March Madness - Taking It All In

Of all the annual sporting events, I don't think anything can top March Madness (aka the NCAA College Basketball Tournament). The excitement, especially in the first two rounds of the tournament, in virtually non-stop. With the "one and done" format, every team usually plays with heart and tenacity. Many of the players realize that they may very well being playing their final college game.

Although it's seems logical that the higher seeded teams would advance into the late rounds, this isn't always the case. Yesterday, in a huge upset, the number 3 seeded Duke Blue Devils were beaten the number 14 seeded Mercer Bears. That's not supposed to happen. The Duke bench looked stunned as Coach K assumed his predictable "Did someone just break wind?" look. In the Duke coach's defense, he stopped by Mercer's locker room after the game to congratulate them. A very classy move.

Last year, number 15 seeded Florida Gulf Coast made it to the Sweet Sixteen.  They play in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the same conference as Mercer. Could Mercer carry the Cinderella torch a little further than their conference rivals did last year? You just never know how two teams will match up against one another.

As I watch the various games, I can't help but notice certain things. For instance, I saw one player go barreling across the baseline and over a bunch of kneeling cheerleaders. As he heads back to the court, he just steps over top of them without as much as an "Excuse me, ladies". That's just plain ass rude! And did anyone catch Baylor's uniforms yesterday? Their neon green jersey were so bright that I'll bet even Stevie Wonder was saying, "Damn, boys! Can you please dim those things??"  Baylor's opponents, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, should have demanded sunglasses and eye-black before taking the court.

And what's up with the Saint Louis mascot? They call it a Billiken. But it sure looks like The Grinch to me.

Have you ever listened to some of these post-game interviews?  They're the silliest things ever. Yesterday, a reporter was interviewing a player from one of the winning teams. She says, "Great game today, Brandon. Can you elaborate on your aggressive play?"

Brandon, who seems to be looking towards the top row of the arena, answers, "Um yeah, I came out and played aggressive. That was my main plan."

"Very well stated", responds the reporter."Can you explain how you prepared for your opponents quickness?"

"Yeah, we knew they were quick. We were totally prepared for it", Brandon answers back with unwavering certainty. He notices a familiar face in the crowd and points to the person.

"Ok, thanks so much for your insight, Brandon. Congratulations." says the reporter as she ends the so-called interview.

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I have no idea who will win the tournament this year. All I know is that it's fun to watch!

kw