By Adam Abramson
Here are two main reasons Memphis will win the NCAA title game:
1. Antonio Anderson. Everyone will talk about Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts. They'll even talk about Joey Dorsey's impressive 15 rebounds before they talk about the role Anderson plays for the Tigers. Anderson draws the all-important task of defending Brandon Rush. It's obvious what happens when Rush gets going (see Saturday's win over North Carolina). The Heels' Marcus Ginyard, also a defensive stopper, had his hands full, but Anderson might be one of the best man-on-man defenders in the entire country. At 6'6, 210, Anderson is so versatile, playing at an extremely level of comfort on the perimeter, but has no problem defending in the high post. If Rush wants to catch the ball in the block, Anderson will have the aid of Dorsey, the C-USA defensive player of the year.
2. Memphis will refuse to play in a half-court offense. Kansas is very stout on defense -- not as good as UCLA, but pretty close. Memphis knows this and will do anything possible to avoid half-court sets. When UNC could not run, the Heels were completely dismantled. Most of this dismantling started with weakside help when Tyler Hansbrough caught the ball -- something Memphis will not have to worry about. Everything goes through Rose and Douglas-Roberts, forcing the Jayhawks to make some serious adjustments. Memphis has made its bones and won 38 games with its athleticism. Being that it's unparalleled, this is a huge advantage.
Discuss.