It’s not often that storied programs square off in the national title game. But when it does happen, the media loves it. Kentucky and Kansas will tip off on April 2 in their individual attempts to win the 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball championship. Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk couldn’t quite decide who’ll win the title game so rather than argue face to face, the two gents took their squabble to press clippings.
Green: No team in America has more talent than Kentucky. We’re talking a National Basketball Association-ready frontline and a point guard in Marquis Teague with NBA bloodlines already (his brother, Jeff, plays for the Atlanta Hawks). Add player of the year, center Anthony Davis, with coach John Calipari and you have the makings of this year’s champion. Kentucky is athletic, deep and fun to watch. They’ll be even more exciting to see when they’re cutting down the nets to end the 2012 season.
Riley: Kansas doesn’t have the manpower that the Wildcats have but I trust head coach Bill Self more than I trust Calipari. Anthony Davis is phenomenal but Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson came in close to Davis in the voting for Player of the Year honors. Robinson’s been powering Kansas all season and his athletic ability will force Kentucky to get out of their normal defensive schemes. And besides, we all know what happened the last time a Calipari-coached team squared off against Kansas in the final game.
Green: Calipari’s 2008 Memphis club choked the title game away to Kansas but it wasn’t by fault of the head coach. I trust the players on this team more than Calipari’s previous players. Davis is a legit No. 1 pick and he alters the game both offensively and defensively. I feel he can neutralize Robinson if Kentucky elects to lock him up man to man and if you can take Robinson out the game then Kansas is done.
Riley: Everyone thinks that Kansas is all about Robinson but Tyshawn Taylor and Travis Releford are experienced and steady guards. And center Jeff Withey is a hulk as a seven-footer. Kansas doesn’t have the name brand star power but they play excellent as a team and have a coach with championship experience. I’ll take that combination any day f the week.
