spartans to be cutting down the nets this season and I will take down varsity basketball Coach Tom Kraft.
