The Final Four 2010: Butler, Michigan State, West Virginia, and Duke

If you had Butler, Michigan State, West Virginia and Duke in your Final Four, either you were completely guessing, or send me this week's winning lottery numbers. I don't think many people would have predicted Kansas, Syracuse, and Kentucky all failing to make the Final Four. They were so dominant during the course of the year, all with coaches who've been to Final Fours. That just shows how on any given night...well, you know the rest. One thing I've liked about this tournament is the return to fundamental basketball. There is hard-nosed defense, blocking out on rebounds, solid shooting, and making your free throws.

These four teams are not your most individually talented teams in the tournament, but they are extremely well coached. Tom Izzo and Mike Krzyzewski are two of best coaches in country and have 17 Final Fours between them. Bob Huggins of West Virginia has been to a final 4 himself and Butler's coach Brad Stevens has an 86% career winning percentage. That's some serious coaching talent. What are my impressions of each team?

Duke Blue Devils

I believe this is one of Coach K's best coaching jobs of his career. The Blue Devils had single digit scoring efforts by Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer during the tournament and still came through the South regional. Brian Zoubek had another nine rebounds against Baylor, even though he got into foul trouble. It's their back-court that makes Duke so dangerous, though. Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer form one of the most underrated guard tandems in the country. Of course, Coach K knows how to win when he gets in this position. He already has three national titles to his name.

Michigan State Spartans

I don't know how Tom Izzo does it, but the Spartans are in the Final Four again. It didn't matter that Kansas was in their bracket, or that one of their best players Kalin Lucas is out for the tournament, Tom Izzo just finds ways to win. These Spartans look like every Tom Izzo coached team: They rebound, they play defense, their physical, and they have a better shot at the national title than they did last year. There is no ultra-talented NBA laden team left in the field, and the Spartans can frustrate the heck out of any team they play

Butler Bulldogs

Don't think for a second that these Butler Bulldogs can't win the national title. They've beat Ohio State, Xavier, Kansas State and Syracuse this year, and now they are getting to play six miles from their campus. For two games, that hometown advantage could lift Butler just enough for what would be the most incredible title run in the last 25 years. It would be bigger than Villanova's '85 run in my opinion. Gordan Hayward is 6'8" and can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and rebound. Then you have Shelvin Mack, a tough-as-nails guard that can get to the basket. Their game with Michigan State is going to be a war.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Michigan State had injuries, Butler was the underdog, and Duke was the least respected No. 1. Like the others the Mountaineers had to persevere to get to the Final Four. Guard Darryl Bryant was not available to play against Kentucky in the Elite Eight. The Wildcats were considered the tournament's most talented team led by all world freshman John Wall. The Mountaineers locked down on the Wildcats holding them to 66 points and 12.5% shooting from three-point range. Joe Mazzulla who averaged two points a game had 17 in the win. The 66 points Kentucky scored were the most of any team the Mountaineers played in the tournament. These guys can play some defense and won the rugged Big East tournament.