The UConn story is kind of amazing to me. When last we looked, legendary coach Jim Calhoun was "retiring" under a cloud of academic improprieties that led to the team being put on NCAA probation. Further, when various conference realignments forced the Big East to return to it's basketball only, Catholic school roots, Connecticut seemed to be still standing when all the music stopped playing, and sort of disappeared from the Big Times College Hoops scene, at least from my vantage point. And now here they are, a number seven seed playing for the National Championship.
The team they will play, John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats seem to have an equally improbable story. National Champs in 2012, they failed to even qualify for the big tournament last year, returned with another bunch of potential one-and-done blue chippers this year and started the season with mixed results. They made the tournament this year as a number eight seed.
I have no horse in this race, no chance to win any money in any pool that I entered, so what I am really rooting for tonight is a good game. If forced to root for someone, I would choose Kentucky because I kind of like Coach Cal, despite his reputation for sailing near the wind on several occasions. Still, if you want a prediction, I am going to choose Connecticut as the winner tonight. Kentucky probably has more talented players, but in watching both semi-final games on Saturday, Connecticut seemed to me to be a better team.
As always, watch but don't bet.
It could also be a very special year in Storrs, CT, as the UConn women will play for the national title tomorrow night against Notre Dame. Both teams are undefeated, and that one should be a treat to watch.
Enjoy the game!
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