Final Four Picks

National Semifinal:
8 Butler vs. 11 VCU
Both of these have made improbable runs to the the Final Four but only one can advance to the National Championship. My pick? Butler. They have a beast inside in Matt Howard who had a strong game against a tough inside from Florida. Sure, the Bulldogs likely won't be able to keep up pace with the Rams' constant up-tempo attack. Joey Rodriguez is the leader of the running team. He can pass and can score when needed. His quick hands also make him a guy who can steal and make the lay-up on the other side. Sweet Bradford Burgess is a guy who needs to score(15.8 points this year) and also needs to defend Shelvin Mack. Mack, the talented guard who led Butler in points with 21.3 points per game has to have a big game in order for the Bulldogs to get back to the title game.
Butler, 69 VCU, 63
National Semifinal:
3 UConn vs. 4 Kentucky
Two of the most historic basketball teams in history will square off in a great Final Four matchup. The Huskies finished off ninth in the Big East but had the talent enough to make the run all the way to the national semis. Kemba Walker needs to be slowed down if the Wildcats hope to win. But, he isn't the only option thanks to guard Jeremy Lamb who had a big game in the win over Arizona. Alex Oriakhi needs to be a big man inside that can stop Terrence Jones and Josh Harrellson. Harrellson has improved dramatically, not in scoring, but, in overall play. Terrence Jones has opened up tons of options for the Wildcats thanks to his dribbling ability despite being a power forward. The 'Cats hope desperately that their little experience won't matter in this war. The experience that is left- mostly just DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller- will have to have big games. And, they likely will.
Kentucky, 77 UConn, 70

Names You Need To Know For College Basketball '10-'11

The college basketball season has already started but here are the rest of the names you need to know when the season finally gets going big time:

The High Profile Stars
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, Senior The lightning to Denis Clemente's thunder, or maybe the other way around. Now the senior stud takes even more of a role with no more Clemente. He has great vision and can shoot the ball effectively. Don't let that fool you: he can go hard to the basket.
Kyle Singler, Duke, Senior Key to the Blue Devils postseason run Singler returns as the number one option on offense with the loss of Jon Scheyer. Singler might be a Gordon Hayward type of guy-someone who's big but can shot like a guard and dribble like a guard. Don't be surprised if Singler guides Duke back to the title game.
Under The Radar Sensations
Joey Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth, Senior Over the years Rodriguez has been key to Virginia Commonwealth's domination over the CAA. He returns after solid numbers in scoring (12.9 ppg) and assists (5.8 apg).
Troy Gillenwater, New Mexico State, Junior The potent Gillenwater does it all for the Aggies: he scores(14.6 ppg in '09-'10), rebounds(6.8 rpg) and can block shots(1.3 bpg). He is one of the top returning players out of the WAC.
The Freshman Powerhouses
Harrison Barnes, UNC, Freshman This hard worker from Ames, Iowa is one of the key reasons that the Tar Heels are ready to get back to the top. Barnes, who was finally won by Roy Williams a few months ago reminds me of John Wall: an explosive presence who is a decent ball handler and can change the game with one play.
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Freshman The Buckeyes do return F-C Dallas Lauderdale and recruited F DeShaun Thomas but Sullinger will get the thick of playing time inside. Through the first two games though they were pretty much cupcakes Sullinger has fulfilled the promise by averaging 22.5 points per game.
The Cerebral Coaches
Tom Izzo, Michigan State I guess you could call him smart for no going to the NBA. Izzo has turned the Spartans into an every year Big Ten contender to an every year national title contender. His calm presence in the face of controversy is amazing: with a five seed and injuries galore he lead Michigan State to another Final Four appearance last season.
Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Sure you could argue a lot of coaches have done a lot more than this guy(Hello Coach K and Roy Williams) but you could argue that the reason the Orange surprised everyone is because of this man. His good defense-leads to good offense has always impressed me.
The Sleeper Programs
San Diego State Aztecs The Aztecs are a strong favorite to win the Mountain West this season. Not only that they could advance far into the Big Dance. They have a smart player in Billy White who isn't the biggest but can hang and sophomore Kawhi Leonard who was great in his freshman year could be even better this year.
Dayton Flyers Dayton is building a home in the NCAA tounrmaent. They always consistent team returns three key forwards- throw-it-all-down Chris Wright, effective Josh Benson and bruiser Chris Johnson- enough to win them the A-10 over others like Temple.