March Madness 2012 Predictions: Kentucky Freshmen Will Earn Final Four Berth

Just like last year's squad did, the freshmen on the Kentucky Wildcats are ready to reach the Final Four in this year's March Madness.

The only difference between this team and last year's is that the 2011-12 squad looks more like a team ready to win, as the previous team looked somewhat lost in their journey to the Final Four in 2011.

While they lost guys like Brandon Knight, the team kept around key contributors like Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones, who have helped propel the team back to where they ended things a year ago.

One thing that can't be dismissed though, is the freshmen that coach John Calipari brought into the program, such as Marquis Teague and most importantly, big man Anthony Davis.

The Wildcats have proven to be essentially unstoppable, as they went 16-0 in their conference, while leading the whole NCAA with a 31-1 record.

Their only loss came early to the Indiana Hoosiers, and with the way things are looking right now, there just doesn't seem to be anything that can stop them—besides maybe another No. 1 seed.

Up until that point in the tournament, nothing is going to stop this team. They should easily make their way into the Final Four, as players like Lamb and Davis will continue to lead the scoring efforts.

Davis has been the most impressive of all, as he has been putting up 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per night. The most impressive thing of all going into this tournament is his ability to swat away the competition.

In the team's last two games against the LSU Tigers and Florida Gators, Davis had six blocks in each game. He also had another five, two games before that, as the team downed Vanderbilt.

The most important part of this team's success this season has been their defense, which looks much more well-rounded compared to the bits of sloppiness seen during last season.

The main thing that will be tested of these young players is their patience, and their resilience to the overwhelming pressure that comes on the big stage.

If they can stay on track, and continue to play at the high level that they have been, there is no telling how far this team can go with a postseason run.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase