*This story was edited to reflect a change.
Seven-seed Connecticut will play eight-seed Kentucky for the national title, one-sixth of "The Following" episodes away from today (9:10 pm EST, 4/7). From a Villanova fan's perspective (such as the one writing this article), the result represents both redemption and disaster.
Twenty nine years ago, Villanova became the highest seeded team (8) to win the NCAA Tournament when they beat Patrick Ewing's Georgetown Hoyas. Twenty nine years later, Kentucky has the chance to cut that accomplishment in half.
Sixteen days ago, UConn defeated Villanova in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, meaning maybe the Wildcats of Pennsylvania didn't actually choke, but were beaten by a team suddenly realizing their potential -- or suddenly just hot. (Remember, they lost to Louisville at the end of the regular season by 33 points.) At the least, Villanova was defeated by a worthy opponent. That could help their confidence going into next season, when they return all but one of their meaningful players (everyone but three-point specialist James Bell). At the same time, hopefully UConn's unexpected run doesn't lessen the sting of falling in the second round as a two-seed.
Though six players from the 1985 'Nova squad were drafted into the league over the next three years, only two went in the first round (while two were taken in the 6th round) and just one (Ed Pinckney, pick #10) went the following season. In contrast, Kentucky could have six players from their current team taken in next year's draft. Thus, a Kentucky title won't channel the same David vs. Goliath vibes as Villanova's did in 1985, especially because they'll be facing a seven-seed not led by the nation's most dominant player (Patty Ewing).
The forgotten team in all this evidence collecting is Saint Joe's. They probably should have won their first round game against Connecticut. Perhaps they could have made a similar run. Perhaps Villanova could have. Such is the way of the NCAA Tournament.
