Connecticut. Duke. Texas. Villanova. Even Memphis. All of these teams have been mentioned as Final Four favorites, and pretty much everyone expects at least two of these teams to be present in Indianaplis in early April. However, every year in the NCAA Tournament, there are teams outside of the Top 3 seeds that make deep runs and end up in the Final Four. Who are the top candidates for that position this season?
Over the next week, we will breakdown why each of the forthcoming squads has the goods to make a run. Here are five teams to watch as potential Final Four darkhorses this season:
- Pittsburgh- Depth, inside-outside combo of Krauser and Gray is hard to match.
- LSU- Ridiculous amount of talent in Baton Rouge. Can beat any team in the country.
- George Washington- Athletic group has several players that can fill it up.
- West Virginia- Any team that can shoot like they do can cut down the nets.
- Tennessee- Excellent backcourt and defensive pressure hard to prepare for.
Three teams that can make deep runs but don't have enough to reach Indianapolis...
- North Carolina State- Lack go-to offensive player or ability to catch-up.
- Georgetown- Haven't proven they can win away from home.
- UCLA- Not enough inside play or depth.
What do you think of Air Force, as a team that can surprise come March, considering of course that they play their way into the NCAA Tournament? Not many teams can light it up from beyond the arc like they do. Three point shooting is the chic attribute of teams that can make a run, aka WVU last year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave
I was about to write an article about three weeks ago about Air Force, after they impressed me beyond belief against BYU. However, they have since slumped and I decided to put off the article. I am hoping they step their game up so I can finally post that column.
ReplyDeleteI think they are a big-time sleeper out of the MWC. They play outstanding defense, are extremely efficient shooting the ball, and know how to win. If they can make the NCAA Tournament, they are going to be a team no one wants to play.
One word: Jayhawks
ReplyDeleteCheck out the article I wrote about Kansas over at Big12-fans.com...or just look at the link I posted on my site...I got love for your Jayhawks, don't worry.
ReplyDelete