The day started bright and early at the United States Basketball Writers Association breakfast. The honorees included the Oscar Robertson Player of the Year — Kentucky’s unbelievable freshman Anthony Davis — and the Henry Iba Coach of the Year — Missouri’s Frank Haith.
Kentucky coach John Calipari and the Big O himself spoke, along with sportscasters Tim Brando and Andy Katz. A special award went to former LSU coach Dale Brown and his 1981 and 1986 Final Four teams.
Friday afternoon was spent watching each team’s open practice and attending press conferences for coaches and players. Several thousand fans attended the practices, most of them from Kentucky.
On the press side, Friday is a media frenzy day. Coaches and players are subjected to scores of questions, some of which actually make sense.
Bill Self of Kansas did a great job at the conference. Maybe coming in as an underdog and not the favorite allowed him to be at ease. Calipari tried to downplay the rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville, as did players from both teams, saying it was just another game, although on a bigger stage. But they all admitted, as did Louisville coach Rick Pitino, that their fans saw it much differently.
Kentucky expects Louisville to play a physical game, trying to get Davis into early foul trouble. Louisville is playing the big underdog role. One example of the pressure on Kentucky and the lack of pressure on Louisville is the fact that the Louisville players were allowed out until 11 Thursday night (Bourbon Street beckoned), while Kentucky players stayed around the hotel.
In the late game, everybody expects a close contest. Kansas beat Ohio State in December in Lawrence, Kan., but Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger missed the game with an injury. He will be the difference today. But if Kansas can keep William Buford in check, then the Jayhawks, who are led by the second-best player in the country, Thomas Robinson, will prevail.
Today’s games should be great.
Jeff Portnoy’s blog, Hoops Talk, can be read at staradvertiser.com.
