CBS analyst Clark Kellogg talks Wisconsin and Michigan State Final Four upsets, Towns vs. Okafor and St. John’s Chris Mullin hire with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What has to happen for Wisconsin to beat Kentucky?
A: Not one particular thing. I just watched the game last year and it came down to a play or a shot being made late and Kentucky’s dominance on the offensive boards. … I hope we have a game quite honestly where each team pushes the other to its highest level. I don’t want to see a team lose it.
Q: Why is Wisconsin the biggest threat to Kentucky?
A: I thought they were the best team amongst a group of teams who could beat Kentucky, but clearly on top. I go back to the versatility and size of the front line. [Sam] Dekker and [Frank] Kaminsky can make 3s, both can play in the post and are able passers. Nigel Hayes is much improved as a shooter and he’s tough inside. From an offensive standpoint they really stood out from Day 1.
Q: Would Michigan State beating Duke be a huge upset for you?
A: Oh no, it would be a relatively mild surprise. Both teams have gotten here primarily because of their outstanding defense. Because of that you have to find ways to get easy scores, transition 3s. Michigan State has been a little more lethal, timely with their 3-point shooting and I think that can be a big factor again.
Q: If the Knicks get the No. 1 pick, would you lean toward Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns?
A: It’s rare that young players immediately turn you around, no matter who the Knicks end up drafting. They would be good piece in a pretty extensive rebuilding situation. I would probably lean towards Okafor just slightly because his skill level is so high, but Towns is right in the same neighborhood.
Q: Does Chris Mullin’s adjustment from the NBA to St. John’s concern you?
A: It’s a significant challenge, there’s no doubt about that. It’s the same, but it’s different. His staff will be extremely important to help him understand the amount of work that’s going to be required. It’s a major learning curve from that standpoint. There’s no surface-level commitment. You have to get down in the weeds and there’s no easy way with this job.
