PC's CBB Corner 3: Final FOur Predictions

Dude…

We are down to 4. All one seeds advanced to San Antonio for the first time in a long time. The Auburn Tigers lead by Johni Broome beat Tom Izzo and Michigan State Spartans. The Duke Blue Devils dismantled the Alabama Crimson tide as freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has been dominating all year. The Houston Cougars beat Tennessee as Kelven Sampson’s stingy defense can stop anyone. Finally, the Florida Gators beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders as Walter Clayton Jr. continues to come up clutch in clutch moments. Who wins it all? Here are the Final Four picks from the Dudes and Sports Crew!

Auburn vs. Florida- 

The stage is set for an exciting matchup as the Florida Gators take on the Auburn Tigers in what promises to be an electrifying Final battle. As the Gators and Tigers clash, all eyes will be on some of the standout players who are making waves this season, with Auburn’s Johni Broome emerging as a front-runner for Player of the Year honors. But Florida has its own star in Walter Clayton Jr., and the game is shaping up to be a high-stakes, high-intensity affair. Let’s break down the key players and factors that could determine the outcome of this exciting matchup.

Auburn’s Depth: Broome Leads, But Support is Key

Auburn has long been known for its deep and talented roster, and this year is no exception. At the heart of their success is Johni Broome, the 6-foot-10 senior forward who has been dominant on both ends of the court. Broome is the SEC Player of the Year, and his stats back that up. He’s averaging 15.6 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field. His ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s in the post or stretching the floor, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Broome is not only Auburn's most impactful player, but his leadership and consistency are the driving forces behind their success this season.

However, for Auburn to come out on top against Florida, the supporting cast will need to step up. Tahaad Pettiford, Chad Baker-Mazzara, and Denver Jones each have a crucial role to play. Pettiford, the electric freshman point guard, has shown flashes of brilliance and will need to be a steady force at the point guard position. His vision and ability to create plays will be key in breaking down Florida’s defense. Baker-Mazzara, a sharpshooter, must knock down key three-pointers to stretch the floor and provide spacing for Broome in the paint. And Jones, who has proven to be a capable scorer and defender, will need to contribute on both ends of the court to give Auburn the balanced attack it needs to win.

Auburn’s depth is a major asset in this matchup. While Broome will undoubtedly be the focal point, it’s the contributions of players like Pettiford, Baker-Mazzara, and Jones that will determine whether Auburn can overwhelm Florida with its talent and depth.

Florida’s Clutch Performer: Walter Clayton Jr.

On the other side, Florida has its own star in Walter Clayton Jr., who has been nothing short of clutch for the Gators this season. The 6-foot-4 guard is leading Florida with an impressive 17.2 points per game, along with a solid 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Clayton’s shooting numbers have been stellar as well—he’s shooting 48.7% from the field and an excellent 39.4% from three-point range. His ability to step up in crunch time has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable and clutch players in the SEC. Clayton will be looking to put his stamp on the game against Auburn, and if he gets hot from beyond the arc, he could be the difference-maker for Florida.

Clayton’s presence will be especially important in the closing moments of the game, where his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations will come to the forefront. If Florida hopes to take down a well-rounded team like Auburn, they will need Clayton to play at an elite level, not only as a scorer but also as a leader on the court. If the game is close in the final moments, expect Clayton to have the ball in his hands.

Alijah Martin and Will Richard: Key to Florida’s Success

In addition to Clayton, Florida will need big performances from Alijah Martin and Will Richard. Martin, an athletic and versatile wing player, has the ability to make plays at both ends of the court. His scoring ability, especially in transition, will be vital to Florida’s chances. He’s averaging 13.6 points per game, and his ability to get to the rim will be crucial in breaking down Auburn’s defense. If Martin can contribute consistently and take pressure off Clayton, it will allow Florida to keep pace with Auburn.

Will Richard, a steady contributor at guard, has been a key piece for the Gators this season as well. He’s averaging 11.4 points per game, and while not known for his scoring as much as Clayton or Martin, his ability to make smart plays, hit timely shots, and provide solid defense will be integral for Florida’s success. Richard’s all-around game, coupled with his defensive prowess, will be crucial in limiting Auburn’s offensive flow, particularly with Broome on the floor.

