Prediction: Monday Night will be epic!
In the first semi-final, Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans are becoming a regular player in the Big Dance, and this year is no exception. The run ends on Saturday as Duke and 6-11 Jahill Okafor will own the paint, and overcome the always-good-on-the-boards guys in green. Duke was surprised by Notre Dame in the ACC final, the Dukies won't be surprised again in 2015!
The undefeated Kentucky Wildcats then take on Wisconsin, in a rematch of last year's 2014 semifinal. There seems to be a lot of steam behind the Badger's and 7-0 Frank Kaminsky, derailing the 38-0 Wildcats. There have been a lot of comparisons to Wisconsin and Notre Dame, and the Irish's near upset of Kentucky last Saturday in Cleveland seems to have a lot of folks believing in the Badgers. I have a different take--the Wildcats and Coach Calipari had a week to retool after last Saturday. Freshman forward Karl-Anthony Towns (25 points vs ND) and his superstar laden teammates Kentucky will cover the 5-point spread, and have the Wildcat nation dreaming about title number 9 and a magical 40-0 season. (Hint, don't bet on it!!)
Movie(s) to watch this weekend: If you have not yet seen ESPN's 30-30 "I Hate Christian Laettner, the documentary is an absolute must see! If you are feeling the need for back-to-back films, take in the older "Fab 5" 30-30. The two productions share a tremendous amount of insights on college basketball, race, culture, and fandom in America. Jalen Rose perhaps the best soundbite of all time!
I Raise My Glass and Toast...
*Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Brey. Brey's team was spectacular the last couple of weeks, and had they cashed in some free throws in the second half, they may be playing this weekend. During the tournament, Coach's mother passed away, however I feel her eyes were smiling on her son last week. Peace to you Coach Brey, and thanks to you and your team for such a joyous run! By the way, those jerseys were funkadelic, but nothing finer than when the Irish sport the green and gold! (I experienced a serious brain freeze earlier....the Irish Coach is Mike BREY!)
**Speaking of green and gold, Sacramento State tasted their first real taste of success in Division I, winning 21 games and earning a spot in the College Insider.com Tournament. Head Coach Brian Katz, a Sacramento native and long-time personal acquaintance of mine, well let's just say I look forward to the Hornets playing in the Big Dance in the not-too-distant future! Sac State has our own Coach K!!
(Update: Coach Katz won the Hugh Durham Award! Article in the April 4 Sacramento Bee.)
***A former high school coach of mine Del Enos was recently acknowledged by the Sacramento Kings for his 30 years of service as a statistician. Previously, Mr. E toiled for many years as a football, basketball, and athletic director, at my alma matter, knucklehead-laden Rio Vista High School. I wish I was there Coach E, I would have given you a deserved standing ovation!
I love this picture of Coach Brey with his guys....so close to the Final Four!
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