Our Great Eight: The Best of the Best
A LayupDrill.com Exclusive
In a few weeks, there will be yet another national champion crowned in college basketball. Over the past 20 years we have seen mini dynasties formed(Florida), great collections of talent (UNLV) run through anyone who got in their way, and superstars elevating their game to another level to lead their school the title(Syracuse). LayupDrill.com has created our own mythical Great Eight, seeding 8 of the best NCAA championship teams of the past 20 years, and pairing them up with our pick on who would win in a “what if” head-to-head game, narrowing the field from 8 to 4, and then it will be up to you, our readers, to vote on who is the 1 “Best of the Best”!
1. UNLV 1990 vs. 8. Maryland 2002
The Maryland Terps had a magical team in 2002, led by the gritty back court of Steve Blake and Juan Dixon, however they are no match for the athleticism displayed by the Runnin Rebels and Tark the Shark.
UNLV over Maryland to advance.
4. Kentucky 1996 vs. Michigan State 2000
The 34-2 Kentucky Wildcats were one of the greatest rosters of college basketball talent ever assembled, and while the pure heart and determination of Coach Izzo’s Spartans would keep them in this battle for a while, Rick Pitino’s Wildcats would come out on top. Too much Tony Delk, Ron Mercer, Derek Anderson, and Antoine Walker for Mateen Cleeves and company to overcome.
Kentucky over Michigan St to advance.
Loading ...3. Florida 2006 vs. 6. North Carolina 2005
Two teams that played in the same era, yet we never saw the core of these two teams do battle. The hungry, upstart Gators, who embodied the attitude of Head Coach Billy Donovan, go against the star-studded UNC Tarheels, led by Roy Williams, featured future pros Raymond Felton, Marvin Williams and Sean May leading the way. I was torn between these two incredible teams, however in a very close one, I give the nod to the two-time back to back champs.
Florida over North Carolina to advance
2. Duke 1992 vs. 7. Arkansas 1994
Another match up of two teams from the same era, however this battle belongs to the Blue Devils. The trio of Lattener, Hurley, and Grant Hill have enough offensive firepower to offset Scottie Thurman’s outside shooting and Corliss Williamson’s bruising inside play. Coach K prepares his team for big games as well as anyone in college basketball, and Duke survives and advances.
Duke over Arkansas to advance.
That brings my Final Four to the 1990 UNLV team, the 1996 Kentucky Team, the 1996 Florida Team, and the 1992 Duke team. Now the rest is on you. Who is the best of the best among these four outstanding champions? Vote in our poll, and post your comments stating your reason, or debating others. Lets have fun with this, and enjoy the upcoming 2009 NCAA Tournament!
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