Thank you Michigan and Louisville: A Fitting Finale

There's only two words I can say after Monday night's national championship. Thank you.

Thank you Michigan and Louisville for giving us the best national title game in five years and one of the most thrilling games of this lackluster college season. It's what the game should be - letting guys play, heart and hustle all over, and guys stepping up in great ways.

Thank you Spike Albrecht for a great 1st half performance. 17 points and doing what players train to do: Be ready when your number's called.

Thank you to Florida Gulf Coast being a shot of adrenaline in this tournament with one of the best Cinderella runs ever.

Louisville vs. Michigan Preview

And then there were two. Louisville survived a tougher than expected Wichita State. Michigan overwhelmed Syracuse with excellent shooting/passing/youth. I'm ready for an exciting title game tonight.

I've been a fan of watching the Cardinals set up their full court press and execute it masterfully. I've a fan of Russ Smith and Michigan's Trey Burke. I love Gorgui Dieng protects the hoop and alters shots. I love Mitch McGary blossoming and showing his energy/post presence.

Michigan was a team I really liked at the beginning of the season and Louisville's replaced them at this point in the season. In a year where parity has reigned and no team really distinguished themselves, it's great to see two teams that play exciting both ways instead of teams who show why college basketball was way down this year.

Not to pat myself on the back either, but I predicted Louisville getting to the finals and Michigan in the Final Four. It's why I'm in shape to win 2 of my brackets. Not that you readers care or anything but it's cool to me.

Here are my keys.

The Cost of Leadership (Louisville Inspires, Rutgers Deflates)

Louisville guard Kevin Ware's leg injury remains one of the most horrifying thing I've never seen. I enjoyed hearing his interview on ESPN Wednesday as he described his emotions as well as how he felt the love from all over the country.

Former Rutgers head coach Mike Rice was shown on camera showing some of the worst abuse I've seen on camera. The language didn't bother me as much because I find it part of a bigger problem with coaches in general, but the kicking, grabbing and throwing balls? That should've cost him his job right away.

One case is a freak incident. The other case is a freakout of ridiculous and terrible nature. Both symbolize where leadership can elevate a situation or make it worse.