Well, not to toot my own horn (that’s what she said), but I was 8 for 8 in my Sweet 16 predictions. So, by popular demand I will now share my Elite 8 predictions just in time for all my faithful readers to call their bookies (of course, you’ll only be betting potato chips as I would never condone illegal activity).
Without further ado: I like the way Mizzou is playing and I think the pressing style could negate Theebet’s effectiveness but UConn’s guards are no slouches. All that being said, I just have a hunch about this Mizzou team, I’ve liked them all season and I’ll stick with them for an upset.
The Big East is assured of at least one Final Four team due to the Nova – Pitt Elite 8 clash tonight. Blair is the kind of player that I love and Levance Fields is just a winner (and Sam Young is a great scorer). But Nova is playing some great ball right now and Nova won at home in the only match-up b/w these teams this year. I just think Pitt will get it done, Blair and Fields are going to will Pitt to the Motor D.
It is my sincere hope that Blake Griffin treats that jittering fool Hansbourgh that a red-headed step-child. It will be a good game but in the end I think Lawson is just better than Oklahoma’s goofy #20 and that will be the difference. Roy “Shucks Howdy” Williams and his insurance salesman sports-coat will once again show you don’t have to know much about hoop to coach a team with a bunch of talent to the Final Four.
Now, for MSU v Louisville. I don’t have much in-depth analysis, just a lot of nerves and anticipation. Raymar broke his nose last night, here’s hoping he can channel the spirit of Matt Trannon in the face-mask and play like a man on a mission (and share some of that sugar with Del Roe). I just have a hunch – maybe call it a hope – but I think MSU finds a way, my god please make it so.
So, in case you’re keeping track at home that’s a Final Four of MSU v. Mizzou and Pitt v. UNC.
And just for the record: Tom Izzo is going no where and I have no idea what was up with Gus Johnson last night but Tom Izzo is appreciated more in East Lansing than the Pope is in Rome (although if you only read the Detroit newspapers or watch Don Shane and that clown Smilovitz I could see how you might be confused). But make no mistake, TI will get whatever he wants in EL and is treated like a king – I firmly believe his current coaching job will be his last.
