The 2008 Season has finished with the Kansas Jayhawks as Champions.
2009 NCAA Predictions
Andrew's Final Four: UNC, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, UCLA
Finals: UNC, Pittsburgh
Champion: UNC
UNC - I just think that the Tarheels are an early favorite to win the title this year. However, this is assuming that Danny Green will be back, and probably Wayne Ellington. Even without Lawson (who for his own good should come back), the Tarheels have all the pieces to repeat to the Final Four. Bobby Frasor can add that leadership at point guard, and that have a loaded frontcourt starting with Tyler Hansbrough and going 5 deep there. They should have a relatively easy time this year.
Pittsburgh - The Panthers happen to be returning two very important players in Sam Young and Levance Fields. Also, DeJuan Blair turned out to be a fabuloud freshman and a blocking machine. Even Gilbert Brown can add a lot of scoring to the team. The Big East should not be too strong this year, and Pittsburgh can capitalize on this with their pretty experienced team.
Michigan State - They are returning a pretty experienced and talented team next year. While Drew Neitzel is leaving, they still have the very promising Raymar Morgan. Also Kalin Lucas and Travis Walton were big for them last year. Look for the same type of production this year. With Goron Suton and Marquise Gray coming back, they have legitimate big men inside. Also, they have the top power forward coming in this year with Delvon Roe. Roe plus Lucas and Morgan create one dangerous three-headed monster.
UCLA - The return of Darren Collison really vaulted them back into the Final Four. Collison is battled tested (gotten to the final four the last 3 years) Although they are losing Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard a Moute, and Lorenzo Mata-Real. Othes coming back include James Keefe and Michael Rolle. This are bringing in arguably the top class this year starting with #1 shooting guard, Jrue Holiday. Drew Gordon is a big inside threat and they also have two good point guards, Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson. The Bruins will be sure to reload for next year.
Patrick's Final Four: UNC, Pittsburgh, UCONN, Oklahoma
Finals: UNC, Pittsburgh
Champion: UNC
UNC - They're obviously the team to beat as the next season starts. Being the favorites in the previous tournament, they'll return a deep and experienced team. Although Lawson (and possibly Ellington/Green) is leaving UNC, Hansbrough is coming back and he's the heart of this team. Bobby Frasor is good enough to lead this team, and they're bringing in a couple of talent recruits in Tyler Zeller, Ed Davis, and Larry Drew. Davis and Zeller will provide depth for an already deep frontcourt, and Drew can step in as the backup point guard role. They're missing a 3 pt. specialist assuming Ellington leaves, but with a frontcourt as good as theirs I don't see why they would need one.
Pittsburgh - Last year was a disappointment due to the early injury to Levance Fields. If he's fully healthy, I see no reason why Pitt can't contend for a national title. They were a top-10 team before the injury to Fields last year. With another year of experience for Sam Young, DeJuan Blair, and Levance Fields they'll have a very experienced team. Fields and Young will be a senior and Blair a sophomore. 4-star recruit Nasir Robinson should provide another player whose versatility will be valued greatly.
UConn - The decision for Hasheem Thabeet to come back surprised everyone. And for that, I have them in my Final 4. They're returning every key player from a team that managed 24 wins last year. Their starting 5, and top 5 scorers, will all be upperclassmen (2 seniors and 3 juniors). Even their bench includes experienced players. Of the four bench players who saw significant time 1 will be a senior and 3 will be juniors. I see no reason why this team can't get into the Final Four.
Oklahoma - Please note that my Final Four does NOT equal my top 4 teams for next year. Oklahoma is a good team, but they aren't in the top 4 in my opinion. Nevertheless Griffin had a good reason to stay. He'll be joined by 5-star recruit Willie Warren to form a very dangerous inside-outside combo. Although they lose their center, Longar Longar, he was more of a scorer than anything. His scoring can easily be replaced by Warren's ability to shoot the 3. Griffin is a beast on the boards so rebounding won't be that big of a problem. Austin Johnson's leadership at point guard will be needed. Thankfully he'll be entering his senior season with a lot of experience under his belt
