Down to the Unexpected Final Four

It's a bit like Bolton Wanderers winning the FA Cup, David Nalbanian winning Wimbledon or even Chad Campbell winning the Masters; they're all an anti climax. In a tournament you look for two things; a showdown between the two greatest teams to ever play the game or you hope for David vs Goliath.



Butler Who? The Bulldogs make history with their first Final Four appearance.

Butler Bulldogs, Duke Bluedevils, Michigan State Spartans and the West Virgina Mountaineers are just 40 minutes away from the NCAA Championship final. But if you asked any vivid fan about who they thought would be heading to Indianapolis on April 4th two teams would dominate their voices; the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kentucky Wildcats.



NBA Bound? John Wall might never play for the Kentucky Wildcats again after being predicted as the number one draft pick in just his freshman year

John Calipari's men were knocked out Saturday evening by West Virginia who's accuracy outside the paint was phenomenal but Kentucky didn't help themselves in what was by far their worst performance of the season which ironically ended their campaign.

The Cinderella story of the tournament has been included with the Butler Bulldogs reaching their first final four by defeating the likes of Temple, Murray State, number one Syracuse and finally Kansas State. They now face off against the Duke Bluedevils who have been in scintillating form of late with Nolan Smith hitting 29 points in their elite eight game against Baylor.



Image: Nolan Smith has been unstoppable in this tournament and is proving the main focal point of attack for Duke.

The second semi-final is between Michigan State and West Virginia, two teams that I really didn't expect to be competing for the NCAA crown. The Spartans hit a notable slump in form with three straight defeats during the season that seemed to seal Tom Izzo's fate but with determination and a change in tactics the Spartans have silenced the critics with four wins against the likes of Maryland and Tennessee.

The brilliant thing about the NCAA is that every year a new team rises to the occasion due to the scouting and education system. Unlike the United Kingdom the NCAA doesn't use money as an issue due to the fact that sporting scholarships are paid for by the government. So in many ways seeing the underdog prevail in this sport doesn't come to as much of a surprise.

Mr. Abramovich Has Hit A Crossroad

The Russian saved Chelsea in 2003 and in return wanted one simple trophy. Instead he has received two Carling Cup trophies, back to back Premier League titles and two FA cups, still not good enough?

Image: Painful to watch. Roman Abramovich has seen his club hit a notable slump.

The oil tycoon has always wanted the European Cup lodged into his trophy case but with year after year of bad luck does the Russian have any faith in the club he rejuvenated?

The man is smarter, his knowledge of the game has improved. This isn't the same man who chose to invest millions into a football club that had a nice view from his private helicopter. He threw millions into summer and winter transfer markets and expected the greatest display of football to fall before his eyes; Instead he would be bored week in week out by a team that would grind out results.

Image: Chelsea players distraught yet again after Champions League misery

He has had some painful memories in this profession. Being knocked out of the Champions League by a goal that never crossed the line, watching his club captain slip and miss the vital penalty that would of brought him eternal happiness in Moscow, knocked out by a last second strike from Andreas Iniesta in what was a controversial evening to say the least and finally being humiliated by your former employee at your own establishment in convincing fashion doesn't really help the situation.

Puzzled? Carlo Ancelotti and Ray Wilkins (both pictured) managerial skills have come under scrutiny in recent weeks

I believe that had this been any other manager he would receive the boot treatment. The reason for why this hasn't occurred is simple; Roman Abramovich had spent years tying to lure the Italian tactician to West London with courtesy bribes and too then sack him after six months would damage the Russian's credibility even more.

So what can be done about this unfortunate predicament?

I believe he has two choices; he either concedes that Jose Mourinho was the greatest investment ever to come out of West London and beg Massimo Moratti (cheif executive of Inter Milan) to sort out a financial plan for the Special One to be reinstated. The other option is less lucrative and realistically sensible; Ancelotti should remain as head coach but for the summer transfer window be allowed sufficient funds to upgrade in what many suggest is an ageing squad.

