Paul Pierce picks Kansas to beat Kentucky, win it all
Rhode Island coach Jim Harrick consoles former Kansas basketball player Paul Pierce in this 1998 file photo.
No one can question Paul Pierce’s loyalty.
The 10-time NBA all-star hasn’t played for Kansas University since 1998, but when the longtime Celtic, one-year Net and current Wizard filled out his 2015 NCAA Tournament bracket, it was clear he still considers himself a Jayhawk.
Pierce posted his bracket on Instagram Wednesday morning.
The former KU star has the Jayhawks beating New Mexico State, Wichita State, Notre Dame, Kentucky (the same undefeated Wildcats team that smoked Kansas, 72-40, in November), Arizona and Virginia for the national championship.
A first-team All-American in 1997-98, Pierce gave the rest of the Big 12 some love, too. He put Iowa State in his Final Four, and has West Virginia in the Sweet 16.
He might not end up with a perfect bracket. But it’s not like he needs to win his bracket pool.
When Pierce played for Kansas under Roy Williams, his teams lost in the Elite Eight to Syracuse (1996), in the Sweet 16 to Arizona (1997) and to Rhode Island in the second round (1998).
Pierce likes his former Kansas coach making noise, as well. He has UNC reaching the Elite Eight before bowing out to Arizona.