(7) UConn vs. (8) Kentucky: Championship Keys

There's a double standard to the awesomeness of tonight's national championship game. On the surface, both of these teams came into the NCAA tournament as underdogs, and have been perceived as such up to this point. Both teams had to endure adversity and most did not expect them to be here, but these two teams are no longer underdogs, because as of today, they are the two best teams in the country. Did I predict the Kentucky freshman to string together this fearless streak of maturity? No. Did I foresee the Huskies making this rally? No. But for me, more gratifying than being right about any prediction is the assurance that I will be watching the two most confident, deserving teams play for the national title.

Keys:

Comfortability

What Kansas State, Wichita State, Louisville, Michigan, and Wisconsin were unable to do was rattle the Kentucky freshman. Rarely if at all have we seen the young Wildcats panic into forced errors and poor decision making during the tournament. UConn's guards are small, quick, and harder to beat off the dribble, which creates a good challenge for the Harrison twins to maintain necessary aggressiveness and poise in their attack from the perimeter. 

Kentucky's advantage stems from their length, athleticism, and presence on the glass. Their best chance of making UConn uncomfortable is by duplicating Florida's first ten minutes of play against the Huskies in the Elite Eight: relentless hedging and recovering on ball screens with Napier plus imposing on the glass and in the paint.

Coaching

Kevin Ollie has squared off against Phil Martelli, Jay Wright, Fred Hoiberg, Tom Izzo, and Billy Donovan in his first NCAA Tournament as a head coach. I think he truly made his mark on this tournament against Florida. Against the immense size and length of the Gators, Ollie's adjustment for his initially struggling squad was a three-guard line-up with Napier/Boatright/Samuels, which became essentially a five-guard unit when he added DeAndre Daniels and Niels Giffey to that mix, opening up the floor offensively and helping his team gain the edge they needed. Ollie seems to have mastered his team's match up advantages. I expect Julius Randle to defend many, many ball screens tonight.

John Calipari is no stranger to this moment, and you have to assume that his experiential element is the driving engine behind what we're seeing with his team. Despite a spotty regular season, Calipari never gave up on his guys, and now they've learned to exhibit that same mentality together on the floor. Cal has found his unsung heroes in Alex Poythress, Dakari Johnson, and Marcus Lee, who came up huge for the Wildcats in the absence of Willie Cauley-Stein against Michigan. He finally has his players' undivided attention and they're responding with willingness and selflessness. 

Winning Plays

Every coach talks about it because it applies to every game. Both teams need to have players make winning plays: diving for loose balls, making extra efforts on the glass and on defense, playing smart, confident, and aggressive on offense, sprinting in transition, getting to the free throw line, taking charges, etc. The wonderful thing about making impactful, winning plays is they can be made by any player at any juncture in the game. Whoever is crowned national champion after tonight will have had more players make more winning plays than the other team.

What makes it painfully difficult to pick a winner in this game is exactly what brought these two teams to this point: resilience. Both teams have shown it and clung to it fiercely in the tournament. Both teams have a gritty fight about them when they fall behind, so neither pick feels too trustworthy. Even though I think Kentucky has shown to be more versatile in terms of their weapons, I'm going with my gut on the UConn Huskies to win tonight with their stifling defense and free throw shooting down the stretch.

SCORE: UConn 62, Kentucky 59

- Martin S (@marley_mcfly)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

March through June is the most exciting period of time in the world of sports. There is no other way to put it. The ever flowing stream of basketball that is provided is refreshing to bathe in for hoops junkies such as myself. In the beginning of March, you have college basketball and their conference tournaments. At the middle and tail-end of the month, you have the glorious NCAA Tournament and the near conclusion of the NBA regular season as the NBA Playoffs dawn upon us.

