The 2006-07 edition of the Florida Gators looks as impressive as any college team has in the last two decades. That's why they are the oddsmakers favorites to repeat as national champs, now that they've cruised into the round of 16. But there is one significant challenge that they must first get through before they can accomplish this rare feat: they must defeat the 2nd strongest remaining team in the tournament, the balanced and versatile Kansas Jayhawks.
The two teams will clash in the national semifinals on March 31st, if they hold serve through this weekend as expected. Here is a brief summation of why Florida Coach Billy Donavan will lose what remaining hair he has left preparing for their challengers from the Big 12.
Brandon Rush Can Keep KU in the Game - No matter what kind of run UF puts on, the ability of the sophomore Rush ( who could have come out after his freshman year for the NBA draft and been a first round selection) to create his shot and to drain three-pointers at an almost 50% clip means that KU will be in striking range at all times.
Bill Self Can Outcoach Donovan - The ability of the Kansas coach to stay cool under pressure will keep the team on an even keel throughout. The Jayhawks have only lost four games all year, and of those losses only Texas A&M is left in the tourney. Winners of 13 straight since the loss to the Aggies, KU gets up for the big games and wins them all.
In a Track Meet, KU gets the Nod - There is little to debate over the frontcourt match-up here, Horford and Noah are a head above the Jayhawks big men. But Julien Wright, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers and Rush can turn this game into a pickup-like game of transition, and that's where their superior depth will wear down the Gators.
Though they both have tough opposition this coming weekend: Florida with Butler and perhaps a region final encounter with the hi-octane Oregon offense; and Kansas, with either of Pitt or UCLA providing formidable roadblocks, look for the opening game on national semifinals Saturday to be one of the legendary ones that will be talked of for a long while. The prediction here is Kansas 88, Florida 85.
