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Reactions: 2002 Final Four

Who will make it to Atlanta?

The AP Top 25 poll was released this week, with Duke, Maryland, Illinois and Kentucky claiming the top four spots. But will these same four teams be in the 2002 Final Four in Atlanta? CNNSI.com users think that they will be, and that UCLA and Missouri shouldn't be counted out either. Here's who do our users think will make it to the Georgia Dome to play for the national championship:

Duke -- they have the best player and add Dahntay Jones and an amazing freshman class.

Illinois -- they were close last year and will be hungry, and oh yeah, they got some guy named Williams.

Maryland -- they want it and will not let Duke stop them.

UCLA -- great inside/outside combo with Kapono and Gadzuric, experience and Arizona will not beat them this time.
Mike Stagnitta, Forked River, N.J.

Missouri, Duke, Illinois and Stanford. All of these teams come from powerhouse conferences, and Missouri will surprise a lot of people this year. The scouts know how good they are but fans around the nation don't. They all see the Big 12 as Kansas domination. Look for them to go for a national title run. Illinois has looked very impressive the last two years and they're players want to win it all. Stanford is still looking for that magical year to win it all. Jacobsen will lead the team to the Final Four. As we all know, right now Duke is the most powerful team in the country and look for them to go back to back.
Scott Russell, Columbia, Mo.

I believe Oklahoma State will be the sleeper as the four seed -- veteran team and great guard play. Duke, Maryland, and Kentucky will also make it. I see OSU and Eddie Sutton being matched up against Illinois, with the teacher beating the pupil to make it to the Final Four. OSU and Kentucky for the national championship. A battle for Eddie Sutton against his troubled Kentucky past and friend Tubby Smith. He will win the NC and retire cutting the nets down.
Derk T. Holder, Asheville, N.C.

The Final Four will be Kentucky, Maryland, Illinois and Florida. Florida will be hungry to get back to the Final Four after a disappointing end to last season and they have the talent to make it. Maryland may have about the best starting five and is deep. Kentucky is the likely champion with All-American Prince and another all-American candidate, Bogans, plus the deepest bench in the country. Frank Williams makes Illinois the best at the point and if they improve inside, look out! The loss of Shane Battier will hurt Duke more than people think and they will go out in the Elite Eight. The runner up will be Maryland. The NCAA champion will be Kentucky.
Jeff Gorman, Frankfort, Ky.

I say Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky, a surprise by Alabama. Illinois should make it because of the great improvement of last year with only losing two guys. Maryland because they are just plain good, Kentucky because I think they will get lucky in the pairings with some upsets around them. And Alabama I say will be ranked either three or four and upset Duke in the final seconds of the Elite Eight game.
Rusty Johnson, Wheaton, Ill.

Final Four 2001: Duke, Missouri, UCLA, Kentucky
Assuming these four teams are in separate regions, they're my picks to make the Final Four. Duke, as we all know, is loaded at all positions and primed to repeat. Missouri has the best NBA prospect in Kareem Rush and a Coach K disciple to lead them there in Quin Snyder. UCLA and Kentucky both have great talent and excellent, deep front courts. The deciding factor, as it usually is, is an excellent backcourt. The best backcourt this year (if not of all time) belongs to Duke University with Jason Williams and Chris Duhon running the show. Duke breaks Kentucky's heart yet again: 95-78. Duke Blue Devils, back-to-back again! Undefeated season. Dynasty in the making.
Rod, Austin, Texas

The Kentucky Wildcats will, without a doubt, march through this college basketball season straight to NCAA championship numero eight. Why? We lose one player (Saul Smith - what a huge loss, cough, cough) and return two All-Americans. Watch out you wimps from Duke, here come the Cats with a flashback from the NCAAs from 1998!
Dee, Arlington, Va.

I think Duke, Illinois and Kentucky will make the Final Four. Maryland was lucky to get past the first round last year, so they are much overrated. I predict NIT for them. Mizzou will grab the other spot because of Kareem Rush's scoring ability, Clarence Gilbert's explosiveness, and Arthur Johnson's rebounding.
Mike Sullivan, Highlands Ranch, Colo.

1). Kentucky - The best talent, coaching, and experience in the nation. (Except for Duke that is.)
2). UCLA - Lavin finally gets some respect.
3). Florida - Donavan has the taste of the Final Four and he wants more. (Will upset Duke in the East Regional Finals)
4). Georgia Tech - There is always a team that gets hot and makes it to the Final Four. With their style of play, they will turn some heads.
Joey Lee, Lebanon, Ky.

Final Four: Duke, Maryland, UCLA, and Kentucky.
Duke over Kentucky and Maryland over UCLA in the semis.
Maryland over Duke in OT to win the championship.
I know I'm a bit partial, but Maryland is definitely the only team in the country capable of playing with (and beating) Duke.
Jordan Gilmore, College Park, Md.

Illinois, Missouri, Duke and Iowa. The Illini and the Devils are the two best teams. Mizzou might be the most underrated, despite being picked one or two in the Big 12 (and let's face it, Kansas will choke in the second round just like they always do) and Iowa is a tough, tough team that will probably sneak in as a two- or three-seed because there are never four No. 1 seeds. Final: Mizzou over Illinois (but I might be biased)
Brad, Evanston, Ill.

Atlanta will be singing the blues in an all BLUE Final Four with Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and UCLA.
Van Sutton, Fayetteville, N.C.

As much as we hate to admit it, the Final Four has a formula that predetermines which teams have what it takes to be there. To make it, you need experience, balance, and a smart point guard. It also helps to be from a "power conference." Who fits the criteria? Clearly, Duke and Maryland fit all those criteria. UCLA has the experience this year to make it back. The fourth is a bit tougher -- but you need to go with Iowa. They have what it takes, and a coach to get them there.
Cliff Athey, Towson, Md.

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