Game Prediction: A Battle of Depth and Clutch Performances

As these two teams face off, it’s clear that the game will come down to a few key factors. Auburn’s depth, led by Broome and supported by Pettiford, Baker-Mazzara, and Jones, will test Florida’s ability to keep pace. But Florida has its own stars in Clayton, Martin, and Richard, all of whom are capable of delivering big performances.

Ultimately, this game could be decided in the clutch moments, where players like Clayton and Broome will be asked to shine. With Broome’s ability to dominate inside and Clayton’s knack for hitting big shots, it promises to be a thrilling contest. Auburn’s depth may give them the edge, but Florida has the talent and poise to make it a close one. I believe the depth will be the factor that pushes Auburn to the Title game. Give me Auburn to move on in a great performance by both teams.

Duke vs. Houston- As the college basketball season heats up, one of the most highly anticipated games on the calendar is the upcoming showdown between the Houston Cougars and the Duke Blue Devils. This game promises to be a thrilling contrast of styles, with Houston bringing its elite defense to the table and Duke countering with its explosive offense. Both teams are loaded with talent, and this matchup could have serious implications as the tournament approaches. Let’s dive into what makes this game so compelling.

Houston’s Stifling Defense: The Nation’s Best

When you think of Houston, the first thing that comes to mind is their defense. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has built a powerhouse program by focusing on defense first, and it has paid off in spades. The Cougars are currently ranked as the #1 defense in the nation, a testament to the discipline, intensity, and relentless pressure that Sampson instills in his players. Houston’s defensive metrics are off the charts, and they pride themselves on making life difficult for any opponent. Whether it’s full-court pressure or locking down in half-court sets, the Cougars are constantly forcing turnovers, limiting scoring opportunities, and suffocating shooters.

Sampson’s commitment to defense is evident in every aspect of the team’s play. The Cougars are physical, well-coached, and always ready to engage in a grind-it-out game. Houston has shown time and again that they can dictate the tempo of a game through their defense, and against a high-powered offense like Duke’s, that will be crucial.

LJ Cryer: Houston’s Offensive Spark

While Houston’s defense will undoubtedly be the focus, the team also has offensive weapons that can hurt opponents. One of those weapons is LJ Cryer, a sharpshooting guard who has been a game-changer for the Cougars. Cryer’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting is going to be huge against Duke’s defense. His quick release and deep range make him a constant threat from beyond the arc, and he has the ability to take over games when he gets hot. Cryer’s outside shooting will be critical in spacing the floor and opening up lanes for Houston’s other scorers. If he’s on his game, it will force Duke to respect the perimeter, allowing Houston to be more versatile in their offensive sets.

J'Wan Roberts: Controlling the Paint

While Houston is known for its defense, J'Wan Roberts will be a key player on both ends of the floor. Roberts, a powerful forward, will need to anchor the Cougars' interior defense, particularly against Duke’s talented big men. Houston’s defense thrives in the paint, and Roberts' ability to shut down opposing post players will be a key factor in this game. Whether it’s blocking shots, securing rebounds, or simply being a presence in the lane, Roberts must be at his best to prevent Duke from dominating inside. His leadership and physicality will be essential for Houston to maintain its defensive identity.

Emmanuel Sharpe: The X-Factor

Another player to keep an eye on for Houston is Emmanuel Sharpe, who could be the game’s X-factor. Sharpe is a versatile player capable of contributing in multiple ways. Whether it’s hitting timely shots, creating plays on offense, or providing pesky defense, Sharpe’s ability to impact the game will be key for the Cougars. If Sharpe can step up and deliver when needed, he could be the difference-maker in helping Houston control the tempo and take down the high-flying Duke offense.

Duke’s Explosive Offense: The #1 Attack in the Nation

On the other side of the court, Duke brings the most potent offense in college basketball. The Blue Devils are currently ranked as the #1 offense in the nation, a reflection of their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play. Under coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has developed a fluid offensive system that moves the ball quickly, takes advantage of mismatches, and features multiple scoring options at every position. But while their team-wide offensive approach is effective, all eyes will be on their star player—Cooper Flagg.

Cooper Flagg: A Star in the Making

Cooper Flagg is an absolute phenom, and he has been a game-changer for Duke this season. The 6-foot-9 forward has the versatility to dominate on both ends of the floor. Flagg is averaging an impressive 19.4 points per game, along with 8.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, showcasing his all-around game. His shooting splits are equally impressive—he’s shooting 48.2% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range, making him a true dual threat. Flagg’s ability to space the floor with his shooting while also being a presence in the paint gives Duke a dynamic that few teams can match.

