Well by now you have figured out that we here at LOHD are big NCAA Tournament fans. It is the true way to determine a champion, let the teams play it out. I wish the BCS would follow suit and have a playoff. Now that I have gotten that off my chest, let’s take a closer look at this year’s final four.
Who to watch out for:
Gordon Hayward (Butler) Coming from a team that is considered a mid major with no recognizable names, Hayward is a star in the making. If you have seen this kid play, make sure you check him out this weekend. The 6-9 swingman does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs, don’t be surprised to see him bring the ball up the court or post up in the paint. Hayward does just enough of everything to give the Bulldogs a fighting chance to win it all. Coming off a 22 point, 9 rebound game against K-State, he could light it up against Michigan State on Saturday.
John Scheyer (Duke) As a member of Duke’s big three (Smith, Scheyer, Singler), Scheyer is a probably best known for his ability to shoot the 3. Duke’s big men will crash the boards for offensive rebounds, and have no problem passing the ball out to the perimeter for Scheyer to throw up as many three’s as he likes. Coming off of a 20 point performance against Baylor, where he was 5 for 10 from three point land, look for John to light it up again against West Virginia.
Joe Mazzula( WVU) Most people would say that Da’Sean Butler is the star of the WVU team, but with Truck Bryant out. I think Mazzula is the player to watch. Coming off of a shoulder injury last year, Mazzula has been watching Truck run the show. Well Mazzula will have his hands full against Scheyer on Saturday, but his offensive play is going to be what makes or breaks the Mountaineers. Coming off a career high with 17 points against Kentucky, look for Mazzula to have a big role WVU’s game plan.
Raymar Morgan (MSU) Morgan might not be the game changer the other star players in the final four are, but this senior from Canton Ohio doesn’t have to be a game changer for the Spartan’s to win. As he has done for four years, just consistently score his 10 to 14 points and grab between 6-10 rebounds a game. Then play good defense and let the other around him do their thing. This is a credit to Coach Izzo as well as Morgan, for not making player play outside of there comfort zones. Look for Morgan to have a big game against Butler on Saturday, as I thing his size will play a big factor in the game.
What will happen on Saturday:
MSU v Butler
The first game of the night is Michigan State vs. Butler. Everyone always pulls for the underdog, so look for Butler to play well early, as they will be riding an emotional high. It is there first final four. Michigan State is all around a better team, and Coach Izzo knows how to coach in the final four. I look for Michigan State to win a close game.
Duke v WVU
The 2nd game of the evening will be a faceoff of two veteran coaches, Duke’s coach K and WVU’s coach Huggins. I give Duke the edge in this game as they have the bigs and outside shooting to handle WVU. Also look for Duke Guards to make Mazzula handle the ball a lot as he is coming off of a shoulder injury, and has been hesitant to shoot from the outside. Being battle tested in the Big East has done nothing but make this WVU team worthy of a chance to win the big dance. Duke might have the size and but WVU isn’t that fare off from being at the same talent level. This is going to be a game of coaching adjustments, and strategy. Should be a barn burner, or maybe a couch burner. I have WVU with the upset of the final #1 seed.
So again MSU in a close game and WVU in a classic upset.
There is nothing like March Madness in April. Thoughts?
