College Basketball Final Four and Championship
College Basketball is back. One of the most wonderful times of the year for fans across the country. Although the season was completed last year, it’s hard to say that it brought out the same emotions that fans feel on an annual basis.
We’re back to packed arenas, court storming, and a 100,000 fan final four. What a time to be alive.
For those NBA-heads who hate the game of college basketball, you can keep reading to find out who will play in the final four and make the national championship. No need to watch the game, just keep reading.
The 2022 final four includes two first year coaches, the potential number one pick in the NBA draft, and a 7-4 guy (who is actually pretty good).
Back-to-Back Zags
Gonzaga is loaded once again. Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard are among the best returning players in college basketball, and Chet Holmgren was the number one recruit in America last season.
Rasir Bolton, a transfer from Iowa State, could be the key to the success of Gonzaga. Timme, Nembhard, and Holmgren make up the best three man combo in America, but Bolton could add the extra scoring punch to take this team over the edge.
Gonzaga also represents the big man revolution in college basketball this season. Drew Timme is one of the favorites to win the Naismith and will play a massive role in determining their fate come tournament time.
The Zags have what it takes to cut down the nets this season.
Texas is a Basketball School
When Shaka Smart left for Marquette, and four of the top six players from the Big 12 tournament champions left Austin, no one predicted that Texas could put together a squad this deep in a few months.
Chris Beard assembled the best transfer class in NCAA history with stars from across the country. The Longhorns have the ability to play big, small, throw shooters all over the floor, and bring in Brock Cunningham and Avery Benson to win a street fight.
It’s hard to find holes in the Texas roster. They have excellent playmakers at the guard position, versatile wings, and depth in the interior.
If Chris Beard can get the group of transfers to bond on and off the floor, this team might be the favorite to win it all.
Texas travels to Spokane to play Gonzaga on the first Saturday of the season. Mark your calendars.
The Really Tall Boilermakers
Going along with the theme of big men dominating the sport, Purdue has what it takes to reach a final four. The combination of Traveion Williams and Zach Edey on the interior are hard for any team in America to stop.
7’4” Zach Edey might become the darling of college basketball this season. As seen with Tacko Fall, America loves when an absurdly tall college kid dominates a game. The sophomore Edey is a better player than Fall at his age and will play a key role in how far the Boilermakers go this season.
Yet, college basketball is and always will be a guards game. Jaden Ivey and Eric Hunter Jr. are the two most important players on the team. If Ivey can make the jump to an all-american caliber player, the Boilermakers have an excellent shot at winning Matt Painter his first national championship.
Is UNC Back?
A bit of a wild card, I’ll take the Tar Heels to reach a final four in Hubert Davis’ first year. It’s hard to see North Carolina struggling through a transition this year because of Davis’ familiarity with the program. It should be a seamless transition for the players on the roster.
The final four pick is largely predicated on a jump from the sophomore backcourt tandem of RJ Davis and Caleb Love. These two former five-stars have the potential to carry the heels in a tournament setting. Yet, they also have shown a knack of turning the ball over in key spots. However, I see a big jump in North Carolina’s backcourt this season from freshman to sophomore year.
The strength of North Carolina’s team is in the front court. The team will be a vintage dominant North Carolina front court. Dawson Garcia, Leaky Black, Armando Bacot, and Brady Manek make up the best quartet in America.
Don’t sleep on North Carolina making a run in Hubert’s first season.
National Champion…..
College basketball is and always will be a guards game. There is one team that undoubtedly has the best set of guards mentioned in the four teams above…. The Texas Longhorns.
Marcus Carr, Courtney Ramey, and Andrew Jones have what it takes to carry the Longhorns. Texas has the ability to match up with the elite bigs in college basketball, but no one can match their guard play.
Barring any chemistry issues with the eight transfers, Texas will be national champions in 2022.
