USA TODAY columnist Blake Toppmeyer picked Houston over Florida in the national championship game before a single game of the NCAA Tournament was played. With the Final Four now set and both teams still in play, Toppmeyer isn't changing his prediction.
Picking against Duke is not for the faint of heart, especially if there's money on the line, but Toppmeyer knows what he likes and isn't backing away from what he thinks makes a national champion. It's less bold to pick Florida over Auburn, considering the matchup has already been played and the Gators won while the Tigers held a homecourt advantage.
"I gravitate to experience in the NCAA Tournament," Toppmeyer said, "and I’m further pulled toward playmaking guards. Houston and Florida are filled with experience and shot-making guards. Florida’s Walton Clayton Jr. is a clutch bucket waiting to happen. Nobody defends better than Houston, and the Cougars go five-deep with players who can score in double figures."
Toppmeyer said he was tempted to flip his pick to Florida because of how well Clayton has played in March Madness, but defense wins championships and Houston is a juggernaut on the side of the ball.
Still, one of Florida's greatest strengths is the ability to adapt to its opponent's play style and beat them at their own game. The UConn win might be the best example of that ability. The Huskies play at one of the slowest tempos in the country, and the Gators found themselves trailing, 55-51, inside seven minutes. A Walter Clayton-led comeback pushed Florida into the next round and Connecticut was left stunned after executing its gameplan to near perfection.
"It’s no secret how to make a Final Four: Build a team that can win in multiple ways, that’s comfortable winning in the 60s or the 80s," he said.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators basketball picked as Final Four runner-ups by USA TODAY
