My pick for the Cinderalla 2008 goes to the Davidson Wildcats.
This team is on one of the best winning streaks in the nation at 22 games. They played a decent conference schedule, but lost tough games early in the season to top programs such as Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA.
They are not afraid of playing on the road, and play very well at home. Davidson lost to NC by four, Duke by six (at home), UCLA by 12, and NC St. by one. They also played a very good Winthrop team that they beat 60-47.
As far as players go, you have to start with the best player on their team, sophomore Stephen Curry. Averaging 25.1 PPG, Curry is the nation's fifth leading scorer. He posted 29 and 24 points in losses to NC St. and North Carolina. He's a guy who can create his own shot, and is not afraid to take you off the dribble.
Jason Richards is a huge factor on the floor as well. He's averaging 12.6 PPG, and he's hauling 34 minutes a game. Boris Meno is providing senior leadership along with Richards and Thomas Sander.
The head coach of the Wildcats is Bob McKillop. In his tenure at Davidson, he's made two (three as of this year) trips to the NCAA tournament, and also an NIT bid as well. In 15 years as the head coach, he's compiled a 311-218 record, and has won Coach of the Year in the Southern Conference four times. (1994,1996,1997,2002).
The Wildcats did get a favorable draw. The strength of their conference was a huge factor, but they proved that they can hang with the big boys such as Duke and North Carolina.
They have the potential to beat Gonzaga, and even Georgetown, to advance to the Sweet 16. They're a bit undersized when comparing to Josh Heytvelt at 6-11, and would have further trouble with the 7'2 Roy Hibbert. Davidson can give you fits defensively. They are my team to be the next Cinderella.
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