Random Observations: Final Four Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots: ---After two magnificent weekends of exhilarating basketball, the 2011 Final Four is set. UConn, Kentucky, VCU, and Butler will battle in Houston for a chance to cut down the nets. . ---We'll get to Connecticut and Kentucky in a moment. But first things first: The fact that VCU and Butler are playing in the Final Four encapsulates everything that I love about March Madness. With all due respect for the Huskies and Wildcats, my heart is with VCU and Butler. Go Rams and Bulldogs! . ---On Selection Sunday, college basketball analysts across the globe were shocked and dismayed at the inclusion of VCU in the field of 68. Many considered VCU's at-large bid an affront to the sport, and an unfair slap in the face to teams like Alabama and Colorado, teams that were snubbed by the selection committee. Two weeks later, nobody is doubting the Rams. Coach Shaka Smart has done an amazing job with his team. VCU isn't merely winning; they are demolishing the opposition, easily cruising by the likes of Georgetown, Purdue, and Kansas. . ---Led by the fearless inspiration and leadership of Shaka Smart and the extraordinary play of senior point guard Joey Rodriguez, VCU has been the story of the tournament. Even Ebenezer Scrooge would be moved by this VCU team. . ---VCU's opponent in the Final Four is a team with an immensely compelling story of their own, the Butler Bulldogs. Butler was one shot short of a national championship last season, but even after that remarkable run, many dismissed Butler as a fluke as they struggled through a somewhat underwhelming regular season. On Selection Sunday, nobody gave them a chance of making it back to the Final Four. Two weeks later, they are back with a chance to compete for the national title. After two straight Final Fours, Butler is quickly becoming a basketball powerhouse. . ---Unless you are a heartless curmudgeon, you have got to love this Butler team. Brad Stevens may well be the best coach in college basketball, and the brilliant, selfless play of Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard has endeared the Butler program to the nation. . ---Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are bound to get enormous offers from big-name schools this offseason, and deservedly so. They are two outstanding, elite coaches. However, here's hoping they resist the temptation to leave their current schools. I would love to see Smart and Stevens continue to excel at VCU and Butler. ---Duke is not in the Final Four. There is justice in the world after all. . ---VCU-Butler is the better story, but UConn-Kentucky is a scintillating matchup as well. I can't stand Jim Calhoun or John Calipari, but I am eagerly anticipating the duel between these two great teams. I am especially excited to see two future NBA stars, Kemba Walker and Brandon Jones. . ---I still think Arizona's Derrick Williams is the best player in college basketball, but Kemba Walker and Brandon Jones are right there behind him. Whichever player delivers the better performance on Saturday will determine the game's outcome. . ---I am worse at predictions than Jay Leno is at comedy, but I will still give it a shot: UConn over Kentucky, VCU over Butler. . ---Now it's time to sit back, relax, and continue to enjoy the beauty of the NCAA Tournament. Go Rams and Bulldogs!