Memo to all fledgling coaches: Go West, young men. If you want to learn a thing or two about the game, there is no better region than the West.
Two of the best basketball minds ever to come out of New York’s playgrounds go brain-to-brain when Louisville’s Rick Pitino and Davidson’s Bob McKillop match wits in a No. 4 vs. No. 13 second-round game.
Michigan’s State’s Tom Izzo has taken the top-seeded Spartans to six Final Fours.
Florida’s Billy Donovan, a Long Islander and a Pitino disciple, won back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007.
Best Player: Michigan State F Draymond Green — His coach believes he’s the best leader in the tourney.
Unsung Hero: Murray State G Donte Poole — A do-everything guard that exemplifies the versatility of these Racers.
Best Second-round Matchup: It’s Pitino vs. McKillop. Louisville better not foul in its foul-court press. Davidson is ninth nationally in free-throw shooting.
Second-round Upset: The No. 7 Florida Gators are all about offense, averaging 76.8 points per game. No. 10 Virginia is second nationally in scoring defense, allowing 53.2 points per game. Go with defense.
Sleeper: No. 6 Murray State — You don’t win 30 games without developing some big-time confidence.
OK Corral: No. 2 Missouri is third nationally in field-goal shooting (50.2 percent) and 19th in 3-point shooting (39.2).
CHAMPION: Missouri — In addition to terrific shooting marks, the Tigers are second in the nation in turnover margin. That combo puts tons of pressure on opponents.