Sweet 16

I forgot to post picks for this weekend. I'm watching Duke vs LSU & Memphis vs Bradley right now, but I'm still keeping my same picks. I have Duke, Texas, Memphis, UCLA, UCONN, George Mason, Villanova, & Georgetown advancing to the Elite Eight. Duke, UCLA, UCONN & 'Nova to the Final Four. I'm glad to see that for all my problems in the early rounds that none of my Final Four teams are gone entering the Sweet 16. However, Duke is in trouble right now and surely at least one team I picked will fall. I'd guess that Villanova would be that team simply because all three remaining teams in the Minneapolis Region have a size advantage over Villanova. I'm not changing my picks though, I just think that of my Final Four teams that Villanova is the most likely to fall early. In the end, I still like UCONN. That hasn't changed since the season started. I just hope it holds up.

I have to admit, I think Duke or Villanova's players most deserve a title. What do I mean by that? I think those teams' players, especially the seniors, have been through a lot. Duke takes everyone's best shot and has fallen short the last three years. All the crap JJ & Shelden put up with from fans is just sad. I can't believe how cruel fans have been in general to these guys, myself included at times. JJ has grown on me over time and I have always respected Williams. To see those guys go out with a title would seem to justify their careers. Now I didn't say I'm pulling for them; after all, they are the true rival of the ole alma mater. But, in the world of college basketball, it would seem Right.

Villanova also has some great seniors. Their class came in with loads of hype and was disappointing their first two seasons. Things came together last year for them, but this year has just been special. Coach Jay Wright has a solid program growing into a potential Big East beast for years to come. But, this class plays so hard and took a chance on going to 'Nova when few others were. When I say they play hard, I'm talking hard. Diving, taking charges, attacking the rim. It is fun to watch and would be even more fun on the big stage in Indianapolis.

Ok, enjoy the games this weekend. I'll be watching the Lady Heels this weekend hoping to pull them on to the Final Four in Boston. I'll holla...