Matt Doherty's Tournament Talk

Matt Doherty, former college basketball head coach and player on the 1982 National Champion University of North Carolina team, has teamed up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer his thoughts on this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Be sure to check back here for updates throughout March Madness. Follow Matt on Twitter @DohertyMatt

April 8, 2013

What a weekend!

Louisville had to come from behind to beat a tough Wichita State squad determined to advance to the championship game. Walk-on Tim Henderson became an unlikely hero as he started Louisville’s rally with a pair of corner three pointers. That led to a 21-8 run for the Cardinals. Luke Hancock was big for Louisville as he came off the bench to help with 20 big points. Credit head coach Gregg Marshall and the Wichita State Shockers for being in position to knock off this year's #1 overall seed. They fought hard all year long. What a run!

In the other semi-final Michigan head coach John Beilein finally beat Jim Boeheim's Syracuse Orangemen after nine tries at his previous coaching stops. Beilein had the game plan to attack Syracuse's famed 2-3 zone, but more importantly, the personnel to execute it. Freshman center Mitch McGary was sensational in the interior of the zone with his shooting, passing and driving. McGary opened up the floor for his teammates to find openings.

That leads us to tonight's finale! Louisville versus Michigan! Boy oh boy! Louisville has been the favorite all tournament long, but I am going to go with the Wolverines as they may have too much firepower for the Cardinals!

Enjoy!

Coach D

 

April 1, 2013

Can't win ‘em all!

I was wrong with my picks last week as Duke advanced past Michigan State and Michigan came from behind to upset #1 seed Kansas in a dramatic comeback led by Trey Burke.

Those games were followed by Elite Eight matchups where Wichita State advanced to the Final Four by beating Ohio State, Syracuse's zone baffled Indiana, Michigan crushed Florida and Louisville, the overall #1 seed, advanced past Duke in a game that was suspended for several minutes to attend to Kevin Ware, who suffered a gruesome leg fracture.

This takes us to Atlanta and this year's Final Four matchups:

Syracuse vs. Michigan
Look for Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone to give Michigan fits as their length and athleticism should neutralize Trey Burke and big man Mitch McGrary. Syracuse will have to pay attention to sharpshooter Nik Stauskas, who was on fire from the three point line against Florida. Syracuse's point guard Michael Carter-Williams has a distinct size advantage over his counterpart from Michigan, Trey Burke. Look for Syracuse to try and exploit that on the offensive end. I like the Orangemen to advance.

Wichita State vs. Louisville
Wichita State’s Shockers are just that, shockers, as they crash the Final Four party. They are this year's Butler. Look for Wichita State to continue to "play angry" as they attack Louisville's pressure. They will not be afraid as the Shockers won at VCU earlier this season in a game where they managed to beat the "havoc" pressure of the Rams. The "big" difference is that Louisville has an elite shot blocker in center Gorgui Dieng and the Cardinals may be on a mission to bring injured Kevin Ware home to Atlanta and put the championship net around his neck! Advantage Louisville.

See you on Monday!

Coach D

 

March 25, 2013

What a weekend! If you had Florida Gulf Coast going to the Sweet 16 in your office pool raise your hand!

Wow! What a run for FGCU coach Andy Enfield and his Eagles. They have a huge matchup with in-state Florida Gators coming up in the Sweet 16.

Well, I mentioned last week that Oregon "may be the best 12 seed ever." They proved worthy as they lit up Oklahoma State and St. Louis. I do believe the joy ride ends with the next game versus red hot Louisville.

Also, I noted that Iowa State would "stress Notre Dame's defense" and it did to the tune of an 18 point win. ISU then lost a tournament thriller to the Buckeyes of Ohio State.

Two games I am really looking forward to seeing in the next round:

1) Duke vs Michigan State - this will be a classic matchup between legendary coaches, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Tom Izzo of MSU. I give the edge to MSU as I believe their defense can stifle Duke's high octane offense. MSU is athletic on the perimeter and they matchup well inside with the Blue Devils of Duke.

2) Kansas vs Michigan - Michigan blew out VCU as they managed to attack the press to score, but they are now facing one of the best defenses in the nation anchored by shot blocker Jeff Withey. Look for Ben McLemore to have a break out game and for the Jayhawks to come away victorious.

Enjoy the Madness of March!

Coach D

 

March 21, 2013

It's here! The Madness of March! Following are some of my initial thoughts as I filled out my bracket:

Look for 12 seed Oregon to pick off fifth seeded Oklahoma State as Oregon may be the best 12 seed ever! Oregon won the Pac 12 Tournament and spent most of February without starting point guard Dominic Artis. This game is played on the West Coast, too!

Tenth seed Iowa State will be a tough matchup for seven seed Notre Dame as they have post men that are excellent three point shooters. This will stress the Notre Dame defense. Iowa State had Kansas beaten twice, only to lose on a last second shot and then a questionable call by an official. They are VERY capable!!

My Final Four picks:

By the way, I am a "one bracket guy!"

 

NCAA® March Madness® Office Etiquette

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