This year's NCAA Tournament had a number of players put together brilliant performances, not the least of which was Memphis Freshman Derrick Rose.  Thru the first five games of the Big Dance, Rose averaged 21.4 points and had a minimum of 4 assists each contest.  He could be considered the high-flying catalyst who helped put that Tiger squad past the Elite 8 hump and into the National Championship game.  Then, all of a sudden, a candy addiction and a diet even an eight year old would consider unhealthy toppled even the mightiest of NBA up and comers.  Though Coach Calipari said he was okay to play, Rose struggled throughout the first half.  You can blame a massive and physical frontcourt and uneven ball distribution on Memphis' behalf, but there were plenty of open looks early on where even if he misses, the shots will make the Jayhawk defense more honest.  Even after his second half spurt, the moment when his team needed him the most, Rose would miss one of two.  Can you blame that on nerves, law of averages, Chris Douglas-Roberts missing his pair just seconds ago?  Or can you blame the Memphis choke job on fatigue?  Kansas proved to be too physical and too strong for Memphis.  It was when the Jayhawks resorted to zone when Memphis, and subsequently Rose, began its run.  This game required a lot of tenacity, an inner-strength the greats all have and, most importantly, focus.  If you are sick, you can't focus.  If you eat too many gummi bears, you slow down.  Not that I will ever be playing in a National Championship game, but if I were, I would make it a point to make my nutrition a priority.  Don't be mistaken, Rose is still an incredible talent, but we all make mistakes. 

P.S. John Calipari should receive little blame for his coaching calls down the stretch...He built a mid-major program into one of the elites in the country.