Final Four breakdown: What it will take for the remaining teams to win it all

Saying Syracuse is "in the zone" works on so many levels. Their 2-3 zone defense has the Orange looking red-hot.  In the tournament, they have held their first four opponents 45.8 points per game, including a top-seeded Indiana team and a Marquette squad that put up 74 on the Orange in the regular season.Not only do they allow the least points of the teams remaining, they lead in most other defensive categories, including blocks, block efficiency, turnovers and opponent field goal percentage (an abysmal 28.9 percent).In fact, they have allowed the fewest points (183) through the Elite Eight since the tournament expanded in 1985.Not to be lost in praise of the defense is the play of guard Michael Carter-Williams. Aside from Burke, Carter-Williams may be the most talented player remaining. Carter-Williams is astute at getting penetration and can score off transition better than anyone.Alas, even their offense relies on their defense. The Orange attack is predicated by their ability to force turnovers defensively. So far, it has worked like a charm.Defense wins championships. If Syracuse can stay committed on their own end, the smothering Orangemen may hoist their first banner since 2003.CBS Analyst Steve Kerr said Michigan has the most talent of any team. While that may be debatable, whether they have the most talented individual is much harder to argue.Aside from winning Wooden trophy as player of the year, Trey Burke (pictured) was also named player of the year by both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated.There is offensive talent around Burke, but their defense is suspect at best. As the sophomore guard goes, so does the fate of the Wolverines.They need him to get penetration to open up opportunities for others, distribute effectively to his teammates and also score a whole bunch of baskets if they want to win. Creating turnovers defensively wouldn't hurt either.Burke is they kind of player that can completely take over a game.  If he can take over two, Michigan can win it all.Pictured wearing Kevin Ware's #5 jersey, Chane Behanan and the rest of the Cardinals are now playing with a little extra motivation.From tears to triumph, Louisville's reaction to Ware's injury exemplified exactly what they are as a team.  Despite entering the tournament as a number one seed, making the Final Four last season and returning all of their core players;  they have no player who is a lock to be drafted in the NBA.Instead, it is their commitment to the team that has gotten them this far.  Every thing they do, they do together, and it shows in their play.  When one player gets cold, the rest of the team follows suit.  When when one play gets hot, the rest of the team heats up as well (as exemplified by their 20-4 run against Duke when the game was tied).Their chemistry is unmatched. If the Cardinals can stay inspired and stay hot, they may be unbeatable.View the list »
People pose in front of the Georgia Dome, site of the 2013 Final Four

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Michigan point guard Trey Burke was named as this year’s recipient of the John R. Wooden award Friday. In a close vote, Burke edged out Indiana’s Victor Oladipo to receive the award, given annually to NCAA Basketball’s top player.

The move may be a precursor to Burke, a sophomore, going first overall in the NBA draft this summer. But does he make Michigan the front-runner to win a National Championship?

Aside from Michigan, this year’s Final Four also features a number one seed with everything to play for (Louisville), a Cinderella team with nothing to lose (Wichita St.) and the most stifling defense in basketball (Syracuse).

All worthy contenders, but when the dust settles, who will be cutting down the nets?

Will the Cardinals rally around Kevin Ware’s injury, like they did against Duke? Or will the Shockers continue to shock? Maybe the 2-3 zone of the Orange will continue to crush opponents. Or perhaps the Wolverine’s talented back court will be too much to handle.

Here’s a list of the teams remaining, and what it will take for them to capture the title.

View the list
  • Pictured wearing Kevin Ware's #5 jersey, Chane Behanan and the rest of the Cardinals are now playing with a little extra motivation.From tears to triumph, Louisville's reaction to Ware's injury exemplified exactly what they are as a team.  Despite entering the tournament as a number one seed, making the Final Four last season and returning all of their core players;  they have no player who is a lock to be drafted in the NBA.Instead, it is their commitment to the team that has gotten them this far.  Every thing they do, they do together, and it shows in their play.  When one player gets cold, the rest of the team follows suit.  When when one play gets hot, the rest of the team heats up as well (as exemplified by their 20-4 run against Duke when the game was tied).Their chemistry is unmatched. If the Cardinals can stay inspired and stay hot, they may be unbeatable.
  • CBS Analyst Steve Kerr said Michigan has the most talent of any team. While that may be debatable, whether they have the most talented individual is much harder to argue.Aside from winning Wooden trophy as player of the year, Trey Burke (pictured) was also named player of the year by both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated.There is offensive talent around Burke, but their defense is suspect at best. As the sophomore guard goes, so does the fate of the Wolverines.They need him to get penetration to open up opportunities for others, distribute effectively to his teammates and also score a whole bunch of baskets if they want to win. Creating turnovers defensively wouldn't hurt either.Burke is they kind of player that can completely take over a game.  If he can take over two, Michigan can win it all.
  • Saying Syracuse is "in the zone" works on so many levels. Their 2-3 zone defense has the Orange looking red-hot.  In the tournament, they have held their first four opponents 45.8 points per game, including a top-seeded Indiana team and a Marquette squad that put up 74 on the Orange in the regular season.Not only do they allow the least points of the teams remaining, they lead in most other defensive categories, including blocks, block efficiency, turnovers and opponent field goal percentage (an abysmal 28.9 percent).In fact, they have allowed the fewest points (183) through the Elite Eight since the tournament expanded in 1985.Not to be lost in praise of the defense is the play of guard Michael Carter-Williams. Aside from Burke, Carter-Williams may be the most talented player remaining. Carter-Williams is astute at getting penetration and can score off transition better than anyone.Alas, even their offense relies on their defense. The Orange attack is predicated by their ability to force turnovers defensively. So far, it has worked like a charm.Defense wins championships. If Syracuse can stay committed on their own end, the smothering Orangemen may hoist their first banner since 2003.
  • A number nine seed has never won a national title. Just don't tell that to Wichita State.If a team is to break tradition and make history, it could very well be the Shockers. History was not on their side when they beat Gonzaga and Ohio State, but Wichita continues to defy the odds."They play with that confidence that when they step on the floor they're supposed to win" said Creighton assistant Steve Merfeld about the Shockers.The key Wichita State's game is their ability to rebound.  The are the best team remaining on both the offensive and defensive boards.  Their 38 percent offensive rebounding rate is daunting. If it holds up, the extra opportunities they get off those boards can keep them in any game.Like Tim Tebow did in football (who gave the team a pep talk during the tournament) it isn't always pretty, but Wichita State finds ways to get the job done.If they can keep it close for most of the contest, they also are great finishers. In the final five minutes of games, their shooting percentage jumps from 40.8 to 58.3 percent.Wichita State has already proven they can beat elite teams.  As such, it is not inconceivable that the trend will continue. Don't be shocked if the Shockers are the last team standing.
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Andrew has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado. After writing for several other sites, he became a Content Manager for Examiner. Andrew currently oversees several channels including sports.

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