DroxLA

Well, UCLA’s done it again – a repeat trip to the already back-to-back final four runs of the previous two seasons. I do have to say that I’m a bit saddened that I won’t be able to make this one, as I’m desperately craving some Texas BBQ, and would Love to see UCLA hoist up it’s 12th national championship banner, but I’ll settle for cheering from my living room or a bar here in lala land. My thoughts on the final four this year:

1) What a field. After a surprisingly low number of really exciting games, all number 1’s should make for 3 amazing games. UNC/Kansas will be a great one that will test depth and experience, and UCLA/Memphis will be a battle of some superstar freshmen talent. Can’t wait.

2) Why does Memphis continually try to play off that everyone in the country has written them off? It seems to me that UCLA or Kansas is continually chosen by the sports writers to be the weakest of the last 4 standing, and Memphis proved against Texas, that they can run with the big boys. Unfortunately, as I AM a UCLA fan, I think that, while they’ve had an amazing run, it’s about to end on Saturday as they haven’t faced a balanced team like that of UCLA. Texas didn’t see more than 24 minutes of Love, or a 100% Collison, and that’s the difference. Plus, it didn’t seem like Texas really improved from 3 months ago to last weekend by a huge margin like the other teams have.

3) If you’re one of my friends or just a random visitor to this site, that is going to be attending the ceremonies in San Antonio this weekend, please keep in mind the following:

a) it’s fun to heckle other fans from other schools. All is fair. So drink with them, and make it clear how they’re going to want to sell you their tickets after they lose.

b) bring cash! This is to get better seats when all the losing team’s fans want to sell their premium tickets that they no longer want to use on their way out of the Alamo-dome.

c) See the free concerts! last year in Atlanta we were able to see some pretty good performances for free!

d) scout the city for the best food and things to do prior to getting there, having a plan of action before you’re just stuck in San Antonio is probably a better idea than winging it.

4) enjoy the victory. I will watch in the HD glory, but it’s a once in a lifetime thing (unless you want to go every final four) to see your team cut down the nets.

Prediction: UCLA 74, Kansas 68 final
(yes, I STILL think Kansas can beat UNC)

UPDATE (6.4.08): So I know UCLA lost this, but the outlooks looks good – with a stellar class coming in, we should be well off for the next few years! And I was RIGHT about Kansas beating UNC!