Notes on a Scorecard - March 29, 1993

What distinguishes this Final Four is that every participant has a legitimate shot to win the title. . . .

I am fully aware that the favorite, Kentucky, has outscored the opposition, 388-264, in the tournament so far and won each of its four games by at least 21 points. . . .

But the Wildcats might have played too well for their own good. They haven’t been tested. Somebody is going to give them a contest in New Orleans, and it remains to be seen how they will react. . . .

Michigan has the most talent. . . .

North Carolina has its best team in years. . . .

Kansas has the least talent, but perhaps the best coach. . . .

It is easy to see why Jerry West offered the Laker job to Roy Williams first after Mike Dunleavy left for Milwaukee. . . .

Among other things I like about Williams is his demeanor on the Jayhawk bench. Here is an intense competitor who still finds time to smile when the occasion warrants it. . . .

Kansas’ leading scorer, guard Rex Walters, considered transferring to UCLA after leaving Northwestern following his sophomore year. . . .

Thumbs up to Indiana Coach Bob Knight for refusing to alibi that center Alan Henderson was able to play only three minutes against Kansas. . . .

The most stupid move by a smart coach during the tournament was the technical foul John Chaney of Temple drew for profanity when his team was trailing Michigan by only five points with 1:49 left. . . .

If anyone had a right to complain, it was Michigan Coach Steve Fisher when his star forward, Chris Webber, got decked by a blow to the head after taking a shot and no foul was called. . . .

I hated to see Jason Kidd disappear from the tournament, but, at least, it stopped the endless puns from CBS commentator Bill Raftery, the worst being California’s “Kidd-isition” game. . . .

Has there ever been a college basketball commentator who was too quiet? . . .

Best camera shot: Spectator Scott Montross taking a deep breath before his son, North Carolina center Eric Montross, attempted a free throw against Cincinnati. . . .

Mike Jarvis has been given permission by George Washington to be interviewed for the opening at the University of Washington. . . .

The Pacific 10, which failed to place a team in the Final Four for the 12th time in the last 13 years, should be among the most improved conferences in the nation next season. Cal, UCLA, USC and Arizona State all figure to get better. . . .

“Our future is extremely bright,” Coach George Raveling said about USC, which expects to land what could be its best recruiting class ever. “Over the next four years, people will be surprised how well we do.” . . .

The Omni in Atlanta is sold out for the women’s Final Four. . . .

For coaching Vanderbilt to the Southeastern Conference title over Kentucky, Eddie Fogler deserves to be voted coach of the year. . . .

For the first time since 1986, no conference is represented in the Final Four by two schools. . . .

Remember 1985 when it was the Big East--eventual champion Villanova, Georgetown and St. John’s--plus Memphis State? . . .

Former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden and his wife are appearing in the two-person play, “Love Letters,” in Salt Lake City. . . .

Pat Riley, who refused to open the New York Knicks’ dressing room to the media after a recent game, must forget that he used to work on radio and television. . . .

From the sound of things on the NBC telecast Sunday, Philadelphia fans must like Phoenix Sun forward Charles Barkley a lot better than they do the 76ers. . . .

Fernando Valenzuela’s new Baltimore Oriole look includes a mustache. . . .

Biggest hit of the spring was the single Sunday by New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott against the Florida Marlins. . . .

Jim McMahon isn’t my idea of pennant insurance for the Minnesota Vikings. . . .

Please, Reggie White, sign with somebody soon. . . .

The Swim With Mike benefit at USC raised a record $150,000 for physically challenged athletes and brought the 13-year total to more than $1 million. . . .

How thoughtful of the top U.S. players to practically forfeit the first-round Davis Cup match to Australia by refusing to play for Tom Gorman. . . .

I wonder how Mike McGee is enjoying his new job at South Carolina.