The Final Four

Well, the Final Four is set and it looks like it’s shaping up to be an exciting one. For me, the Final Four weekend, which includes the NABC Convention, has been something I really look forward to each year. I have been a member of the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) for 18 years and have attended the annual convention that is held in conjunction with the Final Four many times. Over the years, I have appreciated the leadership in the NABC that makes a strong effort to include ministry events in the Final Four weekend. These events have included coaches Bible studies, worship services, seminars for coaches and wives, workshops for coaches as fathers, testimonies from Christian coaches and athletes, discussion panels, question and answer sessions, fellowship luncheons and award banquets. I have often returned from the NABC convention spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated. The excitement surrounding the basketball games is just an added bonus. I also enjoy attending various coaching clinic sessions, watching the teams practice, and taking in the NABC All-Star game.

When talking strictly basketball, I think the Final Four is most exciting when you have a “hot team”, a “home team”, a “historical team” and a “happy-to-be-there team”. It seems like we have that this year for sure.

This year’s “hot team” is probably Connecticut. They have gone through some ups and downs and it took a while to adjust without Jerome Dyson, but now they are firing on all cylinders.

This year’s “home team” is obviously Michigan State. This is the Spartans fifth appearance at the Final Four since 1999. How they handled Louisville was so typical of a Tom Izzo coached team. Having a “home team” creates an exciting atmosphere surrounding the weekend.

The “historical team” is North Carolina. Few colleges have more tradition than the Tar Heels. This is their eighteenth appearance at the Final Four. They are certainly on a mission after being embarrassed by Kansas in last year’s Final Four semi-final game.

The “happy to be there” team is Villanova, but I wouldn’t count them out of having a chance to win it all. Jay Wright has done a great job building that program and they are more than capable of knocking anyone off. They could also be considered the “hot team” coming in.

If you are a college basketball fan it doesn’t get any better than the Final Four. As far as who I think will win, my heart says Michigan State, but my head says North Carolina. It should be another classic.