The national championship game will include at least one familiar face.
At the end of one of the wildest NCAA Tournaments in history, No. 1 Villanova or No. 1 Kansas will be playing for a chance to win its latest national title.
But the semifinal game may be the toughest challenge either team will see all season, with two of the best offenses in the country facing off, under the direction of two of the best coaches of their generation.
Here’s a look at how the teams match up:
Point guard
Few teams feature an experienced All-American point guard. Fewer games feature two of them. Villanova’s Jalen Brunson was named the AP Player of the Year, leading the Wildcats with 19.2 points, 4.6. assists and uncanny maturity. Kansas senior Devonte’ Graham was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, leading the Jayhawks in scoring (17.2 points), while ranking fifth in the nation in assists (7.3).
Edge: Even
Shooting guard
Former five-star recruit Malik Newman finally looks the part. The Kansas sophomore has been exceptional in March, averaging 25.6 points over the past three games and scoring 32 points in the Elite Eight overtime win against Duke. Phil Booth provides veteran leadership for Villanova and contributions in every category, but lacks the pop of a traditional off-guard.
Edge: Kansas
Small forward
Kansas’ Lagerald Vick is an X-factor, as likely to erupt for 25 points as he is to disappear. The presence of Villanova’s Mikal Bridges is always clear, however. The junior — a projected lottery pick this year — is the most talented player on the floor, blending incredible athleticism, power and finesse.
Edge: Villanova
Power forward
Former Fordham star Eric Paschall has blossomed as a junior at Villanova and been at his best in the NCAA Tournament, providing strong interior play for the perimeter-oriented team. Kansas senior Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is one the country’s best shooters, hitting nearly 45 percent of 3-pointers.
Edge: Even
Center
Kansas 7-footer Udoka Azubuike is a unique matchup problem, bullying defenders with his physicality and shooting a nation-best 77.2 percent from the field, while posting 13.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Villanova’s Omari Spellman presents a different challenge. The Big East Freshman of the Year shoots nearly 45 percent on 3-pointers.
Edge: Even
Bench
Neither team is particularly deep, but Villanova sixth man Donte DiVincenzo is essentially a starter, averaging more minutes (29.1) than all but two teammates, while posting 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Kansas averages 81 points per game, but 88 percent of its scoring comes from starters. Freshman Marcus Garrett is the Jayhawks’ top scorer (4.2) off the bench.
Edge: Villanova
Coach
Jay Wright and Bill Self haven’t just put together great teams, they have built two of the most consistently excellent programs in the nation. Wright is the Final Four for the third time in his career, having led Villanova to the 2016 national championship. Self is also in the Final Four for the third time, having led Kansas to the 2008 national championship. The winner will have a chance to become just the third active coach with multiple national titles.
Edge: Even
Prediction
The heavyweight bout will go 12 rounds. The first semifinal meeting between No. 1 seeds since 2015 will look as good as it does on paper, with two of the best offenses in the country combining to produce a memorable shootout. But when a stop is needed the Wildcats will lock down and move one win from capturing their second national championship in three years.
Villanova 83, Kansas 81