Isaiah Hicks walked off the floor feeling as low as possible after last year's National Championship game, but he had his redeeming moment Monday night as North Carolina claimed the national title.
North Carolina claimed the 2016-17 National Championship on Monday night, defeating Gonzaga, 71-65, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
The Zags have heard the doubters all season long, and they never cared. Now those naysayers get to watch Gonzaga play for the national championship Monday night.
North Carolina's loss at the buzzer to Villanova in last year's title game is well in the past, and the Tar Heels are proving it by keeping the mood light prior to their Final Four matchup with Oregon.
Nigel Williams-Goss, Jordan Mathews and Johnathan Williams are in the Final Four with Gonzaga after transferring out of Power 5 programs. They've been a 'perfect fit' for coach Mark Few's culture.
North Carolina guard Joel Berry II has suffered an injury to each ankle in the NCAA Tournament. He said Friday he's feeling much better ahead of the Tar Heel's Final Four matchup with Oregon.
Kentucky fans threatening referee John Higgins' life have overshadowed a great game, the Wildcats team, and a fan base that prides itself on being better than such abhorrent behavior.
North Carolina point guard Joel Berry II has been dealing with an ankle injury and coach Roy Williams provided an update ahead of the Tar Heel's Final Four matchup with Oregon.
Luke Maye's shot to beat Kentucky put UNC back in the Final Four. Being on the other end of a buzzer-beater may have been what the Tar Heels needed to put last year's loss to Villanova behind them.
North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA ... and Butler. The Bulldogs might not have the rich history as the other three programs, but they're going to be just as tough to beat.
Wisconsin has made deep NCAA Tournament runs before, while Florida is figuring it out as it goes. That experience could be the difference in Friday night's Sweet 16 matchup.
Not only is Mike White a great head coach, the head man for the Florida Gators can trash talk with the best of them.
Baylor and South Carolina played two close games in 2013 and '14, but multiple friendships began well before that. The Bears and Gamecocks will be facing familiar foes Friday night in the Sweet 16.
West Virginia's press is getting all the publicity heading into the Sweet 16 matchup, but the Bulldogs' underrated defense also is one of the best in the country.
Josh Jackson and Frank Mason III are receiving most of the attention for Kansas, but Devonte' Graham also has made significant contributions during the Jayhawks' NCAA Tournament run.