NCAA Bracket 2012: 3 Bold Predictions for a Thrilling Final Four

The Kentucky Wildcats will be your 2012 NCAA Tournament champions. They are an incredibly young team, but their wealth of talent and athleticism will make up for that. 

This is a Final Four that is loaded with big-time programs and premier talent. There are going to be thrilling games and some great basketball. Here is a taste of what you can expect, and why Kentucky is going to win it all. 

Thomas Robinson Will Get the Better of Jared Sullinger

This is matchup is going to be a compelling game within the game. Both of these talented forwards are virtual locks for the NBA draft lottery, and both are having great tournaments. However, Robinson will emerge as the better talent.

Robinson is coming off two 18-point games against the talented frontcourts of North Carolina State and North Carolina.

His showing against the Tar Heels was especially impressive. Along with the 18 points, he also grabbed nine boards.

In that game, he outperformed Tyler Zeller—who finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

Robinson is ready for this matchup. He is quicker than Sullinger and will beat him to the boards. He will also play better defense, and that will lead to him winning this matchup, much like the one he won against Zeller.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Will Dominate

After a slow start to the tournament, Kidd-Gilchrist has been amazing. He is averaging 21.5 points in his last two games, and he is setting the tone for his team. 

Along with the 21.5 points, he is also averaging 7.5 rebounds. He has the hot hand, and he will keep that streak rolling. 

He will play a vital role against Louisville, as the Cardinals will try to slow the game down. Kidd-Gilchrist won't let that happen. This is a player that thrives in the open court. He also can initiate fast breaks with his solid defense. 

This will help him lead his Wildcats past the Cardinals and into the championship. He will average over 20 points a game for his Final Four. 

Kentucky Will Beat Kansas to Win it All

With Robinson and Kidd-Gilchrist leading the charge, Kansas and Kentucky will meet in the championship game. 

This is not a good matchup for Kansas. The two teams play a similar style, and the problem is that Kentucky does it better. 

Kansas is 36th in scoring, 54th in rebounds and 14th in field goal percentage. Kentucky is 20th in scoring, 15th in rebounds and 10th in field goal percentage. 

The Wildcats are also faster and more athletic. The only way Kansas wins this game is if they shoot out of their minds, and the Kentucky defense will not allow that. 

Kentucky wins 81-74.