The hammer Florida State dropped on North Carolina earlier this year in Tallahassee, Fla., was no fluke. The Seminoles proved that by beating the Tar Heels for a second time yesterday.
Those who know Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton know this: His teams are always tough-minded and nasty on defense. The Seminoles, third seed in the East region, have a big man in Bernard James to hurt No. 1 Syracuse inside.
But most of all, Hamilton has four senior starters who think defense is beautiful.
Best Player: Ohio State F Jared Sullinger — Few are better at working down low.
Unsung Hero: The Seminoles — It’s part of their charm.
Best Second-round Matchup: No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia — The Zags should be loose. Gonzaga could use Sam Dower or Elias Harris to guard Mountaineers star Kevin Jones.
Second-round Upset: No. 9 Southern Miss over No. 8 Kansas State — Call this the matchup of intense coaches. The Golden Eagles are led by Larry Eustachy, last seen having a meltdown in the 2000 regional finals. Wildcats coach Frank Martin’s 1,000-yard stare has obtained legendary status.
Sleeper: No. 5 Vanderbilt — They can be patient, so if they get No. 4 Wisconsin in a third-round game, the pace shouldn’t be a shock.
OK Corral: Vandy’s John Jenkins leads the nation in 3-pointers made (3.9 per game).
CHAMPION: Florida State — Hamilton’s senior-laden team helps him finally get some credit.