When you can take two programs to their first Final Four, that's a Hall of Fame resume right there. That shows you're a championship-caliber coach that can get the best out of his players.

Miami had an amazing comeback against Texas. Why is this Hurricanes team well-equipped to win it all and how can they advance to the national championship game? 

I think it just starts with the coach, Jim Larranaga. This is now his second Final Four. He brought George Mason there 17 years ago, and now Miami this year. For both schools, it was their first-ever run to the Final Four. When you can take two programs to their first Final Four, that's a Hall of Fame resume right there. That shows you're a championship-caliber coach that can get the best out of his players. You have an advantage with him at the helm as your coach. Also, they have earned this Final Four. They earned it in every way. They had to beat the highest seeds to get there -- No. 12 seed Drake, No. 4 seed Indiana, and No. 1 seed Houston, which was an amazing team that many people picked to win it all. And then the No. 2 seed in Texas. They have earned this run. It's not like they have just beaten other teams that got there with upsets. They have beaten the toughest team each time they have had to play, and they feel like they can beat anybody on the field right now.

How about Florida Atlantic? How can they win it all? What do you like about FAU’s chances of getting an upset win over San Diego State?

I talked about this going into the tournament -- about how FAU had an amazing regular season. It has continued now into the Big Dance. They are 35-3 this season. That is no fluke. I don't think a win over San Diego State would now qualify as an upset, because everyone has seen how good this team really is. They have shown they belong with anyone on the court. They will play anyone anywhere, it does not matter. From their small arena in Florida to the biggest stadium they will play in – I mean, NRG Stadium is a football field -- what a story for them! Their coach, Dusty May, has assembled a gritty roster of guys who felt counted out. Guys who came from JUCOs, transfers, you name it -- guys that feel like they can come together and work for a cause. And you can see they don't want this ride to end. One fun fact is that they started this tournament at 300-to-1 odds to win it all. That would make them the longest-shot champion ever, and they are right at the doorstep, just two wins away. 

Who do you have winning it all and why?

I would say UConn. One reason for that is their dominant bigs. Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan have been an amazing 1-2 punch in every single game. They are the team's anchor defensively and will overpower teams that can't match their size and skill. We saw that against Gonzaga and Drew Timme. They are also winning in a dominant fashion. Every win has been by 15-plus points. They are steamrolling teams in the toughest tournament in the world on the biggest stages. That is impressive in itself. They feel like no matter who's out there, they are going to win. When you feel like you are literally going to steamroll the opponent no matter who it is, that is an unbelievable feeling. They are playing their best basketball at this time of the year, and their coach said how much the Big East schedule got them ready for the Big Dance. They feel so much more confident now that they are playing other teams. I think that says something about the depth and strength of the Big East. So, UConn is my pick to win it all. They are playing unbelievable basketball right now.

Turning to the upcoming NBA playoffs, who are your favorite teams to come out of the Eastern and Western Conferences?

In the East, I think the most complete team overall is Milwaukee. I'm picking them to come out of the East. They have the best player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo. I don't think he's the MVP, although he is highly deserving because I think it's just going to go to someone else this year. They have the best player in the world and great tools around him. I think Jrue Holiday is a guy that anyone would want to battle with. He's an Olympian and NBA champion who doesn't care who he's asked to defend on any given night because he will do it. They also have shooters. Khris Middleton will be healthy in the playoffs, and Brook Lopez and Grayson Allen. They have weapons around Giannis that make them the most complete team.

In the West, if you had asked me a week ago, I would have had a different answer, and two weeks ago I also would have had a different answer. Right now, I think Memphis is playing the best basketball in the West. I feel comfortable saying that. I think Ja Morant is re-energized after his time away from the team. You can see that swagger is back with the team and the excitement that they're just playing ball again. They're talking less and just playing ball. You can see that they have won nine out of their last 10 and are playing high-quality basketball right now, so they would be my pick. 

Would you ever consider getting into coaching and maybe even joining the Wisconsin staff?

I have talked about this with many people. I still have a long way to go playing the game, but I think coaching could be down the line for me. I don't know, but I love talking basketball, and I love dissecting the game and breaking things down. I love teaching and helping out young kids and children who play basketball. So maybe I will end up working with young adults at the collegiate level, although I still have to get my own degree. I love coaching, playing, and learning about the game. So that could be in the cards for me. Would I love to do that at a big, major school like Wisconsin? Of course. I'd love to help out at a place that I love so much -- that is near and dear to me. If there is any way I can give back to Wisconsin in any regard, I will wholeheartedly do it. If that's in the cards, it would be such a blessing. I'd love to one day maybe help young men and women play the game they love and try to give other people the joy that the game gives me.

Best College Basketball Bets Today – NCAA Tournament Odds, Predictions, and Parlay for Final Four on April 1st: 2-Leg Parlay Picks (+310)

Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State Odds, Spread, Moneyline, Over/Under – NCAAB Betting Lines 4/1

Moneyline: Florida Atlantic +115, San Diego State -135
Spread: Florida Atlantic +1.5, San Diego State -1.5
Total: Over/Under 131.5

Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State Prediction and Pick

I just love the run that Florida Atlantic is on. I don't want it to end, and I don't think they want it to end. Coach Dusty May has them playing at an incredibly high level right now. I also think their toughest tasks are behind them. I think they see San Diego State as a good team, a great team even, but they have already seen their toughest matchups. That Kansas State win really showed me something. It showed me they could slug it out with a high-powered Big 12 team. Florida Atlantic's dream is to keep going to the national championship game where I see them facing UConn.

Leg-1 Parlay Pick: Florida Atlantic ML (+115)

Miami vs UConn Odds, Spread, Moneyline, Over/Under – NCAAB Betting Lines 4/1

Moneyline: Miami +200, Connecticut -240
Spread: Miami +5.5, Connecticut -5.5
Total: Over/Under 149.5

Miami vs UConn Prediction and Pick

I think Connecticut is going to continue its winning ways by double digits. I see them at -5.5, but I think they will win by 10-plus points. Miami has been playing great basketball, obviously, but there is no team playing at a higher level than UConn right now. I like them covering and winning by at least 10. I'm looking forward to watching these two teams play. I think UConn's size is going to be a matchup problem for Miami, and UConn is playing a swarming, suffocating defense. I think that's going to bode well for them in Houston because, in a big-time arena or stadium, it's tougher to shoot. Players are going to feel like they are playing outside. I think UConn has the DNA to win these games in this environment.

Leg-2 Parlay Pick: Connecticut -5.5 (-110)

Odds are subject to change*

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