John Calipari won the Mafia matchup with Rick Petino. Bill Self won the midwest matchup with Thad Motta. As a result, this Monday evening the University of Kentucky will play the University of Kansas for the 2012 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship.
Kentucky and Kansas are the winningest men's basketball programs in NCAA history. Kentucky is loaded with talented individual players who have learned quickly how to play as a team. Kansas is a traditional team where the players have specific roles.
Below are the major aspects of the game and my thoughts on who has the advantage.
Coaching- This is a toss-up.
Calipari and Self are both great recruiters who rely on the players to win the game. Neither is focused on set plays.
Offense - Kentucky
Kentucky has several NBA level players. Kansas has two NBA level players. One is strictly as shot blocker. Kentucky will score but it will not be easy.
Defense- This is a toss up.
Both teams have great athletes. Both teams play good man to man defense. Both teams have NBA level defensive players who can protect the basket. Davis for Kentucky and Whitney for Kansas as the two best shot blockers in the NCAA.
Free throw shooting - Kentucky
Kentucky attempted 897 freethrows and made 72% of them.
Kansas attempted 834 freethrows and made 69% of them.
Intangibles - Kansas
Kansas has won several close games in the tournament. Kansas played in the Big 12 which is a tougher conference than the SEC. Kansas has a "go-to" player in Robinson who can score in the clutch. Kentucky has not been in a close game in the final 2 minutes of the tournament. I am not sure who the "go to" offensive player is for Kentucky.
Prediction - Kentucky(I want Kansas to win).
Final Score: 70-67
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