The NCAA Tournament for many fans is an evaluation period. It's a chance for those who casually skimmed through highlights, box scores and other sources of information during the college season, to truly engage themselves in the viewing of some promising stars. Some college players may be destined to change the fortunes of bottom feeding NBA teams, others may simply become a stellar player hoping to secure a position in someone's rotation. But for many of these kids, their dream of gracing an NBA floor may stop here. The idea of dueling with the Kobe Bryant's, LeBron James' and Kevin Durant's of the world are terminated as their tenure at their respective colleges is soon to be complete.


This is what makes the NCAA Tournament such a joy to watch. The heart, intensity, grit and dedication these kids play with is truly inspiring. It's what basketball is all about. One last chance for a cohesive unit to generate monumental buzz for their institution. One last opportunity to establish some incredible memories that will never dash from their heart, mind, spirit or soul. Factor all of these things in, and it produces some fantastic basketball games. Highly entertaining, thoroughly emotional and hotly contested match ups makes "March Madness" such an intriguing spectacle.

Certain teams were refused the glitz and glamor that big named schools such as Duke, Kansas and Kentucky command. These teams are what add a magic allure to the NCAA Tournament, as ball clubs such as Mercer and Dayton have an opportunity to showcase their talents. They finally have that opening to put on full display for the world why they are deserving to be in this tournament. Teams such as these who define the odds make bracket busting an enjoyable notion, as their victories manufacture fantastic memories that will forever be instilled in not only the minds of these young players, their coaches and their fan base, but of basketball fans country wide. These "cinderella teams"as they are often referred to as, add a spice and flavor to the tournament that makes it such an incredible event. The aspect of unpredictability makes "March Madness" such a great time. The tournament isn't crippled by top heavy teams, boasting numerous superstars. All that matters is one game. One moment to leap up in triumph, or collapse in defeat and misery.

In early April, the national championship game for this tournament rolls around, and a collegiate champion is crowned. The exhausting journey that is the NCAA Tournament concludes, and all attention goes to the big dogs. The NBAers. In early April, NBA teams are jockeying for playoff positioning which produces some of the best games of the season. Throughout the season, many complain of lulls teams go through. Periods of time where teams seem interested and have their mind fully fixated on the playoffs. Some teams in early April elect to preserve their mind and body, in preparation for the war that is the NBA Playoffs.

The intensity of the game, the hostile environments and the physicality that is sure to come during these contests make it such an appealing watch. The game slows down, the possessions mean more and the emotion is in full throttle. Superstars being to salivate at the prospect of cementing their legacy by accomplishing their career long dream: winning an NBA championship. Mid April through June is the most brilliant and beautiful display of basketball any individual could ask for. The NBA Playoffs is a mesh of intensity, skill and wit. Players trying to assert themselves as one of the NBA's top players and or teams.

Playing against the same team over a possible period of 7 games becomes annoying. Emotions start to fester up, venom starts to spew and blood starts to boil. Rivalries are then etched in stone, and classic match ups are born. While others may breakdown physically, some propel them
selves to heights others thought weren't possible with mental fortitude. Legends are established in the NBA Playoffs. Virtuoso performances are pumped out by those refusing to lie down and die, having their fate decided by the opposition. Legacies are heightened, some diminished. Whatever the case is, us fans sit discussing, blogging and tormenting some players via social media.

Yes, March until June is truly the most wonderful time of the year. A continuous display of basketball and all it's beauty. Fierce and devoted teams looking to promote themselves to the status of champion. Watching these squads attempt to get there is what's so remarkable, as some titans may folly and the meek may surprisingly prosper. Whatever the case is, sit back and immerse yourself in all of this basketball. And as the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, don't be afraid to venture outside and run a couple games with some buddies. The highlight plays may be omitted, but the concept is all the same. Enjoy the game of basketball with an devoted mindset, and some fantastic memories can be produced. To some it's just a game, but for hoops junkies like myself its more than a game. The same is said in reference to the college and NBA teams looking to hunt down an NBA championship. The results may not always be pretty, but as always it should be appreciated.

Who do you think will win the NCAA Tournament? Who do you think will claim the NBA championship? Do you have any sleeper NBA Playoff teams? Share your thoughts and opinions with me on twitter @wcboyer24, and as always continue to support The Basketball Society.

