Football season is nothing but a memory. NBA makes me yawn with resting of all the "stars" until the play offs. I played baseball all of my pre adolescent years but I lost interest in MLB years ago when the salaries went berserk.
The truth is March Madness is alive and well. This year is like none that I can remember. The "Elite 8" is now set in stone and every team has a chance to win it all!
Here are the 8 teams still alive:
North Carolina... the Tar Heels have "Twin Tower's" up front and a history to live up to. They are the favorite to cut down the net but I'm looking elsewhere for value although I think they will handle the upstart Wildcats.
Kentucky... the Wildcats have already out performed expectations. This is a young team and Coach C has more than earned his million dollar salary this year.
Oregon has won every game with it all on the line. That will come to an end on Saturday vs the Jayhawks. 'Just too many horses in the game for coach Self.
Kansas has the tools to win it all (and I think they will). Josh Jackson is on another level and with a qb like Mason this team will have to beat itself and I don't see that happening.
Gonzaga has been knocking on the door of the final four for some time. I think last years team had more talent but who can argue with success? Coach Few is clearly in line for a MAJOR salary increase!
Xavier had the worst of luck losing their main player late season. Their record reflected that loss. They have adjusted nicely and I give them a fighting chance because they are well coached. Still the Zags get the call and their first visit to the final four.
I'd be lying if I said South Carolina hasn't surprised me. They have a history of starting fast and fading into oblivion. Not so this year! I tore up a huge ticket on Baylor (-3) and it wasn't even close. Still this game feels like a consolation game to me.
I have been keeping a close eye on Florida all year. When their main paint guardian went down for the season I wrote them off and here they are with 8 to go. This game feels to me like no matter who wins they are fodder for those at the top.
My final four looks like this:
and the winner of Florida/South Carolina