Billy Packer discusses the Final Four

CBS college basketball analyst Billy Packer will be calling his 100th Final Four game on Saturday. He will broadcast the games with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. Earlier this week, Packer discussed Saturday night’s matchups: North Carolina vs. Kansas and
Memphis vs. UCLA.

Q: What separated the four No. 1 seeds from the rest of the field?

 A: I have never witnessed a team of North Carolina’s ability have such fresh legs, and
Memphis was the same way. Bobby Knight had a great point when he said the key to preparing your team at this time of year is to keep them fresh and not overwork them at practice. It’s hard to bottle that emotion during the week, but when you have teams of such high abilities, that’s what can separate the team that is left standing Monday night.

 Q: Could UCLA’s experience of playing in the previous two Final Fours pay off this year?

 A: I don’t think that is a factor at all. You are talking about four real high-profile programs that are used to be playing in games of tremendous importance. You can even say it is a negative – a guy could say, “Oh my God, we have been here three years and don’t tell me we are not going to win it again.” But if you are letting that stuff bother you, then you are not going to win anyway.

 Q: Does Kansas have the talent to slow down the North Carolina juggernaut?

 A: What Kansas has going for them is tremendous balance. I said before the tournament Kansas and North Carolina were the two best teams because they both have guys that come off the bench and star. Sasha Kaun came off the bench and was the key man for Kansas against Davidson.

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