Here we are again: Kentucky going into the South region of the NCAA tournament with a gorilla the size of the Empire State Building on coach John Calipari’s shoulders.
He has the most unique program in college basketball. Each year he brings in the nation’s best recruiting class, molds the freshmen into a selfless group, some glitch gets him in the tournament and they all go to the NBA.
The Wildcats are loaded. They are the team to beat with the coach to question.
Best Player: Kentucky C Anthony Davis — The most dominant force in college hoops blocked an SEC-record 154 shots.
Unsung Hero: Wichita State C Garrett Stutz — Not many teams have a 7-foot senior center who averages 13.5 points on 56-percent shooting.
Best Second-round Matchup: No. 5 Wichita State vs. No. 12 VCU — The Shockers are a big, physical team that is 15th nationally in rebounding margin and prefers a halfcourt game. VCU, a Final Four team last year, leads the nation in steals (10.7) and wants a frenetic pace.
Second-round Upset: No. 7 Notre Dame could not have gotten a worse draw. The Irish are not a quick team. Look for No. 10 Xavier to beat them off the dribble.
Sleeper: No. 10 Xavier — This team was KO’d after a brawl with Cincinnati early in the season. This is their comeback.
OK Corral: Baylor knocks down 38 percent of its 3s and 74.7 percent of its free throws.
CHAMPION: Kentucky — Has six players who can and do start.