Final Four Preview

What a wild NCAA Tournament this has been! This is the first year that I can remember throwing my bracket in the trash before the Final Four. The last four teams include one from the Colonial and one from the Horizon leagues. And they are playing each other! Conventional wisdom says the winner of the second semifinal game will win it all, but I threw conventional wisdom out the window a while ago.

#11 VCU vs. #8 Butler (6:07 p.m.) - I don't know which is the better story - VCU or Butler. The fact that Butler has made two straight Final Fours is remarkable - one of the best achievements in the history of college basketball. VCU meanwhile is the darling of the tournament and the team that has pulled off the most shocking upset (over Kansas). I think the difference between these two teams is experience. VCU has never been even close to the Final Four, and will be playing in the biggest stage of their life. Butler has been there done that, and has a seasoned and battle-tested team. VCU certainly can win this game, but I'm going to go with Butler. Pick: Butler

#4 Kentucky vs. #3 Connecticut (8:47 p.m.) - It's hard to believe that a program with the tradition of Kentucky hasn't been to the Final Four since 1998. But here they are with as good a chance as any to take home the title. This has to be rewarding for John Calipari, especially since everyone expected them to be here last year and they couldn't get the job done. It will be interesting to watch Kentucky's young team go against Kemba Walker, the kind of star that deserves to have that Final Four stage. Besides Jeremy Lamb, we'll see what other players can step up for Connecticut. I think this will be an excellent game, and for the second time this year UConn will beat Kentucky. Pick: Connecticut