Kansas
- Bill Self has enhanced his already strong coaching reputation by leading a Kansas team with not as much talent as Kansas teams of the past to the Final Four.
- Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News believes the career of Tyshawn Taylor mirrors that of a Shakespeare character. DeCourcy notes that Taylor’s career has consisted of conflict, resolution, dramatic twists, and ultimate redemption.
- Despite the fact that Danny Manning and Barry Hinson have taken head coaching jobs at Tulsa and Southern Illinois respectively, Bill Self assured the public that all of Manning and Hinson’s attention is on Kansas this weekend.
- Kevin Young compiled a career-best 14 points when Kansas defeated Ohio State on December 10. Young, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, arrived at Kansas via some unusual circumstances.
Louisville
- Assistant coach Richard Pitino noted that there has been a pretty prominent change in the way his father, Rick Pitino coaches. The younger Pitino believes his father has a much better relationship with his players than he used to.
- News broke that Rick Pitino will not be a member of this year’s Naismith Memorial National Basketball Hall of Fame class. Considering Pitino’s resume, this is a bit shocking.
- Rick Pitino has been through a lot in his coaching career and his life, so it would be unfair to define the man solely based on the Karen Sypher extortion scandal.
- Gorgui Dieng and Russ Smith might be the most unlikely roommates of all-time, but the two are great friends and are keys to Louisville’s success.
Kentucky
- Kentucky is one of the most storied programs in the history of college basketball. The Wildcats, however, have not won a title since 1998. With this year’s loaded roster, it might be time for Kentucky to cut down the nets once again.
- While he denies he is in a must-win situation this weekend in New Orleans, Kentucky head coach John Calipari is absolutely in a must-win situation this weekend as his roster is loaded like it never has been before.
- Kentucky has been very efficient on offense all season. It can definitely be argued that freshman forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been the key to the Wildcats’ efficiency.
- Kentucky’s four freshmen (Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, and Kyle Wiltjer) believe the seeds to this year’s Final Four run were planted when all four of them participated in last year’s McDonald’s All-American Game.
Ohio State
- A disappointing late-season loss to Ohio State resulted in Thad Matta kicking his team out of practice the next day. Since that day the Buckeyes have won eight out of nine games rolling to the Final Four.
- A possible reason why Ohio State has been so successful during Thad Matta’s tenure might be because his players genuinely enjoy playing for him so much.
- Jared Sullinger still feels guilty about missing Ohio State’s loss to Kansas on December 10. The sophomore missed the game due to back spasms, but those back spasms have been alleviated and the star will be ready to play in the rematch Saturday.
- Deshaun Thomas has emerged as a great sidekick for standout Jared Sullinger. For some reason though, Thomas is not getting the attention he deserves for his strong performance.