Congratulations to the University of Florida for winning the national championship! The Gators dictated tempo and controlled the paint at both ends of the floor to capture their first ever national championship.

Joakim Noah continued his stellar effort in the NCAA tourney with 16 points, 9 rebounds or caroms as they're called back in Jersey and six blocked shots, an NCAA championship game record. What doesn't necessarily show up in the box score was his ability to alter UCLA's shots and effect the Bruins decision making.

Florida limited UCLA to 36.1% field goal percentage for the game. Al Horford was also solid scoring 14 and securing seven rebounds. Rounding out the balanced offensive attack was Lee Humphrey, who again came through with timely three pointers, with 15 points and senior Adrian Moss chipped in with 9 off the bench top propel the Gators.

Florida was loose, played aggressively and kept UCLA at bay. Although they were out rebounded by the Bruins 38-35 they absolutely dominated their opponent from the PAC 10 in the paint - blocking 10 shots - 6 by Noah and altered many more.

Florida’s ability to dictate tempo, to control the paint and to score – getting into the seventies, lead to victory and a national championship. When UCLA applied pressure defense, they had the answer – Florida was strong with the basketball and scored. Frequently it was Taurean Green, who finished with eight assists dishing to his teammates for dunks. The Gators reminded everyone that when you are pressed, “It is an invitation to a lay-up or a dunk.”

Florida did not lose a game outside of the SEC all season.

Hats off to Coach Ben Howland. Like the Vickie Sue Robinson classic disco tune "Turn The Beat Around," he has resurrected the Bruins program making it to the championship game exactly three years after being hired by UCLA. He certainly has the Bruins on the right track and is a class act and a gentleman. Jordan Farmar lead the Bruins with 18 points and backcourt mate Arron Afflalo chipped in with Ryan Hollins secured a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds

Florida’s Billy Donovan became the second coach to win a national championship at age 40 – Bobby Knight won it at 35 and 40. Donovan along with Dean Smith is the only other coach to play in a final four and win the national championship as a coach. Pretty nice company indeed.

Perhaps the definition of success that all should reflect on after this season, is that of Head Basketball Coach Emeritus at UCLA, the great John Wooden, who was hospitalized on Sunday:

"Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

Wooden is expected to be out of the hospital this week. Get well Coach!