With just four teams left in the NCAA Championship, the Buffalo Bills are well represented. One player on the current roster has their school represented in college basketball's final weekend: Marcus Easley (Connecticut), Stevie Johnson (Kentucky) Brandon Spikes (Florida), and Kraig Urbik (Wisconsin).
WR MARCUS EASLEY – UCONN (2005 – 2009)
What was your favorite moment from the tournament thus far?
Every UConn win! And watching Shabazz Napier take over games – he is the best point guard in the country.
Who will be the key player in your team's victory on Saturday?
Our guard play has carried us all season and this tournament. DeAndre Daniels is the x-factor with his length, ability to shoot and skillset. When he plays aggressive we are head to beat.
Why will your team win the game?
We're very well-coached by Kevin Ollie. Defense always wins championships. (DeAndre) Daniels is long and athletic and can guard on the perimeter and rebound inside. We have a shot blocker in the middle in (Amida) Brimah. And the guards can lock you down. As long as (Shabazz) Napier continues to play at the level he is playing at, we will be en route to another championship. He reminds you of Kemba Walker a few years ago. And it's UConn basketball! Men or women, we just win baby!
Where do you plan to watch the Final Four?
At home with friends and family in Stratford, Ct. We all bleed blue.
Who will you play in the final?
I like UK to beat Wisconsin. Plus a UConn-UK title game will give me and Stevie something to argue about.
What was your favorite basketball memory from college?
My team winning the intramural championship at Gampel Pavilion.
WR STEVIE JOHNSON – KENTUCKY (2006 – 2007)
What was your favorite moment from the tournament thus far?
Thus far, beating U of L.
Who will be the key player in your team's victory on Saturday?
Whoever is defending Frank Kaminsky. (I'm thinking it's DJ – Dakari Johnson)
Why will your team win the game?
I don't really do the whole guarantee thing. I don't know if we'll win, but I have full confidence in our Cats.
Where do you plan to watch the Final Four?
On the jet flying home to Buffalo, so I'll be watching from 30,000 feet up.
Who will your team play in the final?
In my bracket I have UK/UF – Cats winning 68-65.
What was your favorite basketball memory from college?
Playing ball all day and night at The Johnson Center on campus with my teammates and other students. Everyone use to watch us go at it.
LB BRANDON SPIKES – FLORIDA (2006 – 2009)
My favorite moment in the tournament thus far?
It has to simply be Florida making it to the Final Four … again! Hopefully, now Billy D can get the recognition he deserves as one of the best coaches in college basketball. He has two national titles, four Final Fours and a 30-game winning streak this season. He's a beast!
Who will be the key player in your team's victory on Saturday?
Scottie Wilbekin … he runs the team, he's the leader, and he does everything for this team.
Why will your team win the game?
Because that's what we do! LOL. But in all seriousness, I think Coach Donavan's experience will come through. We have good depth off the bench plus our full court pressure defense.
Where do you plan to watch the Final Four?
On my couch!
Who will you play in the Final?
Kentucky. Coach Calipari will be in the big dance yet again. But, let me offer my condolences in advance, as the Gators will be cutting down the nets! Beleedat !! Go Gators!!
What was your favorite basketball memory from college?
When we beat down UCLA with Kevin Love and Ohio State with (Greg) Oden to win the championship. Best feeling ever!!
G KRAIG URBIK – WISCONSIN (2005 – 2008)
What was your favorite moment from the tournament thus far?
I think the last game versus Arizona. The last two minutes of regulation and the last few minutes of overtime made it an overall good game. They kept hitting the shots at the end. That was definitely my favorite moment.
Who will be the key player in your team's victory on Saturday?
Frank Kaminsky. He was a beast last week versus Arizona. I think he is definitely the key. If he gets going and has another good game like he did last week then I think that will be key.
Why will your team win the game?
Just have to stay disciplined. Kentucky plays good defense and has a really fast team. We have to play really good defense versus them and stay disciplined on the offensive end. Take good shots. Wisconsin has been slowing down some the faster team's like Baylor, Arizona and Oregon. I think if Wisconsin starts hitting the threes then they have a really good shot at beating Kentucky.
Where do you plan to watch the Final Four?
Normally I would watch it in my basement, but I'll actually be in Buffalo for Mr. Wilson's memorial. I will probably watch it with Eric Wood at my place.
Who will you play in the final?
If Wisconsin wins, I think we'll play Florida in the final.
What was your favorite basketball memory from college?
I did not go to too many basketball games. I went to a few, but I went to more hockey games. My friends and I went to a bunch of games—the student section in football, basketball and hockey is just a fun time. They really get into it. I always remember going to those games, being in the student section and just having a blast.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
To prove just how much he supports Wisconsin, Kraig sent us this photo. Enjoy.
