Final Four frenzy

Published 1:00 pm Saturday, April 1, 2023

In this edition of the Three Point Stance, guest panelists Adam Coleman, head boys basketball coach at Sulphur, and Rob Melanson, head coach at Iowa, discuss the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, which both will be attending in Houston.

Who’s going to win the national championship?

AC: UConn. Momentum may be the most powerful force in sports, and UConn is playing with the best momentum of the remaining teams. They have rolled through every game with a 23-point margin of victory.

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RM: UConn is the favorite and have really played well, but the favorite hasn’t won yet! I’m hoping Florida Atlantic can win it all for all the underdogs and small schools.

Who is your favorite past Final Four team?

AC: The 1996 Kentucky Wildcats. They beat Syracuse in the championship game and had a bunch of guys who played in the NBA. Tony Delk was my guy!

RM: Probably the 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels with Larry Johnson. They beat Duke in the championship game, winning 103-73, which is still the largest margin of victory in championship game history.

What are you most looking forward to at the coaching clinics that will be conducted during Final Four weekend?

AC: Meeting NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen and bringing back some teaching points that could possibly help our players become better. Also networking — the X’s and O’s are great, but also creating relationships with some of these coaches and exchanging thoughts, stories, and philosophy. This collaboration helps me grow as a coach.

RM: Really, just the new experience as you’re never too old to learn and you never know who you may run into.