National championship game: Brad Stevens v. Kemba Walker

This wasn't the plan.

Superpower UConn v. Disney movie "Butler." But it will happen Monday night in the national championship game.

It's tough to separate the Huskies from Hurricane Sanctions, a storm that the NCAA might unleash on the program given new accusations of illegal activity by former recruit Nate Miles, and consider their brilliance. But they're in the middle of a remarkable run that would have earned far more publicity if Butler and VCU hadn't gone 2005 George Mason on the field.

And Butler. What can you say about the Bulldogs? Well, plenty.

My attempt to prepare you for one of the most intriguing matchups in college basketball history (Yes, I'm 27, but I have ESPN's College Basketball Encyclopedia, so I know a little bit about the game's legacy, OK?)

Butler: Brad Stevens is a magician

Butler coach Brad Stevens talks more trash than any of his colleagues. His sports information director should warn him. His wife should pull him aside and tell him to cool it. His players should ask their leader to think twice before he does it again.

Stevens' brand of trash talk is the worst kind. He praises every team and coach he faces. And then, he systematically exploits their weaknesses, all while maintaining his Mr. Rogers demeanor. But those who've played Butler know that the thirtysomething coach is really Tony Soprano after tipoff.

He acts like he's surprised when his team wins, but he's not. He knows his team is better than its opponent when it executes. His level-headed approach, however, provides the perfect cloak for his coaching talent and determination. It also makes him hard to hate.

Calhoun wanted to crush rival John Calipari Saturday as much as he wanted the Huskies to beat the Wildcats. Calhoun won't be able to find the same motivation against Butler.

"I want him occasionally to at least cuss or just do something out of line," Calhoun told reporters in Houston Sunday afternoon. He's already tricked UConn's longtime maestro. Stevens will become the same cutthroat coach he's been all year at 8:23 p.m. in Houston.

But he's used to fooling people.

He offered the usual response when he was asked about other jobs. "I'm happy here," he'd tell reporters.

But coaches in Stevens' position usually give-in to the pressure and go for the prestige and power of bigger programs.

He was a guy doing card tricks on a New York City street corner who'd been offered the chance to become David Copperfield.

But he stayed because he wanted something more.

If Stevens had turned Oregon or some other major conference-program into a contender over time, he would have solidified his status as one of the best coaches in college basketball. By staying at Butler and earning back-to-back trips to the national title game, he's working on becoming a legend.

If the Bulldogs win Monday night, he'll achieve something special.

And Stevens will probably pretend that he never saw it coming.

UConn: Kemba Walker doing it all for UConn.

I'd like another vote or at least more time.

Every year, I vote for the Naismith award.

But Walker might complete one of the most fabulous individual runs in recent NCAA tourney history Monday night.

And if the Atlanta Tipoff Club allowed voters to make their picks after the national title game, Walker would have probably won the honor this year. I know I'd have a hard time picking The Jimmer over Kemba.

Kemba has logged 384 minutes during his squad's 10-game winning streak. In that span, you could sit through "Avatar" twice and still have enough time to watch Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (with commercials).

He's the Marathon Man of college basketball. And he's pulling a crew of underclassmen on this crazy journey.

The difference between Kentucky and UConn Saturday was Kemba. Both squads rely on talented underclassmen. But Kemba's experience was vital.

He's guiding a young group on one of the biggest stages in major sports.

And there are signs that he might not have another amazing performance in him.

In stretches against Kentucky Saturday, Kemba looked KO'd. He was still good. But he looked like a player who'd finally started to feel the effects of playing 10 games in 25 days.

And that's why I'm so excited about Monday's game.

Kemba might do it again. He's zapped. He's tapped his reserves. He shouldn't have the juice to lead UConn to its 11th victory in a row.

Prediction: UConn has Kemba and a hall of fame coach. Butler has a one-two punch in Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack and a coach who's somehow cracked the nation's top-10 list before his 35th birthday.

I think Kemba will play big minutes. He'll do everything he can to will UConn to victory.

But it won't be enough. This is Butler's year.