NCAA March Madness: Favorite Players to watch this season

It's the most wonderful time of the year. March Madness is upon us. So many emphases were placed on this season in college basketball with regards to the super freshman class, deservingly. This list includes the players I enjoyed watching this season, some for much different reasons than others. This not my top overall players list, nor is this in any particular order. These were my favorite players to watch this season who I had the chance to watch, all of which will likely be participating in the madness after Selection Sunday.



Doug McDermott - Creighton, Senior

All of the numbers on McDermott's season have analysts running out of ways to describe how good he is. For me, it's truly been an honor to watch this guy develop into the clear-cut frontrunner for this year's Wooden Award. I remember watching McDermott years ago with notions of 'solid' in my takeaway from his game. Now, he's flat out dominant, much slimmer, quicker, and a lethal threat from anywhere on the floor. I love his feel, his footwork, and his decorated inside-out game, which has helped him accumulate over 3,000 points in his career after dropping 45 points on Providence in the Big East Tournament last Saturday.

Jabari Parker - Duke, Freshman

I fell in love with Parker's game right away, which for me was Duke's game vs. Kansas in November's tip-off tournament. What I saw was a raw confidence supplemented by gifted scoring abilities and a physical presence, which resulted in 27 points and 9 rebounds by the freshman on his first big stage. Since then we've seen Parker truly elevate his game, specifically in terms of getting easier baskets and playing more adamantly below the free throw line. He has also shown a tremendous, willful knack for rebounding the basketball, specifically defensively, which has kept Duke afloat on the glass against bigger teams. Parker's offensive rating was an astounding 113.3 this season, and that's while using 31.4 percent of Duke's possessions and taking 31.8 percent of their shots. He is and will continue to be a special talent, and I can say I'm honored to have watched him in likely his first and last college season.

Andrew Wiggins - Kansas, Freshman

Most of what I heard about Wiggins as a prospect had to do with his freakish athleticism, but  as I've watched him this season it has become more unfair to simply reduce it to that. Frankly, Wiggins has continued to show why his potential stock garnered comparisons to LeBron James -- he's nearly unstoppable in the open floor and uses his rare length, speed, and athleticism to cause problems on defense. However, he also has a potency to his offense that has started to mature on a major level just in the last week, scoring 41 points on 18 shot attempts in a loss at West Virginia and 30 points, 9 rebounds vs. Oklahoma State in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. If Wiggins has "figured it out" in terms of understanding time and possession, when to pull the trigger/use the first step, and found that middle ground between smart and aggressive, he's on watch for putting on an encore for what is expected to be his first and last season as a college basketball player.

Gary Harris - Michigan State, Sophomore

I've been a big fan of the Keith Appling-Gary Harris back court for the Spartans these last two years, and I think we've seen Harris grow up a bit this season. Izzo and Co. have suffered injury lapses but Harris has continued to develop individually. Although his shooting percentages dropped from his freshman campaign, his scoring has increased by +5 PPG and his capabilities are still affirmed. At 6-foot-4 Harris is an off-guard that can virtually score against anyone on the perimeter and off the bounce, and I think his junior year could be the solidifier in terms of calling him an elite pro prospect.

Russ Smith - Louisville, Senior

Louisville's postseason run last year opened my eyes to just how much I enjoy watching Russ Smith play basketball. His tenacious individual defense correlates with Rick Pitino's desire to suffocate the opposition with full court pressure. I love how Smith uses his cat-quickness as a defender to corner, jam, and dictate ball handlers. On the offensive side, he's a cannon. When you see how dangerously streaky this guy is you start to understand why Allen Iverson's name has been mentioned incessantly along with "Russ-diculous". You also get a sense of how he earned that nickname. His trigger is quick off the catch, his shot selection is eager but justified, and he can get wherever he wants using the dribble as fast as he wants to get there.

