SYRACUSE VS KANSAS
CENTER
Craig Forth vs. David Graves. Both players have a tendency to get into foul trouble, but it’s crucial that Graves plays smart. He’s a better post threat than Forth or his backup, Ryan McNeil. Graves also is a good help defender. EDGE: Kansas
POWER FORWARD
Hakim Warrick vs. Nick Collison. Warrick had a super game against Texas (18 points; seven rebounds) and his length and quickness make him almost unguardable in the paint. Collison defines the new PF. He can run the court. He can post up. He can defend. He can rebound. And does it all with perfect technique. EDGE: Kansas
SMALL FORWARD
Carmelo Anthony vs. Keith Langford. Any questions about Anthony’s greatness should directed to the Longhorns, who will rave about his 33-point, 14-rebound performance. Langford (11 of 14; mostly layups) had his breakout game of the tournament. A better athlete than Texas’ Royal Ivey, he might give Anthony more trouble. EDGE: Syracuse.
SHOOTING GUARD
Kueth Duany vs. Aaron Miles. Duany didn’t play well against Texas. He must have a good game against this guard-oriented Kansas team. The Orangemen’s lone senior, if anyone will be cognizant about getting back on defense, it’s Duany. Miles is a splendid athlete who was AWOL against Duke and ‘Zona. EDGE: Even
POINT GUARD
Gerry McNamara vs. Kirk Hinrich. After outplaying T.J. Ford, there’s no longer a question about McNamara being a freshman. The question is, was ever he?! Every opposing coach is blown away by his toughness. Hinrich is everything McNamara is but with three more years of experience. EDGE: Kansas.
BENCH
Syracuse’s bench has turned out to be its single-biggest advantage after Anthony. McNeil gives them an inside presence. Josh Pace hit the biggest basket of the night against Texas. And Billy Edelin could be the surprise hero. Against Kansas’ three-guard attack, Edelin could get a lot of minutes. EDGE: Syracuse.
COACH
Jim Boeheim vs. Roy Williams. The are golfing buddies with the same handicap – neither has won a National Championship. This will be Boeheim’s third shot and Weeping Roy’s second. Roy is the winningest active coach; Jim is second. Both want to win the title but Williams is under more pressure (internal and external) than Boeheim. EDGE: Even
PREDICTION
Kansas 91, Syracuse 80
