Tale of the tape

Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.

This one is absolutely no contest. Jim Boeheim has reached three Final Fours and won a national championship (2003). He will bring his top-of-the-line acumen to the ACC next year, but for now, it’s to the big dance on behalf of the Big East.

The Blue Devils suffered a tough loss in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament, but they’re still led by Coach K who has 79 wins all-time in the tourney and has made 11 Final Fours.

Ben Howland has a distinguished career, highlighted by three trips to the Final Four, but his status is up in the air at UCLA, as athletic director Dan Guerrero has given him no public assurances.

Mike Brey has been the savior of Notre Dame hoops ever since he jumped on board in 2000, guiding the Irish to the tourney in six of the past seven seasons.

Roy Williams has led Kansas and North Carolina teams to seven Final Fours and won two NCAA championships. His résume is as strong as any coach in college basketball today.