Nik Stauskas - Michigan, Junior

I love seeing guys embrace a new role. Nik Stauskas' role during Michigan's Final Four run last season was to hit outside shots, which he did. Without their Trey Burke catalyst this season, Stauskas has taken on a more primary role in Michigan's offense. The ball is in his hands more and he has shown more of a repertoire, particularly off the dribble. Increasing his scoring average by 6 points per game and harnessing more responsibility for the Wolverines offense has shown Stauskas' full embrace of his new role. He's deceptively shifty with the basketball and has helped his team maintain their identity even after losing Burke and Hardaway Jr. to the NBA Draft and big man Mitch McGary to injury.

Nick Johnson - Arizona, Junior

I started taking a closer look at Arizona when they began to ascend as one of the nation's top teams this season, and what I first noticed, per usual, was the guard play. I saw stability in the back court with T.J. McConnell and Nick Johnson. Earning Pac-12 Player of the Year, Johnson's two-way impact is what I enjoy more than anything. Recognized as one of the best defenders in the conference, his quickness, strength, and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions. On the offensive end, he leads the Wildcats in scoring (16.1 PPG) with efficiency and poise. He's not really a prolific shot creator but he provides steady and stable offense, which obviously comes in handy this time of the year.

Georges Niang - Iowa State, Sophomore

This season for Iowa State has pointed so much deserving attention to stand outs DeAndre Kane and Melvin Ejim, who have had spectacular seasons, but I might argue that Georges Niang is the most critical asset of their big three. My first time truly watching Niang was during Iowa State's match-up with Oklahoma State on February 3. I watched him make two 17-foot jumpers and complete two pinpoint, high-IQ assists to DeAndre Kane, (one an alley-oop from the top of the key, the other a kick out from the post on a double team) scoring or assisting on 15 of the Cyclones' first 17 points of the game. This guy is one of those rare playmakers at the forward position who compensates a lack of vertical athleticism with a savvy feel for the game.

Jerami Grant - Syracuse, Sophomore

What I've enjoyed most about watching Jerami Grant this season is his role in the Syracuse 2-3 zone. Jim Boeheim does an excellent job of finding guys like Grant and C.J. Fair who have great length on the bottom wing of the zone, but more importantly, can cover ground quickly by discouraging the wing pass and guarding the bass line simultaneously. Grant's length is a crucial aspect to Syracuse's ability to neutralize offenses with the zone. He finds his points offensively, mostly on the glass, and displays great patience for his size when he does look to create. Grant is the kind of specimen that NBA scouts have kept their eye on all season.

Shabazz Napier - UCONN, Junior

Napier is the current poster child for embracing a new role. Filling the shoes of his predecessor Kemba Walker might have seemed like a tall order at the time, but right now I believe Shabazz Napier to be the most dangerous guard in college basketball. His fearlessness is evident, but more specifically, it's his elusively off-the-dribble that astounds me each time I watch him. His ability to go from the dribble into his jump shot is seamless and limitless. You can't really disrupt him or make him uncomfortable because he fully understands situations, spacing, and timing. Deservingly earning AAC Player of the Year, don't be at all surprised if Napier lights up March the way his predecessor did.

Lamar Patterson - Pittsburgh, Senior

Patterson very well may be one of the most improved all-around players in the country. The fifth-year senior increased his scoring average from 10 to just under 18 PPG this season, giving Jamie Dixon and the Panthers their reliable go-to option. Dixon's offense runs through Patterson as a scorer, but also as a playmaker, constantly in pick-and-roll situations because of his wonderful passing and decision making in those scenarios. He's a gifted shooter, can put it on the floor, and can seemingly create any shot he needs, but I love watching his concerted knack for getting his teammates involved.

Other players I've enjoyed watching this season: Julius Randle (Kentucky), Patrick Young (Florida), Tyler Haws (BYU), Perry Ellis (Kansas), Marcus Paige (UNC), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), Aaron Gordon (Arizona)

- Martin S. (@marley_mcfly)