2. Kansas. The Jayhawks looked like the team to beat heading into the NCAA Tournament. They came together after a disappointing first month that included losses to Oral Roberts and DePaul. They played their best basketball down the stretch, won the Big 12 tournament, got past the first round jinx, and then couldn’t hit easy shots against UCLA in the regional championship.

If everyone returns next season, the Jayhawks may be the preseason favorite in several publications. It is hard to believe that guard/forward Brandon Rush will be back in Lawrence. That decision may have been made already with an announcement to come soon. Freshman Darrell Arthur may follow Rush to the NBA, even though that would be a mistake. Arthur had a great freshman season and would benefit from another year in college, but he might not be listening.

Coach Bill Self is taking some heat nationally for not reaching the Final Four. Self is 0-4 in Elite Eight appearances, but he will break through eventually — and 2008 might be the season.

Julian Wright, Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson, Sasha Kaun, and Darnell Jackson are expected back. Sherron Collins must recover from a leg injury and will be asked to take the next step in his maturity. He could be a great go-to guy for the Jayhawks. Self welcomes recruits Cole Aldrich and Tyrell Reed next fall and there should be enough pieces for a shot at winning it all.

1. Georgetown. Here’s a fact for Jeff Green to think about. Since 1972 there have been 100 members of the Georgetown program who have stayed in school four years — and 98 of them have received their degrees.

Green, Jonathan Wallace, and Roy Hibbert are juniors. Jessie Sapp is a sophomore. DaJuan Summers is a freshman. Coach John Thompson III is 41 years old with his best years still ahead of him.

Sounds great for the Hoyas — if they all come back. We single out Green because you’ve got to figure he is the guy Georgetown fans will have to worry about losing. The NBA knows all about him now and all kinds of people will be trying to get into his head. Hibbert probably will have some thoughts of turning pro as well, although another season in college clearly could help him achieve the consistent play that he lacks right now.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Pain on the skating rink, flying high on the hardwood, upsets on the football field, and more. more photos

This is not a one-year fling with the Final Four for Georgetown. JT III has only been at Georgetown three years but he has made the program relevant again. It shows on the court and it shows in recruiting. Austin Freeman and Chris Wright, a pair of talented guards from the Washington area, should have an immediate impact on the program next season.

The Hoyas are the Beast of the East again. It’s not the same beast that Thompson’s father created in the 1980’s. But it’s a beast that isn’t going away any time soon.

If Green comes back for next season, the Hoyas would be our preseason favorite to win it all. If decides to turn pro, Georgetown will miss him. But the Hoyas might be good enough to go all the way without him.

Wouldn’t that make Pops proud?

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