Gaming Articles
Final Four Star Players - Star Powered
By Bodog Sportsbook
Apr 4, 2008, 12:53

This year’s Final Four is a historic event as for the first time in the storied men’s NCAA tournament history, all four No. 1 seeded teams have advanced to the Final Four. As we gear up for what should be the most contested and competitive Final Four of all time, here is a closer look at some of the star power that has catapulted these teams into the national spotlight.

Love Is All You Need
Kevin Love: They hate this guy in Oregon but they “Love” him in Westwood. In Oregon, he was the high school Player of the Year, and in his freshman debut for UCLA he took home the Pac-10 Player of the Year award. Perhaps the most impressive part of Love’s game is that it’s so complete for such a young player. His father was a pro, and Kevin Love’s basketball IQ is off the charts. Love also has tremendous upper body strength. He is able to make an outlet chest pass from his own baseline down the entire length of the court; in fact, he’s even been known to make shots from that distance in practice. The 6-10, 271-pound bundle of Love has 3-point range, he can handle the ball when needed, he can pass with accuracy and touch, he can rebound and he can score inside; in fact, there is really nothing Love can’t do. Kevin Love is the most complete basketball player in the college ranks as a freshman. We may be watching the beginning of a bright career for an up-and-coming future NBA lottery pick. Kevin Love’s full skill set will be put to the test as he and the UCLA Bruins take on the Memphis Tigers in the Final Four.

Budding Rose
Derrick Rose looked Dwyane Wade-type awesome when he was in high school. His college debut has not disappointed. Rose and the Tigers have won 37 games this season, tying an all-time NCAA record. Rose has blossomed under John Calipari’s tutelage. Rose showed leadership and poise in running the point for the Memphis Tigers this year. On a team where everyone can score, Rose has done an excellent job of distributing the rock and keeping everyone involved. Chris Douglas-Roberts, the swingman for the Tigers, is having an excellent season. Douglas-Roberts is leading the team offensively, averaging 17.7 points, many of which are from dimes in transition from a heads-up Rose. Aside from his decision making, which has steadily improved, Rose’s athletic ability is without question of NBA caliber. Standing at 6-3 and a shredded 205 pounds, Rose has incredible speed, quickness, strength and leaping ability. Rose can make the long range 3-pointer when needed, he can take anyone to the hoop with the dribble, he is extremely dangerous in transition and if you’re not careful, he will get up and bang on your head as Texas found out in the Elite Eight. Don’t miss Derrick Rose in the Final Four against UCLA. It will likely be the last time he’s in a college uniform; Rose is NBA-ready and NBA-bound.

Final Four MVP betting in the Bodog Sportsbook.

The Hansbrough Show
North Carolina Tar Heel star forward Tyler Hansbrough is just a treat to watch. People talk about never taking a possession off, but almost every player does. I say almost, because Hansbrough is the exception if there is one. Hansbrough competes full out, balls to the wall on every possession. Hansbrough plays every possession as if his team is down by five points with one minute to play for the national championship. And when his team is down, he plays even harder. Without question, Tyler Hansbrough is the college player of the year. Though his game has some rough edges and some uncertainties with his outside shooting, what he lacks in natural skill he makes up for with grit and hard work. He has led the Tar Heels to ACC championship glory and is now looking to lead them to his first national championship title. Hansbrough is one of those special players today who has the ability to single-handedly take over a game for his team. If Hansbrough improves his outside jumpshot, which has not looked too shabby as of late, he could be a top five draft pick in the NBA.

Super Mario And Brothers
Bill Self finally has his Kansas Jayhawks back in the Final Four, due in large part to the play of combo guard Mario Chalmers. Chalmers, along with Brandon Rush, is the floor leader for this Jayhawks team. Chalmers plays excellent defense and has pro-range on his jumpshot. Chalmers does not carry his team; rather, he is the so-called “motor” that runs the Kansas machine. Chalmers leads the team in minutes played, assists and 3-point shooting percentage. Chalmers is a big reason why Kansas is in the Final Four this year and why they like their chances against North Carolina. As far as the NBA is concerned, Kansas forwards like Darrell Arthur, Darnell Jackson and Rush are more physically suited to play in the NBA. The 6-1, 190-pound Chalmers’ athletic ability and future at the next level is questionable at best. He won’t be a top five pick, and he is a long shot for a top ten pick, but keep in mind Chalmers is still a junior. Also, with the amount of stock the NBA has placed in NCAA tournament performances, you can bet that Mario Chalmers and the Kansas Jayhawks will be looking to make a big impression on the biggest stage.

NCAA college basketball lines in the Bodog Sportsbook.

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