Flagg is not just a scorer; his playmaking ability and basketball IQ make him one of the best players in college basketball. His size and skill set make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and Houston will have their hands full trying to slow him down.

Supporting Cast: Kneppel, Maluach, and Proctor

While Flagg will certainly be the focal point of Duke’s offense, he is far from the only weapon at Scheyer’s disposal. Kon Kneppel has been a consistent outside shooter for Duke this season, and his ability to knock down three-pointers will be critical in stretching Houston’s defense. Kneppel’s shooting can help create driving lanes for Flagg and the other Duke players, making him a key piece in the offensive puzzle.

Inside, Khaman Maluach has been a dominant force for Duke. The 6-foot-10 center is strong in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Maluach provides Duke with a reliable option in the post, whether it’s finishing around the rim or cleaning up the boards. His size and strength will be needed to combat the physicality of Houston’s defense, especially in the paint.

Lastly, Tyrese Proctor, Duke’s seasoned point guard, will play a crucial role in orchestrating the offense. Proctor, a veteran floor general, is the glue that holds everything together for Duke. His ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball, and make smart decisions will be key in ensuring that Duke’s offense flows smoothly against Houston’s tough defense. In a game that will go back and forth, Duke has 3 top 10 picks and 2 others who could play in the NBA next year. That is just too much talent for the Houston Cougars to handle. Give me Duke to move on.

National Championship: Duke vs. Auburn- The final stage is set. After surviving intense semifinal matchups, the Auburn Tigers and Duke Blue Devils meet in the National Championship in what promises to be a thrilling showdown of power, depth, and star talent. Duke brings the nation’s top-ranked offense, fueled by future NBA stars, while Auburn counters with elite depth, a dominant frontcourt, and relentless two-way play. This game has all the makings of a classic—but one team has the formula to come out on top.

Frontcourt Battle: Broome vs. Flagg

The marquee matchup is clear: Auburn’s Johni Broome vs. Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Flagg has been electric for Duke all season, showcasing an all-around game that has NBA scouts salivating—19.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, with deadly efficiency. But Broome, the SEC Player of the Year, is no stranger to domination. At 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, he’s every bit the defensive anchor and interior force that can challenge Flagg’s impact.

Where Broome has the edge is maturity, experience, and toughness. He’s a senior who’s battled through the gauntlet of SEC play and emerged as a proven leader. While Flagg is a transcendent talent, Broome’s ability to battle physically and mentally, especially late in games, gives Auburn a key advantage.

Auburn’s Depth vs. Duke’s Star Power

Duke’s roster is headlined by top-tier prospects like Kneppel, Maluach, and Proctor, who form a potent supporting cast around Flagg. Kneppel can torch from deep, Maluach anchors the paint, and Proctor keeps the engine running as a floor general. It’s a balanced attack with a sky-high ceiling.

But Auburn’s depth and versatility may be the ultimate trump card. Tahaad Pettiford, the dynamic freshman, brings pace and creativity that can challenge Duke’s perimeter defense. Chad Baker-Mazzara, the sharpshooter, will be critical in stretching Duke’s bigs out of the lane. Denver Jones adds a layer of scoring and defensive intensity that few teams can match. This is a unit that plays unselfishly, swarms on defense, and doesn’t rely on one player to carry the load.

In a game of matchups, Auburn has more answers than questions.

Game-Deciding Factors

1. Paint Presence – Broome and Maluach will battle inside, but Broome’s versatility gives him the edge. If Auburn wins the paint, they win the game.

2. Guard Play – Pettiford vs. Proctor is a clash of styles. Proctor is smooth and experienced, but Pettiford’s burst and creativity can break the game open in transition.

3. Shot-Making – Duke’s shooting from Flagg and Kneppel can keep them in any game, but Auburn’s depth means more players can get hot and shift momentum.

4. Clutch Execution – Duke has Cooper Flagg. Auburn has a unit that’s built for late-game execution, with Broome leading the way.

Prediction: Auburn Wins the Title

In a game that will go down to the wire, Auburn’s combination of Broome’s dominance, the Tigers’ relentless depth, and their ability to wear teams down gives them the edge. Duke will have moments—Cooper Flagg will flash brilliance—but Auburn’s experience, balance, and physicality will prove too much.