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Jordan Schultz
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Final Four 2012: The X Factor For Each Team

First Posted: 03/28/2012 3:48 pm   Updated: 03/29/2012 10:36 am

With a combined 13 national championships, a total of 49 Final Four appearances and a barrage of current All-Americans, the 2012 NCAA Final Four embodies brand-name college basketball at its finest: Kansas vs. Ohio State, Kentucky vs. Louisville. While the nation is clamoring for Thomas Robinson, Jared Sullinger, Anthony Davis and Peyton Siva -- and rightfully so -- let's take a look at each team's X factor as well.

Aaron Craft (PG), Ohio State
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Aaron Craft is the unsung hero of an Ohio State team that relies heavily on his pestering on-ball defense and his ability to thwart the opposition's half-court offense. The sophomore point guard increased his school single-season record to 95 steals in the Buckeyes' win over Syracuse in the Elite Eight. Since the Gonzaga win in the round of 32, he has played all but two possible minutes while maintaining superb energy and composure as the only true ball handler on the roster. His penetration will be vital against Kansas, but perhaps even more important will be his defense against Jayhawks point guard Tyshawn Taylor, who is an explosive scorer also prone to untimely turnovers.
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With a combined 13 national championships, a total of 49 Final Four appearances and a barrage of current All-Americans, the 2012 NCAA Final Four embodies brand-name college basketball at its finest: K...
With a combined 13 national championships, a total of 49 Final Four appearances and a barrage of current All-Americans, the 2012 NCAA Final Four embodies brand-name college basketball at its finest: K...
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lisaman
I am a liberal American so get over it
1789 Fans
05:06 PM on 03/31/2012
Anybody but Pitino.
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Kid Notorious
A rambunctious scamp
363 Fans
 
12:22 AM on 03/30/2012
If... IF we happen to win this thing, Aaron Craft is the MVP. Sullinger, Thomas and (hopefully) Buford will get their points, but Craft - a sophomore at that - is the leader and has done an astounding job throwing opposing PG's off their game. He's the reason we are in NOLA. The kid is a mosquito.
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bettyboop68
52 Fans
09:54 PM on 03/29/2012
Go bucks!
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goldengirl43
Older than dirt!
375 Fans
05:08 PM on 03/29/2012
Anyone but OSU. That's one cocky bunch.
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Kid Notorious
A rambunctious scamp
363 Fans
 
12:19 AM on 03/30/2012
Do elaborate...
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CatfishJohn
251 Fans
10:24 AM on 03/29/2012
An accurate assessment of Kentucky's Darius Miller, a fine and soft-spoken young man from Eastern Kentucky. Miler is a versatile player who has willingly swallowed his pride as a senior to allow the super-talented freshmen to get more playing time for the sake of team success. Miller is a streaky outside shooter & sometimes plays too passively . If he gets hot from the perimeter & aggressive around the rim, he becomes and instant 1st or 2nd scoring option.....and makes Kentucky almost unbeatable. GO CATS!
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