Random basketball thoughts

Before I provide my basic commentary on the Final Four, I want to say a few things about Gilbert Arenas aka Agent Zero aka Mr. MeMeMeMe. Dude's act is really starting to wear thin and unless he can come back to the Wizards and make a positive impact on them winning this year, I think it might be time to at least explore what the Wiz can get in a sign and trade.

His return last night disgusted me. The Wiz lost yet another game they should have won and it was all about Gilbert. I am not hating on dude as he is a legit baller. Get your blog on, pump up yourself to build your brand and be as eccentric if you want to be. Just please finally come to the realization that basketball is a team game and the object is to win, not be the most popular. Last night dude did not even join his teammates for warm ups and stayed in the locker room until midway through the first quarter. He had not even talked to his coach about playing but checked into the game to a standing ovation. He scored some points and of course the crowd responded to him BUT the Wiz were outscored by 15 during the 17 minutes he was in the game and he was, per usual, guilty of a defensive lapse when he sagged off of Ramon Sessions who hit the game winning jumper. Disgust.

As for the Final Four, I like UCLA and UNC. Memphis scares me but I predict Collison and Westbrook will be able to somewhat neutralize Rose and CDR and that Love will again be the player of the game. I think Love gets Dorsey in foul trouble and Dorsey is a non factor. I think Love comes out and gets 25 and 15. Mainly, I think UCLA is not coming to 3 Final Fours in a row and not getting 1 ring. Howland will have them ready and Love will dominate on his way to MOP of Final Four.

I like UNC over Kansas for 2 reasons. Roy is a better coach than Self and Hansbrough will prove to be too much for Kansas, who lacks a true go to scorer. All of the Kansas depth is great but they do not have the one guy who they can consistently turn to at crunch time. UNC does. The teams are evenly matched in terms of talent but UNC has better coaching and a go to guy who will not be denied. A final note on UNC, I am a Duke fan and rarely admit to liking UNC players. That being said, Danny Green is a beast. Kansas better be ready for him.

Lastly, I know a lot of people dislike the NBA but this season has been great. Trades have changed the landscape of the league and every night there is a solid game to watch. The playoffs should be epic.