The good old days: Mourinho as Chelsea manager won 6 titles, but since his departure in 2008 Chelsea have won just the one

As much as fans want so see Jose back at the Bridge where he belongs, an investment for the summer seems the more appropriate angle with the likes of Drogba, Deco, Carvalho and Ballack in their thirties and the likes of Lampard, Terry nearing the same age an injection of youth is needed where Ancelotti can create his own team and not inherit Mourinho's.

The Sweet 16 Is Looking A Bit Sour......But Not For The Wrong Reasons

With the first two rounds of the men's NCAA basketball tournament complete the quarter finals is set to begin. But what has the tournament brought to the table so far?

Image: Chris Kramer (pictured right) has kept the Purdue Boilermakers in the tournament with some key plays in both rounds.

It's already being called the most unpredictable tournament in NCAA history and with 16 teams left not many people know what to make of the outcome.

Biggest Shocks Of The Tournament-

(14) Ohio Bobcats 97 - 83 Georgetown Hoyas (3)

Both teams had the momentum running into the tourney but nobody expected this outcome. Greg Monroe and co were destroyed by the two guards of Ohio in Armon Bassett & D.J Cooper (both pictured) who were flawless all evening. The lowest seeded team however couldn't live up to the hype and two nights ago were put out by Tennesse.

(10) Saint Mary's CA 75 - 68 Villanova Wildcats (2)

Nova learnt from their mistakes in the first round after a unsatisfactory performance against Robert Morris but Saint Mary's defensivley in the first half were impressive and made some important shots outside the area in the second. They now take on the formidable Baylor in the last 16.

(9) Northen Iowa 69 - 67 Kansas (1)

Last but not least is the biggest shock of the tournament. The outright number one seed Kansas were deservedly beaten by the ninth seed of Northen Iowa. 60% of Americans voted for Kansas to win the tournament but Ali Farokhnamesh had other plans with four 3 pointers and a game winning shot to send his team into the sweet sixteen. Offensively Kansas lacked that creative spark with both Cole Aldrich & Sheron Collins being innafective in the paint.

Image: The Syracuse Orange have been in fine form of late

So who will be crowned National champs of 2010? Well Kentucky are now the bookies favourite with dominant performances over East Tennesse and Wake Forrest but teams like Syracuse, Duke and Kansas State all have a chance. Michigan States chances have decreased dramatically after the revelation from Tom Izzo about Kalin Lucas's torn achilles tendon.

Final Four Prediction:-

Game 1- Ohio State (2) vs Kentucky (1)

Game 2- Syracuse (1) vs Duke (1)

One thing that I have learnt over the past week is that college ball is extremely unpredictable. Due to the fact that these are just kids the pace and tempo of the game is incredible but the tactics of the game are lacking. Seeding in this tournament really doesn't make much different because you really don't know what team will turn up on the night.

Key Players Who Can Take Their Team To The National Championship:

Wesley Johnson - Syracuse Orange

Jacob Pullen - Kansas State

Tweety Carter - Baylor Bears

John Wall - Kentucky Wildcats

The NCAA Tournament Has Finally Arrived

But who will be crowned National Champs of 2010?

Image: Sheron Collins (top left), Wesley Johnson (bottom left), John Wall (top right) and John Scheyer (bottom right) will all battle it out for the NCCA title

I've followed the NCAA sports programme for almost a year now, first it was American Football and for the last two months I have followed teams up and down country in what has been a fascinating season in Basketball.

What impresses me most about the NCAA is the viewing factor; for example the equivalent of what we have in the United Kingdom is the youth academies of Premiership teams which draws crowds of about 500 people and games can only be viewed through the Internet and the clubs own personal television channel; The NCAA however is at a whole other level.

Crowds can range from 15,000 to 40,000 on game day and the atmosphere is phenomenal. Syracuse's Carrier Dome holds 33,000 fans that don't disappoint when it comes to support. You have to remember that this is an educational sports programme for 18-23 year olds!

Image: Georgetown Center, Greg Monroe (pictured left) has been in fine form leading up to the tournament

From March 18th through to April 5th, sixty-four teams will take centre stage in what looks to be shaping up into an incredible event. Joe Lunardi (ESPN's bracketologist) has been working over the last few weeks to determine what seed each team will receive, however unlike stereotypical tournaments, the NCAA can seed teams as many times as it wants. For example, this year there are ten teams that have been seeded number one etc.

