We are into February and only a month away from the best time of sports, March Madness.  Predicting the Final Four is probably one of the hardest and dumbest things to predict, yet analysts and sportscasters can't stay away from doing it, so why should I be any different?  This year has been a crazy one with no one team standing out as the nation's dominant team.  As soon as we have a solid #1, they are beaten.  The Big East and ACC are stronger than ever and even the Big-10 is bringing an array of surprise teams into consideration.  Here is my early Final Four prediction:

Duke Blue Devils (19-2) -  I really hate this team, but can't deny that they can play with the best in the country.  We'll be able to judge this Blue Devil team better when they play against North Carolina, but so far they have been better than most expected this year.  Any Coach K team is competitive, this team has a chemistry that leads them to victories.  What's scary is that their top 3 scorers (Henderson, Scheyer, and Singler) will all be back next year if they don't come out for the draft.  But as far as this year is concerned, they are talented enough to make the Final Four.  You hate me for this pick, but deep down you know Duke will be there in the end. 

UCONN Huskies (21-1) -  They've got Thabeet, they've got Thabeet, they've got Thabeet....yeah...they got Thabeet.  7'3 Hasheem Thabeet is an absolute beast.  Thabeet is averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks a game(2nd in the nation).  This is a very strong UCONN team that is an amazing 7-1 against Top 25 teams this season.  After destroying Louisville by 17 points, they showed the nation why they should be the leading candidate for the National Championship.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (17-2) - Say what you want about their losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, this is a Final Four quality team.  I can't do math, and the Deacons can't beat technology schools, but they can beat Duke and North Carolina, which should tell you all you need to know.  Wake Forest proved that they can play on the road after beating Clemson by 10 in January.  Guard Jeff Teague is averaging 20 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game and also leads the team in free throw shooting at 81.6%.  Wake Forest also has the height to compete with UCONN and other powerhouses with 3 of their top 4 scorers 6'9 or taller.  Wake Forest has proven they can beat the best, and this may be their year to make it back to the Final Four. 

North Carolina Tar Heels (20-2) - Three teams in the ACC making the Final Four does seem excessive, but this conference is just that good at the top.  North Carolina was "given" a spot in the Final Four by every expert before the season started.  They have been great, but losses to Boston College and Wake Forest have made many analysts second guess their opinions.  As long as the North Carolina lineup consists of Hansbrough, Lawson, Ellington, and Green, they will make the Final Four. 


Why Not These Teams?

Louisville; Losses to Western Kentucky, Minnesota, and UNLV (also lost to UCONN) show me that they are prime candidates for an early upset exit from the tourney.

Oklahoma; I know you're thinking I'm crazy for not adding them in the mix.  The Sooners have three ranked victories over Gonzaga, Texas, and Purdue, who have all fallen significantly this season.  Although they only have one loss to Arkansas, I'm just not ready to give Oklahoma a legitimate look for the Final Four

Pittsburgh; I like watching this Pitt team, but they are 2-2 against Top 25 teams.  They will make a run, but I expect an elite-8 exit. 

Other Contenders:  I would look out for Michigan State and Marquette to possibly make a run towards the Final Four.  If either of these teams get hot (and Marquette has been pretty much all season), they have what it takes to beat anyone in the country.