ROCK CHALK It Up, Kansas Reigns Supreme

“I’ll say it again.  Tough-minded kids, players will make free throws.  They’re not thingking about free-throw percentage.  A weak-minded player could have a 90% average at the line, and his knees are knocking.  Well, he’s gonna miss.” -John Calipari on why his team will hit clutch free throws.

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Memphis coach John Calipari had been arguing for the last month that his kids had what it took to bury the clutch free throws.  When the season was on the line, his guys would hit the big shots.  That’s what he wanted you to think.  That’s what he wanted Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts to believe, to know. 

He was wrong.

In the most clutch moment of the season, Memphis’ two biggest stars, the two players destined for big NBA dollars, came up short when it counted.  Three missed free throws in the game’s waining moments allowed the Kansas Jayhawks to erase a late 9 point deficit, and emerge victorius in overtime as the 2008 National Champions. 

It’s amazing really, when you think that had a last second Jason Richads shot been on the mark, Bill Self would have felt his seat warm up a tad this offseason.  Now, you can expect a hefty raise for the championship coach, espically with Alma Matter Oklahoma State hot on his trail.  Self should crack the $2 million club this offseason, no matter where he ends up.  Self left little doubt that he deserved it, switching defenses like mad in the games last few minutes, before finding an effective 1-2-2 that took Derrick Rose and the Tigers out of rythm.  He also wasted no time testing Memphis weak free throw shooting, as the Jayhawks began intentionly fouling at the 2:29 mark. 

Meanwhile, Calipari took no hesitation in taking blame for the loss telling CBS he is “very disapointed in myself”.  His Tigers had a great run, winning an NCAA record 38 games this season, but will be remembered for pulling a reverse Rameal Robinson, watching thier title hopes fade away one missed free throw at a time.

So who were this March’s top preformers?  Let’s take a  look at my All-Tournament teams:

Mike’s First Team All-Tournament Squad:

C, Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina- The consesus player of the year was the leader for the tournaments most dominent team, through the first four rounds.  The Junior averaged a double double with 21 pts and 10.8 boards per game to help the Tar Heels reach yet antoher Final Four.  Looked at by scouts as a dominent college player with limited pro potential, look for Hansbrough to return for his senior season.

F Michael Beasley, Kansas State- He didn’t have too much of a chance to impress, as the Wildcats fell in the second round to Big Ten Champ Wisconsin.  He did do the most he had with his limited time however, only improving his sky-high draft stock in his two games.

F Brandon Rush, Kansas- Rush’s outburst in the semifinals buried UNC like Tar Heels fans never dreamed was possible.  He followed that up with an outstanding defensive performance in the Championship Game to help the Jayhawks win thier third title in school history.

G Mario Chalmers, Kansas- Voted the most outstanding player by the media, Chalmers will always be remembered for his off-balance three that let the Jawhawks survive into OT.  His defensive presense in the Final Four was what he should be remembered most for, as he drove UNC’s Ty Lawson, and Memphis Chris Douglas-Roberts and DerrickRose, three of the nations best play-makers, nuts with his hounding defense.  He’s a worthy MOP any other year, but not this time around.

G Stephen Curry, Davidson, MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER- No player captivated the nation like Curry, who’s sweat stroke lifted the Wildcats to upset wins over Gonzaga, Georgetown and Wisconsin before falling just shy of a trip to the Final Four when a Jason Richards three missed badly at the buzzer.  In his four games, Curry averaged 32 ppg, including an amazing 25 point second half outburst against Georgedown to help the Wildcats pull the shocker of the tournament.  Way to small for the next level, Curry will surely be back for his Junior season, where he’ll be BMOC at Davidson, who should be back at SoCon Champs again next season.

Coach Bill Self, Kansas- Self was in danger of being known as a coach who couldn’t win the big one’s just a week ago.  Instead, his brilliant defensive moves late in teh ball-game aare the reason Kansas brought home the hardware tonight, and the Oklahoma State alum should see a hefty pay raise this shortly, no matter where he ends up.

Mike’s Second Team All-Tournament

C Kevin Love, UCLA- The Freshman All-American dominated his way though the West Region, averging a double-double, with a 20.8 point average through his five games.  The Frosh helped improve his draft stock, as it seems only a matter of days until we get official word he’s gone pro.

F Brook Lopez, Stanford- Lopez helped the Cardinal reach the Sweet 16 with his 20ppg average.  The 7-footer hit one of the tournament’s clutch shots, as his off-balance jumper defeated Marquette in the second round.

F Joey Dorsey, Memphis- Dorsey’s dominent play, espically on the defensive end, served as a catapult for the Tigers all the way to a near championship.  When he fouled out of the title game, that’s when things went south for Calipari’s squad, proving his worth to the National Runner-ups.

G Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis- The Memphis back-court just toyed with the competition on thier way to the title game.  Countless times CDR would make something out of a seemingly lost play, converting another freak shot for the Tigers.  His missed free throws in the clutch keep him off the first team.

G Derrick Rose, Memphis- Rose’s dribble-drive ability, along with his size as a point guard, make him a top pro-prospect, and a helluva college player.  He dominated the competition through the first five games, before going cold much of the Championship Game.  He caught fire late, but was thrown off-kilter my Kansas’ 1-2-2 zone before splitting a critical pair of free throws in the game’s most critical moment.