Entering the Sweet 16, there were people who thought Memphis was the most vulnerable among the No. 1 seeds because of poor free throw shooting and tough competition. The Tigers did not have to worry about the foul line because it was blowout city over Michigan State and Texas.

John Calipari's squad was as good as any team I've seen in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The Tigers simply dominated, getting out of the gate quickly and taking charge. I really thought the Achilles heel would be a factor but it wasn't. The games were never in doubt.

Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose were absolutely sensational. Rose is out of Chicago and I don't understand how he got out of Illinois.

Remember, Memphis has lost just one game this season. Calipari has used an "us against the world" mentality with his kids and I find that mind-boggling. All season long the Tigers have been in the top two. Basketball people have given them respect and Memphis has been discussed in a positive way.

Nobody has doubted that this is a great team. Calipari is a master motivator, a psychologist who takes every little edge he could get. Players love to play for Calipari because he is an excellent communicator. They respond in a positive way.

It reminds me of Jerry Tarkanian at UNLV. He had a great relationship with his players and they busted their guts to play on a defensive end.

Let's realize that Memphis beat two outstanding basketball teams in the regionals. Michigan State defeated a Pittsburgh team that some felt had Final Four potential. Texas was one of the top teams in America all season; the Longhorns beat Final Four members UCLA and Kansas.

This Memphis team has a lot of key elements. Joey Dorsey is a terror on the glass. Antonio Anderson has been a factor on both ends of the court. There is also solid depth; when Rose was hurt, Andre Allen came in and provided valuable minutes.

The past two years, Memphis fell short of the Final Four. Now the Tigers are two wins away from the ultimate goal, the first national championship for the school and for Calipari.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.