Throughout the college basketball season, I sat on the fence about how the NBA Draft age restriction would affect the on-the-court aspect of the game -- especially the NCAA tournament.

After the season concluded Monday with an 84-75 win by Florida -- a team that didn't have any of the nation's top freshmen, I can officially say that the rule had its desired effect, at least on the court.

Its complete success will occur only if a bunch of the supposed one-and-done players decide to stay an extra year or two, because if they all leave after their freshmen years, what real difference has the rule change actually made?

When the year began, the age limit was seen as one to make the college basketball game better, and it did. There was more action in the post on offense, ball movement was more crisp, and there was a lot better defense from everyone, which partially eliminated the stand-still jump-shooter who had become the norm in the college game. All of these elements brought the game back to being about basketball and not a game of who makes the last mistake.

The only aspect that seemed like a downside was it allowed the power teams and conferences to separate themselves even more from the mid-majors, but actually I think it did the opposite.

The increase of talent in the power conferences decreases the likelihood of a low-scoring, boring game in the tournament. And, thus making upsets actually upsets, not a game of whether the lower seed could make more three-pointers than its opponent.

Even with all of the positive signs, my decision was still up in the air after the first weekend of the tournament.

Maybe I've become accustomed to Cinderellas, or maybe it was the sheer fact that this year's tournament was too predictable, but something was just missing. However, in the end I realized that I didn't miss it at all.

The only game that felt like a legitimate upset was Virginia Commonwealth's win against Duke, but that was only because of Duke's name, not that the Blue Devils were that much better -- VCU was actually the worst matchup for the Dukies. But, as the tournament went along, I forgot the teams playing were sinlge-digit seeds and just enjoyed watching the tremendous action on the court.

With the favorites winning, there were no Bryce Drews or Ty Shines, unknowns before the tournament, but almost mythic names by tournament's end. Drew's buzzer beater to knock off Ole Miss lives on as "The Shot" in Valparasio lore.

But there were Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Brandan Wright.

The collection of players this year was more talented and provided some spectacular plays. Oden's block to help the Buckeyes defeat Tennessee sticks. Sure, there were no underdogs to cheer for, but honestly, deep down inside, all college basketball fans would rather watch a good game than an upset.

After one year, I feel the age restriction rule, from a competition standpoint, has made the college game much better, but time will only tell if it is completely successful.

Postseason awards

Best dressed: Bruce Pearl. Who else would this award go to? When you can pull off an orange suit and still look like a legitimate coach, you're doing something right. The only thing that could have been better was if NC State coach Sidney Lowe (fire engine red jacket) and Pearl would have faced off in the tournament. Best suit since Lloyd in Dumb and Dumber.

Most likely to rise in Draft: Corey Brewer of Florida. If Brewer declares himself eligible for the draft (he's a junior), he should be a lottery pick. Brewer showed he has the ability to play shutdown defense when he stopped Pacific 10 player of the year Arron Afflalo in the national semifinal. Brewer's offense is his only question mark, but like speed, you can't teach great on-ball defense. And winning Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament doesn't hurt either.

Next year's breakout star: Scottie Reynolds. Villanova coach Jay Wright knows how to recruits guards. His past recruits include three current NBA players: Allen Ray, Randy Foye, and Kyle Lowry. His newest find, Reynolds, is well on his way to becoming the fourth guard from the tiny Philadelphia university. Right now, he is the most underrated guard in the country. Reynolds can pass, defend and isn't afraid to take the big shot. Watch out for Reynolds next season because with the tutelage of the most underrated coach in America teaching him, Reynolds will be a household name by March.

Next year's champion: USC. Tim Floyd showed how great of a college coach he is by taking the Pac 10's fourth place team and leading it to the Sweet 16. Add highly touted high school senior O.J. Mayo to the mix, and the Men of Troy are pretty impressive. It's early, but I say USC over North Carolina in an exciting championship game.