NCAA Bracket 2012: 5 Reasons Kentucky Is Guaranteed to Win It All

Kentucky will head into tournament play as the No. 1 overall seed. The Wildcats have had a great season so far, losing only two games throughout the season and the SEC tournament. The Wildcats will win the tournament this year, guaranteed.

The Wildcats are the obvious favorite to win it all as they carry very few weaknesses on this squad. In fact, the only obvious weakness that is present is their youth. The talent of that youth is evident, however, as the Wildcats look very comfortable taking over games this year.

As the tournament prepares to kick off with first round games tomorrow, here are five reasons why the Wildcats will win it all. 

Tough Defense

Kentucky has a tough and gritty man-defense. Calipari believes in his guys sticking to their guy and keeping them in front, but in the event that the Kentucky defender is beat to the edge and the opponent drives the lane, Anthony Davis is there to block the shot.

Kentucky utilizes its speed to its advantage not only offensively, but on defense as well. The Wildcats are very meticulous defensively which will lead to positive results as the tournament progresses. 

Team Speed and Aggression

The Kentucky team is well known for its speed to the basket and around the court. The Wildcats make it difficult for teams to catch a breath with the Calipari style of offense.

The Wildcats will run the legs out from under the competition, but they are also very aggressive to the basket. Kentucky’s skill players do not shy away from a congested lane presence, instead they drive into it.

When you combine the speed and aggression that the Wildcats possess, it gets very taxing for the opposing team on defense. 

Hidden Shooting Talent

Kentucky has not had a great reputation as a strong shooting team under Calipari, especially from outside of the three-point arc. This season has brought about a bit of a change to that perception.

One player to watch is senior guard Darius Miller. One of Miller’s best showings this season from the behind arc came against Georgia on March 1. Miller was 5-of-9 from behind the arc against the Bulldogs.

Anthony Davis and a Host of Talented Freshmen

John Calipari is recognized for his ability to build great teams around youthful talent. This season is no different as there are six freshmen and three sophomores currently on roster. Two of those freshmen have been major contributors.

Anthony Davis has had a great season, leading the country in blocked shots. Davis is a very talented player that enforces the inside of the paint for the Wildcats very well.

Another impact freshman to watch as the tournament moves forward is Marquis Teague. Teague is averaging 32.4 minutes a game for the Wildcats, using his speed and aggression to the basket to his advantage. 

John Calipari

Coaching is as big a part of winning as having elite-level talent on the court. John Calipari has an amazing knack for recruiting elite level talent and then compiling the best teams in the country by coaching them to team continuity.

Calipari has a very unique approach to the college coaching game and has undoubtedly built a winning formula. Watching Calipari’s teams is always a treat. They play aggressive to the basket and fly around the court.

Combine the elite talent that is found on the Wildcats roster with the coaching talent that is Calipari, and there is an undeniable recipe for championships.

Follow @ShugJordanPkwy

For your printable bracket for the 2012 NCAA tournament, click here