[dsethi]

Wanted to say it's been fun bantering with the group of regulars and such in the CBB forum this year, best of luck to all in the summer months. Here are some ramblings.

Kansas +2 (-110)…Two teams that have very similar qualities, strengths, and weaknesses, but I believe one factor may loom large in this game, and that is 3-point shooting. Kansas has no less than 3, possibly 4 real threats from beyond the arc, and they can keep defenses from hedging down into the post too much with guys that can hurt opponents from deep. I also like Rush’s length to be able to bother some of the shots CDR and others got off against UCLA, their jobs will be tougher with an athletic and long defender on them. Really think Memphis’ inconsistency from deep could hurt them, and also their tendency to look away from the post for long stretches in the game – they could have punished UCLA in the post at multiple times in the game but their post players weren’t aggressive getting position deep, and if Memphis’ post players aren’t going to make life tough on Arthur, Jackson, Kaun, and Aldridge, it’s only going to make those guys stronger offensively. Additionally, Memphis has shortened their rotation to basically 6 guys and KU’s depth both in the front and backcourts should enable them to keep up their defensive intensity for the entire game and keep the pressure on Rose and CDR. I feel both coaches are a wash, great recruiters, think both are mediocre in-game coaches. The differences could be Kansas’ ability to hit 3s from multiple positions/players on the court and ability to get to and convert from the line.

Dsethi