Keeping It Heel
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March Madness: Keeping It Heel picks the Final Four

By Zack Pearson

Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) brings the ball up court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) brings the ball up court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Horran Cameron’s Final Four picks

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

South Region: #1 Kansas

Kansas is arguably the best team in the nation (besides North Carolina). Their “Big Four,” consisting of Perry Ellis, Wayne Selden, Jr., Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham can beat anyone on the court. All four of them are playmakers in their own way. Each of these players shoots over 40% from three-point range. Kansas Big Four hover around a collective 50% field goal percentage. Kansas averages 82 points per game, these four players make up 55 of those 82 points.

West Region: #6 Texas

This is my sleeper pick. Early in the season, this Shaka Smart-coached squad upset the North Carolina Tar Heels. Texas is a dangerous. They are the kind of the team, that can get on a roll and beat anyone they face. They are competitive and scrappy. In addition to UNC, Texas has beaten Oklahoma, West Virginia (twice), Vanderbilt, Baylor and Iowa State. Their Big-12 Conference schedule yielded a 11-7 record, good enough for the fourth best record in the conference. Although their 20-12 overall record is not attractive, their wins, style of play and coach make Texas the ideal sleeper pick. Smart knows what it takes to make a trip to the Final Four. Smart took mid-major Virginia Commonwealth (VCU) to the Final Four in 2011.

East Region: #1 North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels are arguably one of the top two teams in the nation. Many people are choosing the Tar Heels to cut down the nets in April. They have a good chance of becoming the champs. Here is why. Joel Berry II, Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige are the best players on this team. Berry has been the best shooter this season. In addition, he is the starting point guard and leader for this team. He knows what to do with the ball, whether he is setting up a teammate or scoring.

Midwest Region: #2 Michigan State

Tom Izzo is one of best coaches in college basketball ever. He has coached the likes of Zach Randolph, Draymond Green, Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and Jason Richardson. Add Denzel Valentine to this list. Valentine flirts with a triple-double (19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists per game this season). Valentine plays with heart (pun intended). He is the only player on this blue collar team who is a household name. Despite Michigan State’s lack of popularity, they are one of the top five teams in the nation. Valentine is surrounded by a plethora of talent (Bryn Forbes, Matt Costello, Eron Harris, Deyonta Davis) who can hang and bang with any opposing five players.

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