"Experienced Teams Succeed"

People say the same things every March. You know what I am talking about.

"There is no substitute for experience."

"A young team will falter under pressure."

"You need Juniors and Seniors to Win."

I have said the same things in the past. This year's Final Four makes me doubt the "experience is a positive" theory. Look at the teams.

- LSU: Starters (3 Freshmen, 1 Sophomore, and 1 Senior). everyone thought next year would be the year for these youngsters.

- Florida: Starters (4 Sophomores and 1 Junior). Lost all their experience to the NBA Draft last year. All they do is come back with a bunch of Sophomores and take Billy to his second Final Four.

- UCLA: Starters (1 Freshmen, 3 Sophomores, and 1 Senior) Like LSU, Howland was suppose to be 1 year away from taking UCLA to the big time again.

- George Mason: (3 Seniors and 2 Sophomores). Experienced team where needed.

Maybe the experience theory has to be refined. "Experience is a nice asset but not required, unless you are a mid-major."

That doesn't roll off the tongue as easily.