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Reactions: Final Four

Duke, Arizona top most fans' Final Four prediction lists

Most users believe Jason Williams will lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four this year. AP

The wait is over. It's here. College basketball began play this week, which means that March Madness is just five short months away. In the spirit of the election, we asked CNNSI.com to cast their votes for the teams they think we'll see advance to the Final Four. We counted the responses from Florida twice, just to make sure. Here's a sample of what we received:

In the modern world of college basketball, there are no less than 40 teams with a chance at playing in the Final Four. Anybody could look at the AP Poll and go with the top four teams; the hard part is finding those lower-rated teams that will get hot. I like Wyoming from my backyard, and not just because I live here. The talent is there. The question is whether the chemistry is right. Then Maryland has the returning players to make a huge run as a two- or three-seed. Arizona is just too good to ignore. After that I'll take a chance on Utah, also from the Mountain West.
Travis Samulski, Cheyenne, Wy.

The first Final Four team will be Arizona. The Wildcats have too much talent and they have the experience of losing last year, so they know what it takes. Next is Duke. The on-floor leadership of Battier, plus there is the talent of Williams, Boozer, Dunleavy, and James. Oh yeah, they have a guy named Coach K on the sideline. Next is Michigan State. This is another defensively tough Izzo-coached team, with five or six future NBA players on the roster (and more on the way). The final dark-horse pick is Arkansas. This year they won't sneak up on anyone.
The Chairman, Lansing, Mich.

Kansas: Roy Williams is now his own man, and his experienced players will win for him! Maryland: A very good team last year with three newcomers that will give them the depth they needed. UNC: A huge front court with solid shooters should give the Heels the balance they need to go to yet another Final Four. Arizona: Fast, Quick, Tall -- with attitude. Honorable mentions: Duke, Wake Forest, Alabama.
bigeastfan, Washington, D.C.

Kentucky. I think the name stands for itself.
Missy Corey, Brandon, Miss.

I think that the national championship will be between Duke and Alabama. Of course, I have a little bias being from Tuscaloosa, but I believe that the Crimson Tide can hang with anyone when they are healthy. For all those who think I am crazy, just watch the season develop and you will see the Tide sneak up on everybody. They are the Cinderella team of this year, mark my words.
Kennedy Anderson, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Arizona: too talented. Cincinnati: need guards to lead to Promise Land and they have two. Florida: battle-tested in SEC. Duke: always ready and loaded.
Jim Mary, Cincinnati

Michigan State: talent, leadership, youth, experience and dedication. Duke: depth, versatility, skill, tradition and workhorses. Illinois: depth, talent, leadership and scrappers. Arizona: skill, chemistry, mindset and hunger.
CJ DeFord, Lansing, Mich.

Missouri is the best team nobody knows about. JaRon Rush will have a big year (18 ppg.) and win player of the year in the Big 12. With Gilbert hitting threes, look out for Mizzou in March!
nate, Lone Jack, Mo.

Connecticut and Maryland. UConn because the freshmen phenoms will get their experience throughout the year, and become very good by March Madness. Maryland because Terrance Morris will bring them there.
Jon Villard, Anchorage, Alaska

Indiana: on a mission to prove IU basketball is more than just Bobby Knight. Michigan State: potentially best in the land. Florida: it's their time. Arizona: why not?
Dan Barnthouse, U.S. Navy, Bahrain, Persian Gulf

With Coach Williams returning for his 13th season at the helm of the Jayhawks, Kansas seems motivated and poised enough to carry them to the Final Four. They have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. They also have plenty of experience at every position. Center Eric Chenowith will be ready to prove that his junior year was a fluke, and that he will be ready to be a lottery pick in the June 2001 NBA draft. For the first time in two seasons, Kansas does not have a rebuilding year. Look to see Kansas as impressive as they were with the Raef LaFrentz, Paul Pierce combo.
Richard G. Murdock III, Leavenworth, Kan.

I live in he hometown of Maryland star Terence Morris. I watched him as a kid through high school, so I think that he will carry Maryland to the Final Four. My other picks are two other ACC teams, North Carolina and Duke, and I believe that Arizona will make it as well. Remember Frederick, Md., because there is another sensational player from the same school as Terence who will kill the college world. Remember the name Jermaine Thomas.
Mike, Frederick, Md.

I think that this year might be almost totally ACC. Look at it. North Carolina and Duke are almost sure picks, and Maryland will be great. I don't know how they would all actually make it to the Final Four, but it would be awesome to see the ACC back on top like it used to be, and is soon to be again. My other pick is Arizona because they are awesome and all five starters are going to be first-round picks.
Brent Hodgin, Greenville, N.C.

Of course Duke will make it. Arizona is also a lock this year (both teams will be No. 1 seeds in the tournament and march to the Final Four easily). Seton Hall is also going to be in the Final Four. They were hot last year and they have a good recruiting class. And finally (remember you heard it from me first) Wake Forest is going. They have the nation's toughest schedule and return all five starters and five good guys off the bench. Robert O'Kelley will be the Player of the Year. Remember you heard this from me first.
Dale, Littleton, Colo.

Duke, Arizona, Maryland and Illinois. How can you ignore Duke and 'Zona? You can't. And Maryland and Illinois both have loads of returning players.
Marc, Champaign, Ill.

1. Maryland: Like Noah's Ark, they have two of everything and Gary Williams is determined to get the monkey off his back. 2. Duke: Williams, Dunleavey and Battier are three future NBA ballers, and Coach K knows how to get it done. 3. Arizona: Too talented not to make it to the Final Four if Woods can keep his mind and body together. 4. Wake Forest: The ACC enjoys a return to prominence, but it's Wake, not UNC, that will be dancing longest.
Todd Kuehl, Baltimore

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