With only three games remaining in the 2011 NCAA basketball tournament, it’s pretty safe to say that this year has been more “mad” than most when it comes to the craziness that is March Madness.
For the first time in the history of the tournament, there is not a one or two seed in the final four. Butler and VCU are competing for the chance to go to a national title, and oddly enough, Butler is playing for a chance to go back to the big game.
On the other side, you have two big programs with big-name coaches and a constant flow of NBA talent in UConn and Kentucky.
Connecticut is led by point guard Kemba Walker, who has been one of the best player in all of college basketball this year, as well as Hall of Fame head coach Jim Calhoun. The Huskies have been arguably the hottest team in college basketball over the last four weeks, winning five straight games in the Big East tournament and now competing in the Final Four.
Kentucky lost seven players to the NBA last year, but head coach John Calipari managed to put together a squad that started slow but won the SEC conference tournament and now has a chance to go to the title game. Led by guard Brandon Knight, the Wildcats have won some close games against some very, very good teams on their way to the final four.
Prediction
I think the leadership of Calhoun and Walker is going to lead the Connecticut Huskies to the winner’s circle, and I like Butler’s experience to end VCU’s magical run. I think you’ll see UConn against Butler in the national title game after tonight’s game, but take my predictions with a grain of salt, as my bracket has been busted and I did not get a single final four pick correct.