Image: Ohio Bobcats need Point Guard Armon Bassett to be in top form to stand any chance of doing well in this championship

Basketball in my opinion is a game that can change very easily especially at college level; Experience undoubtedly is a huge factor to take into account but as we've seen so many times this season the underdog usually prevails. Ohio Bobcats who won the Mac Division Title were seeded ninth in their league campaign but last night defeated number 3 seed Akron to win itself a place in College Basketball's most prestigious tournament. They will face the Georgetown Hoyas in Providence this Thursday.

No team this season has finished with an unblemished record, only the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kentucky Wildcats have notable records of 32 wins and 2 losses. And therefore it comes to no surprise that these two teams are being talked about as finalists; Will it be the experience of the Jayhawks or the fresh-faced Wildcats that can win the crown?

Image: Freshman John Wall (pictured) of the Kentucky Wildcats is predicted to be the number one draft pick for the NBA this year

My prediction for the final eight is as follows:

Kansas Jayhawks vs Georgetown Hoyas

Syracuse Orange vs Kansas State

Kentucky Wildcats vs West Virginia

Duke Bluedevils vs Villanova

Top 10 Players To Watch Throughout The Tournament:

Demarcus Cousins- Kentucky Wildcats

He may only be a Freshman but he is all ready being lined up as an NBA Draft pick for next season. Strong and aggressive, Cousins ability in offensive and defensive rebounding will play a huge part in whether Kentucky progress.

Evan Turner- Ohio State Buckeyes

Could Mr. Turner be selected as player of the year? Many wouldn't disagree, take his 3 point winning shot from half court for example, incredible.

Greivis Vasquez- Maryland Turtles

The ACC player of the year needs to keep the tempo of Maryland going if they have any shot of the final. The man from Venezuela is also a contender for player of the year.

Cole Aldrich- Kansas Jayhawks

The big man from Minnesota is by far the best defensive player of the year, his ability to block and rebound creates counter offense for the likes of Marcus Morris and Sheron Collins.

Kalin Lucas- Michigan State Spartans

Tom Izzo's warrior for the Spartans will need to bring his all round game to the table but with his ankle injury in the wings Izzo's man management skills will be tested.

Andy Rautins- Syracuse Orange

The Orange have seen a dip in form recently and it's due to this man, Andy Rautins. When he's at his best there is no doubt that Syracuse could run away with this tournament.

Scottie Reynolds- Villanova

In my opinion he is one of the best players to ever play college ball but there is no such thing as a one man team.

Austin Freeman- Georgetown Hoyas

Being diagnosed with diabetes at such a crucial stage gives John Thompson III food for thought, but there is no doubt the kid can play.

Nolan Smith- Duke Bluedevils

The thing about Duke is that they can count on the fact that Nolan Smith, John Scheyer and Kyle Singler are a trio that when in form can cause any team problems. His ability to drive to the rim is second to none.

Luke Harongody- Notre Dame Fighting Irish

His return to the court couldn't of come at a better time. The athleticism of the center is crucial to Notre Dame's game plan

This years competition is the most talked about NCAA tournament since the introduction of Lebron James and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. My head says Kansas but my heart says Kentucky. There is no doubt that the likes of Syracuse and Duke could take the title but both those teams rely and speed whereas the likes of Kansas and Kentucky are two powerhouses that bring everything to the table.

My Prediciton- Kentucky to beat Kansas

Champions League Draw

UEFA members have just announced the draw live from Nyon, Switzerland and it is as follows:-

Stuggart vs Barcelona
Olympiokas vs Bordeaux
Inter Milan vs Chelsea
Bayern Munich vs Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow vs Seville
Lyon vs Real Madrid
Porto vs Arsenal
AC Milan vs Manchester United

Christmas Shopping

Christmas Shopping footage in Farnham

We went to the streets of farnham to gather opinions from the public about Remebrance Day