Two things are clear about the Final Four in 2012. First, it’s a lot more high profile and talented than last year’s group. And second, one team stands above the others. Here’s our ranking of the last four teams left:
Kentucky » The Wildcats did not play in the best league this season, but they have rolled through the tournament. Maybe they didn’t have the toughest road to the Final Four, but then again their talent had something to do with those lopsided wins. And there’s little reason to consider them anything other than a favorite. They showed against Indiana, with Anthony Davis sidelined, the ability to play a smaller but explosive lineup. It’s theirs to lose.
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Ohio State » The young Buckeyes have matured in the tournament, showing a toughness unseen much of the regular season. They lost leads vs. Gonzaga, Cincinnati and Syracuse yet maintained their composure and regained their advantage. It helps that sophomore guard Lenzelle Smith has scored big, compensating for William Buford’s scoring woes. They rebound well and have two excellent scorers in DeShaun Thomas and Jared Sullinger, both of whom could be headed to the NBA.
Louisville » Are the Cardinals this year’s Connecticut? UConn won it as a No. 3 seed last year after winning the Big East. Louisville is a No.?4 after winning the Big East tourney. The Cardinals played Kentucky tough earlier this season before losing by seven. Louisville does not shoot 3s as well as in the past (except against Michigan State), but the Cardinals are aggressive defensively. Having a shot blocker in the middle such as 6-foot-11 Gorgui Dieng allows them to play that way.
Kansas » The Jayhawks beat Ohio State at home in December, but the Buckeyes played minus Sullinger and gave them a good game. But Kansas has a terrific point guard in senior Tyshawn Taylor and an inside force in Thomas Robinson. They rebound and defend well. Elijah Johnson is a good offensive player as well. Kansas was not considered a top-10 team before the season, so it has done a fantastic job to reach this point.
– John Keim
