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LED WILDCATS TO ELITE 8
McKillop offers insights based on experience
Davidson coach breaks down the semifinals
KEVIN CARY
kcary@charlotteobserver.com
Davidson coach Bob McKillop won't predict the outcomes of today's Final Four semifinals in San Antonio.
"I lost $1 when I bet the Yankees would beat the Pirates in the 1960 World Series," said McKillop, who was 10 at the time. "I learned my lesson then."
He brings a unique perspective to today's games; Davidson faced three of the four teams.
UCLA vs. Memphis
Davidson lost by 12 to UCLA, and McKillop said Memphis would be wise to try to wear down UCLA All-America center Kevin Love.
"That's what we tried to do," he said. "We wanted to make him work as much as possible on defense. When you get him into a faster pace, that can make him a little uncomfortable."
Davidson didn't play Memphis, but McKillop said he received a scouting report from friend and Texas coach Rick Barnes.
"Rick said Memphis has taken its defense to a whole new level," McKillop said. "And I know UCLA finds ways to defend every inch of turf once you get past halfcourt. So, the key might be which team can disrupt the other the most defensively."
North Carolina vs. Kansas
McKillop knows both teams well -- Davidson lost by a combined six points to the schools -- and pointed to two pivotal factors in this game.
He said North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson must be able to handle the pressure of facing Kansas point guards Russell Robinson and Sherrod Collins, and Kansas must slow forward Tyler Hansbrough without getting its post players in foul trouble.
"Sasha Kaun can make a difference for Kansas," McKillop said. "He's (6-foot-11), but he plays so much longer than that. But, can he stay on the court against Hansbrough? Because Hansbrough is so good at drawing fouls."
McKillop said the teams' mind-sets could also play a role.
"I know Kansas has to have a sense of relief getting here, because they had not done that under (coach Bill) Self," he said. "So, the pressure's off, but that might make them a little complacent. North Carolina expects to win it, but are the Tar Heels feeling like they have to win to have a successful season?
"These games are going to be something."
