For the sixth time in its history, the Final Four NCAA takes place in New Orleans. Who will follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan and his famous winning shot for North Carolina (1982)? Or those of Carmelo Anthony and the fantastic epic of Syracuse (2003) or those of Kentucky by Anthony Davis (2012)?
The only number 1 still standing, Kansas seem to be the favorites on all of their work this season, but Villanova are the most experienced team and will also have their say. Nevertheless, all eyes are on the other semi-final, between Duke and North Carolina.
This is the first time the two famous North Carolina universities have met in an NCAA tournament. It’s already unique, and besides, it’s Coach K’s farewell tour. That’s why some consider it the most important semifinal in the history of college basketball. Just that !
DUKE
JOURNEY
32-6 in the regular season
First round — Victory against #15 Cal State Fullerton (78-61)
Second turn — Victory against #7 Michigan State (85-76)
Sweet 16 — Victory against #3 Texas Tech (78-73)
Elite Eight — Victory against #4 Arkansas (78-69)
COACH : Mike Krzyzewski
There are unmistakable signs. In its infinite wisdom, fate has done things right to honor the career of Coach K. For his final lap, the legendary Duke coach is not only the coach with the most Division I victories but, with the qualification of his Blue Devils this year, he also became the coach with the most Final Four appearances in history, surpassing the legendary John Wooden. And then, icing on the cake, in his quest for his 6th title for his 42nd and last year in coaching, Coach K will face the great rival, North Carolina, during the final tournament, for the first time in his immense career.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Paolo Banchero
Blowing hot and cold during the regular season, which is okay for a freshman, Paolo Banchero has raised his voice since the start of the tournament. With 5 outings between 16 and 22 points, and decisive actions both in attack and defense, the native of Seattle has fully assumed the “hype” that surrounds him. With his panzer physique and his game that comes both outside and inside (he is 8/15 from 3-pointers in the tournament), Paolo Banchero is a permanent danger. The Italian-American prodigy intends to offer his coach one last ring, before finishing in the Top 5 of the next NBA Draft.
TENDENCY
Victorious over Texas Tech and Arkansas in quick succession, two of the best defenses in the country, Duke showed its strike force in this tournament, all the more so with this second half which turned into an offensive demonstration at 17 /24 on shots against the Red Raiders. Truth be told, Duke simply has the best offense in the country, led by Paolo Banchero at 18 points but also by Mark Williams (11 points, 7 rebounds), excellent under the panels, and the duo of snipers: Wendell Moore Jr. – AJ Griffin still able to hit from afar.
Moore is also the barometer of his team, he who shoots 50% in the game, 81% in throws and 41% behind the arc. By his side, Griffin has a nice X-factor head with his 46% from 3-pointers during the season, but only 32% in the tournament (9/28). Replaced in the starting five since the start of the tournament, Jeremy Roach has changed in dimension. As his performances at 15 points each, against Michigan State and Texas Tech, prove it, the sophomore rear has benefited from the tactical change well felt by Coach K, and his mission will be to thwart the Tar Heels on the outside.
Untenable when their pistoleros are well regulated, Duke also seems to have grasped the importance of each possession in defense, showing a desire to give body and soul on this side of the field during the tournament, which was not really the case in the regular season. If it is not a glaring weakness, the defense is indeed the Achilles heel of the armada of the “blue devils”, even if Williams manages to erase the errors at the level of the circle, with 4 counters on average on tournament.
In any case, the story could not be more beautiful if Coach K were to end his career with a sixth title, having beaten North Carolina in the process. It would be a climax, but also a revenge for their last confrontation since the Tar Heels had spoiled the last of Coach K. in Durham. An entirely possible end with no less than six players who can score 10 points or more in each match…
NORTH CAROLINA
JOURNEY
28-9 in the regular season
First round — Victory against #9 Marquette (95-63)
Second turn — Victory against #1 Baylor (93-86 ap)
Sweet 16 — Victory against #4 UCLA (73-66)
Elite Eight — Victory against #15 Saint Peter’s (69-49)
COACH: Hubert Davis
For a first attempt, it’s a masterstroke. In his first year at the head of his “alma mater” of North Carolina, Hubert Davis managed to lead his team to the Final Four, a feat not achieved since Bill Guthridge in 1998, already at UNC. However, it didn’t start very well for the former Knicks shooter, starting with a 12-6 at the start of the season, including a small 4-3 in the ACC conference. But a fine psychologist and close to his players, he managed to find the right formula to not only defeat the defending champion, Baylor in the second round, but also the formidable UCLA Bruins at the Sweet 16.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Armando Bacot
Difficult to choose between Caleb Love and Armando Bacot, but we opt for the second because he will have a lot of work tonight. Interior rebounder and facilitator, Armando Bacot obviously does not have his tongue in his pocket either. The Tar Heels star inside said ahead of the Final Four that he didn’t really feel threatened by Duke’s inside sector, acknowledging that Paolo Banchero was hard to contain. Stung earlier in the season by a reporter who called North Carolina players “soft,” he responded on the court with 16 points and 13 rebounds to average and a berth in the ACC Major Five. And, since the start of the tournament, he has done even better with 16 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocks, passing Tim Duncan in passing for the largest total of rebounds swallowed in a season in the ACC.
TENDENCY
Opposed to its great rival Duke, and all its young talents cut for the NBA, North Carolina leaves as an outsider in this semi-final. Especially since only two teams ranked 8th have managed to reach the final in the history of March Madness. At the same time, with this 21st qualification for the Final Four, UNC simply presents the best total in history.
But winner of the only confrontation of the season on the floor of Duke, on March 5, North Carolina has a small psychological advantage over its eternal opponent. At the time, the Tar Heels had insisted inside with Armando Bacot, author of 23 points, and always so sure of his fact before their upcoming duel in the Final Four, he who has already lit a few wicks through the media.
Benefiting fully from the hot shots of RJ Davis, 30 points to bring down the defending champions of Baylor, then again 30 units of Caleb Love against UCLA, North Carolina will have a lot to do to get rid of the defense of Duke . Very observed because expected at the higher level via the Draft, the young Love will be one of the major players for UNC, if the Tar Heels manage to shake up the Dukie machine.
It will also be necessary to pay attention to Brady Manek, the “Hairy” of UNC, transfer from Oklahoma. His interior profile, which can deviate, could pose some problems for Duke’s defense, which does not necessarily have a good “matchup” to oppose him. Unless Banchero is dedicated… That said, like Baylor’s 30-4 run when said Manek was sent off, the Tar Heels will not be able to afford any missteps, with a limited bench and a tight rotation.
HOURLY
Duke – North Carolina (2h40) sur BeIN Sports 1 et ESPN Player
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