Andrew Harrison Controversy

Tonight is the night of the National Championship game in college basketball. Duke up against Wisconsin in a match-up of two of the best teams, and two of the best coaches in the sport. This could go down as one of the all-time classic championship games, but lets talk about Kentucky. Well not exactly Kentucky, but comments that were made by one of Kentucky's star players this weekend. After the loss to Wisconsin Andrew Harrison was overheard using a racial slur when referring to Wisconsin star Frank Kaminsky. This story was blown way out of proportion, which to be honest was not a surprise. Now, Harrison should not have said what he said on national television during the post-game press conference, but what he actually said was really not all that offensive. Anyone who has played basketball before, whether pick up or organized, knows that the "n word" is thrown around constantly by players, and not always in a negative way. Harrison clearly was just upset that his team lost, and that Kaminsky had a lot to do with it. So, when asked a question about Frank, Harrison responded naturally. Now, it is not how he should have responded on a national podium, but he later apologized and that is that. There should be nothing more made of these innocent comments, and anyone who does so is not conscious of what goes on day to day on any basketball court in the country.

A Few Reasons Why Kentucky-Wisconsin Could Be One of the Best Final Four Games Ever

Saturday's marquee match-up has to be between Kentucky and Wisconsin. with all due respect to the great programs of Duke and Michigan State, led by two all-time great coaches, the Kentucky-Wisconsin match-up is simply better. Not only does the game feature two of the best teams in the country, but it also provides great theater. It is a chance for Wisconsin to knock off the undefeated Wildcats team that is full of NBA talent. A chance for a great coach like Bo Ryan to upset John Calipari, with a cast of great players, but not quite an all-star studded cast like the Wildcats. Kentucky is by far the most talented team in the country, but Wisconsin may hold the best player, Frank Kaminsky. All this plus the fact that it is a rematch of last years Final Four game, a game that Kentucky won. The greatest stage in college basketball is set, and Saturday night should provide the game of the year.

Potential NBA Players

Another reason to be excited for this weekends college basketball games is the potential pro prospects playing. Obviously Kentucky is loaded with them, but other schools like North Carolina and Arizona have great future pros. Stanley Johnson of Arizona is an athletic wing with size, who I believe will be a strong NBA player. Marcus Paige of UNC is an interesting prospect, because of his potential as a combo guard. Paige could be a great point guard or a skilled and undersized shooting guard in the NBA. Look to see how these players, along with Frank Kaminsky and everyone on Duke, perform this weekend.

Should the NBA Get Rid of the One Year Rule?

It is no secret that college basketball has become a one year showcase for many freshman looking to enter the NBA draft. This is happening at all of the big time programs across the country, most notably the University of Kentucky. The rule that players must wait at least one year after high school before they can declare for the NBA draft seems pointless to me. Players without a doubt get a lot better in college, but how much of a difference can one year make? There are great coaches in the NBA too. I think the NBA should either get rid of the rule, or make it like the NFL, where players must complete their junior year before being able to declare. Recently coach Rick Pitino of Louisville said that he thought there is no point in holding back players from going straight to the NBA is that' what they want to do. We'll see what happens in the future, but I would be very surprised if this rule is not revisited often over the next six months and potentially revised.

Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 is set for tip off this Thursday, and the teams involved make for some great match-ups. Wichita State plays Notre Dame in the first game. Notre Dame should end Wichita's run in this game. The play of Jerian Grant should be able to lead a great offensive team to victory this week. For the rest of the Thursday games I have Wisconsin beating North Carolina, Kentucky over West Virginia, and Arizona over Xavier. On Friday UCLA plays Gonzaga, and I believe the Bruins run will come to an end. Louisville will defeat NC State, Duke will beat Utah and Michigan State will defeat Oklahoma. So by the time Saturday rolls around we will have elite eight match-ups of Kentucky-Notre Dame, Wisconsin-Arizona, Duke-Gonzaga and Louisville-Michigan State. Cannot wait for the weekends games.