UNMC and the Final Four

We figured we would probably be able to find some UNMC people with ties to the schools who will play in this weekend’s NCAA Final Four.

We were right.

Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., with the VCU popcorn can he keeps under his office desk.

UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., was on the Medical College of Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) faculty for 25 years including 17 as chairman of pediatrics. While there, he was a big fan of Rams basketball, particularly during the tenure of coach J.D. Barnett, who went 132-48 at VCU.

Why VCU wins it all: "VCU is going to win because Shaka Smart is an outstanding coach," Dr. Maurer said. "He’s going to get a lot of offers to go to bigger schools because of the great work he’s done at VCU. Go Rams!"

Edward "Ted" Roche, Ph.D., with a rush paddle from his fraternity days at Butler University.

Edward "Ted" Roche, Ph.D., asociate professor of pharmaceutical science, went to Butler when the team was coached by the legendary Tony Hinkle, who also coached football and baseball. On the court, Hinkle taught a disciplined brand of basketball based on precision and ball movement.

Why Butler wins it all: "Coach Brad Stevens has the team playing the way it did under Hinkle," Dr. Roche said. "If they can keep their wits about them and play their game, they’ll be very tough to beat."

Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., with his UConn Husky golf club cover. (Peggy Cain, College of Dentistry)

Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., associate dean for research at the UNMC College of Dentistry, did his residency, received a certificate in periodontology and a master’s degree at the University of Connecticut. He also served on the UConn faculty for two years following his residency.

Why UConn wins it all: "UConn is playing extremely well right now and Kemba Walker is the best player in the final four," Dr. Payne said. "UConn also has a great supporting cast and they play great defense, particularly against the three-point shot."

Greg Oakley, Ph.D., comes from a long line of Kentucky Wildcats. (Peggy Cain, College of Dentistry)

Greg Oakley, Ph.D., assistant professor of oral biology in the College of Dentistry, has deep roots at the University of Kentucky. He and his parents are UK alums and one of his cousins played for legendary coach, Adolph Rupp. "He mostly played in the last two minutes of games," Dr. Oakley said.

Why Kentucky wins it all: "This year with three new fabulous freshmen and hard working senior players, there is more team chemistry," Dr. Oakley said. "And the big advantage, borrowing a quote from Charles Barkley, ‘they have Coach Cal!’" (Kentucky is coached by John Calipari.)

Your turn!

So who do you think cuts down the nets on Monday? Comment on this story and tell us.