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Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough swept the national awards and deservedly so, but a strong case was made by Michael Beasley, too. Both players consistently posted big numbers and carried their teams to excellent seasons. They separated themselves from the pack in the POY voting.
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A.J. Price: While it was sad to see this young man end his season by tearing his ACL in UConn's first-round tournament loss to San Diego, the kind of season he had after overcoming a lot of personal adversity during his first two years at Connecticut was great to see. He had a breakout season for the Huskies in just about every statistical category and became a team leader in the process. Very impressive. Here's hoping he has a full recovery.
Tennessee at Memphis: This super-hyped matchup in late February between intrastate rivals that were ranked Nos. 1 and 2 at the time lived up to the expectations. The atmosphere was electric, and the play was fierce and competitive. Tennessee used strong rebounding and clutch shot-making to give Memphis its only loss of the season until the championship game.
Kentucky an 11 seed? In early January, I thought the NIT might be a stretch for this team. Injuries and adjusting to first-year coach Billy Gillispie contributed to a 6-7 record heading into conference play. But the Wildcats went 12-4 in the SEC and won every conference game at home, starting with a double-overtime win over Vanderbilt. I called that game for CBS and remember a fan telling me afterward that Kentucky would make the tournament. I was skeptical. The Wildcats proved him right.
Georgia makes the tournament: An improbable run through the SEC tournament landed the Bulldogs in the field of 65 and saved Dennis Felton's job. After storm damage to the Georgia Dome roof forced the postponement of its game Friday night, the SEC tournament schedule was altered and the remaining games were played at Georgia Tech with only a few hundred fans able to attend. Georgia had to win three games in about 24 hours, including two on Saturday. Somehow the Bulldogs got it done. They beat Kentucky, Mississippi State and Arkansas in an inspiring performance.
Stephen Curry: The Davidson sophomore was the brightest of the tournament stars during his team's run to the Elite Eight. His quick release, "in the gym" range, clutch shot-making, savvy and poise make him a special player. A player who will be on everyone's Player of the Year watch lists next season.
Speaking of next season, I look forward to it -- as I always do. But for now it's time to enjoy the NBA playoffs, some AAU hoops with our youngest son, some time at home with our college-age children and whatever else the next five months bring. I'll casually keep an eye on the college hoops landscape, but until late September, I'll take a break from being an analyst. One of the benefits of a seasonal gig.
For those of you so inclined, here are a few teams to put on the radar screen for next season: Creighton, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Richmond, San Diego, Temple, and Virginia Tech. If you're looking for an NBA champion, it's hard to go against the Spurs. Have a great summer out there, and thanks for all of your feedback this season.