
If you're a Minnesotan gearing up to watch the men's college basketball Final Four on Saturday and next Monday, followed by the men's college hockey Frozen Four the following weekend, chances are you'll need a team to adopt.
No teams from the area made the Final Four, which instead is occupied by three teams out east (Villanova, Syracuse and North Carolina) and one down south (Oklahoma). The Frozen Four has two teams from the old WCHA — North Dakota and Denver — but no Minnesota schools. Boston College and Quinnipiac round out the Frozen Four. Here are some reasons to consider casting your allegiance in various directions:
FINAL FOUR
North Carolina: The Tar Heels are the prohibitive favorite as the only No. 1 seed to reach the Final Four and arguably the most impressive overall team in the tournament so far. If you want to latch onto a likely winner, this is your best bet.
Oklahoma: The Sooners have Buddy Hield, who is not only worth watching all on his own but also figures to be a high lottery pick that the Timberwolves could possibly have a chance to draft if they so choose. Hield is the most dynamic player left standing and makes Oklahoma a good pick.
Syracuse: The Orange made it to the Final Four as a No. 10 seed, a rarity in college basketball. If you want to align yourself with an underdog — even one from a major conference — here's your chance.
Villanova: This mostly anonymous group embodies the team concept better than any of the other four left in the mix. If you like a team built on grit instead of stars, this is your squad.
FROZEN FOUR