04-07-08 - 4:30 PM

Matchups:

Point Guard

Derrick Rose vs Russell Robinson

Advantage: Rose. Rose has been the best player in the tournament to date. He will use both his size and quickness in an attempt to exploit Robinson. Robinson is a very good on-ball defender and has senior experience, but Rose is just flat a better player.

Shooting Guard

Antonio Anderson vs Mario Chalmers

Advantage: Chalmers. The 6'1 Chalmers could be considered the MVP of the well-balanced Jayhawks. He's their best shooter and also leads the team in steals. Anderson is also a good defensive player, but isn't a great shooter. Look for Chalmers to penetrate and kick to teammates on the perimeter.

Small Forward

Chris Douglas-Roberts vs Brandon Rush

Advantage: Douglas-Roberts. Douglas-Roberts has been outstanding for the Tigers in the tournament. He's an explosive slasher who is an excellent finisher in the open court and can shoot the triple when given space. Rush is the Jayhawks' leading scorer on the season. He must play well defensively tonight for Kansas.

Power Forward

Robert Dozier vs Darrell Arthur

Advantage: Arthur. Both are super athletic, rangy forwards who rely on energy to impact a game. Neither really have a lot of plays called for them on the offense end either. But Arthur has a little more post game and can also spot up from 10-12 if necessary, so we'll give him the slight advantage.

Center

Joey Dorsey vs Darnell Jackson

Advantage: Dorsey. Dorsey, simply put, is a monster when he wants to be. He must defend and rebound well tonight. Jackson could have a major impact on the outcome of this game, but he must get a few offensive rebounds and show a little more tenacity.

Bench

Willie Kemp, Doneal Mack and Shawn Taggert vs Sharron Collins, Sasha Kaun and Cole Aldrich

Advantage: Kansas. Look for Kansas to rotate Kaun, Aldrich and Dorsey in an attempt to tire the big man out. Collins has the ability to impact a game offensively like most other teams would dream of off the bench. Kemp was a starter last year until Rose arrived, so he has big game experience. Mack is a shooter and Taggert has a deft touch around the rim.

Coaching

John Calipari vs Bill Self

Advantage: Even. Neither coach has been in a title game. Calipari led UMass to the Final Four in 1996. Both teams have the ability to change on the fly, so it will likely matter which coach is able to adjust quicker.

Prediction

Both teams play excellent perimeter defense. Both teams will also look to push the pace and get easy transition baskets. If I was Kansas, I would look to double both Rose and Douglas-Roberts on the perimeter and make someone else beat me. There isn't a guard in the country that can cover Rose off the bounce...and in the end, I think that's the X-factor. I haven't done it all tournament...but I'm doing it now. Memphis 77 Kansas 70. Memphis fans everywhere just got that sinking feeling in their stomach.

I'd like to thank Joe, Gerard and Tim for allowing me the forum to write about the tournament. I've enjoyed it immensely and look forward to working with them in the future. Thanks guys!