BJ'S FINAL 4 PICKS

BJ's 2014 NCAA Tournament Final 4 Picks

Florida

Yeah, I'm not proud of this pick. It's an easy out and it probably won't happen because way too many squares will win money. But hey, I'm not picking Gator Nation to win the whole thing. I fully expect the best team in the nation to not face any real competition until the Elite 8. In fact, Florida should cruise straight through to the third round with solid veteran leadership and Billy Donovan at the helm. What I like about Florida is that they run 8 deep and play a grind it out, tough brand of basketball. Casey Prather and Scottie Wilbekin (both seniors) lead the Gators balanced Gators offense, which, honestly, is average at best. The Florida defense is where the magic happens. Donovan's squad only allows about 57.9 ppg, third best in the nation. Defense will carry in the tournament, so expect Florida to win big the first two rounds. If things get a little hairy in the later rounds, the Gators are experienced and well coached enough to pull out a win, as we saw in the SEC title game. Gator Nation is a lock for the Final Four!

Michigan St.

It's hard to count out the Spartans, especially when they're in a region with a bunch of overachievers (Virginia, Iowa St., Villanova) or tournament mainstays that aren't exactly living up to their reps (North Carolina, UCONN, Cincy Memphis). When you get down to it, Michigan St. and Virginia shouldn't have a problem dispatching these less talented teams to get to the Sweet 16. I believe that if these two do meet in the Sweet 16, Michigan St. will come away with a W. The Spartans have beat the best in the nation and played a schedule filled with tournament teams. When it comes to the Madness in March, big names count. Whether you're the Buckeyes with a Sullinger, Oden or Conley; Michigan with Tim Hardaway Jr and Glen Robinson; Kemba Walker and Kemba Walker's huge balls or just Jimmer, big names matter in the tournament. The Spartans have legit NBA talent on their team, led by sophomore guard, Gary Harris. State's leading scorer brings defensive chaos and solid free throw shooting (a must in the tournament, ask Derek Rose) to the table for Sparty and should stand out in key spots. Adreian Payne is a grinder down low who will bring hustle plays and energy to the Spartans. If you have any doubt about State, just look at Tom Izzo and slap yourself in the face. Izzo has his squad near the top of every statistical category and that is against an extremely competitive schedule. Take the Spartans and worry about the rest of your bracket. 

Creighton

That's fuckin right! Creighton is going to the Final Four! The Bluejays are going to use their filthy, disgusting, sticky, moist offense to bring the fire to this tournament. Creighton is ranked 23rd in ppg, 2nd in assists per game and 4th in field goal percentage. Most of this offense comes from Doug McDermott. Now believe you me, if you come with some weak ass defense against McDouble, he is going to fuck your shit up to the tune of 40 points. This tournament needs it's prototypical white guy that will never have this much basketball success again, and McDizzle will provide that. Creighton does not give a fuck on defense, so that will be an issue, but like I said, they don't have to play anyone good, so expect McDiscoballs to drop at least 35ppg before they reach the Final Four. Star player = Final Four and McDoubledick is THE star player this March.

Louisville

Apparently the defending champs are not a big deal or a sexy story because I have heard little to no coverage on the Flappy Birds this month. For a team that is 8th in ppg, 41st in rebonds per game, 19th in assists and 33rd in field goal pct. the Cardinals are not being taken seriously enough. We already know they have a dirty defense that only allows 61 ppg (15th best in the nation), but what else does the Pitino Platoon bring to the table? Well lets start with Russ Smith, the senior PG. Smith averages 18 ppg and shoots over 40% from three. He also has a penchant for hitting big shots, so expect huge things from Russdiculous this year in the tourney. Let's not forget about Louisville's beast of a big man, Montrezl Harrell. Not only does this future NBA bust have a sick rapper name, he can ball too! Harrell will provide the energy and toughness needed when the going gets tough later in the tournament. Don't sleep on Louisville this year. They've been here before, they have the players and their coach is still trying to separate himself from an embarrassing sex scandal. The Cardinals are a lock for the Final Four.

+Bobby Sugar