We've waited all year long, stared at the TV for countless hours watching God only knows how many great games this season. From the upsets like BYU over number 3 Gonzaga, the dominance in Kentucky's defense or the surprises such as NIU spending time inside the top 10. We all wait for the biggest event in college basketball, March Madness. I used to not really like college basketball but would ALWAYS make at least 3 brackets (I enjoyed taking money from my friends back home in our pools). Like every major event in sports, the NCAA tournament has its own unique feel. Watching the next great stars in the NBA playing at schools from around the country is unique.
People go insane in March and this year, I'm gonna be joining their ranks. As the guy in my fraternity who knows about all sports, I'm planning on making a statement and dominating our bracket pools. This means long nights after homework studying bracketology on the TV and spending countless hours researching teams on ESPN. I may as well call bracket expert Joe Lunardi and keep him on speed dial. To me, the research is half the fun. When your comparing quality wins and BPI ratings, you can be forced to make the tough calls that can determine whether you become a genius or another person with the wrong call. Of course when it comes to the tournament ,we've learned that nothing is set in stone (refer to Duke being upset by Mercer a few years back). What I've learned from doing this is to just trust your gut. If you think Albany can upset Wisconsin then go for it (though I would highly question your decision making). In the words of the show “The League,” “Don't tinker with the lineup”! This holds true to your brackets. Trust your gut and the only way you change your picks is by knowing 100% that your wrong.
Good news is we still have a few games left till selection Sunday. I'm excited to see who tries to pretend to be the Ohio St football team and make a last push to try and sneak into the big dance. Texas is the first team that comes to mind. They haven’t played well all year long and I couldn’t really tell you why. They match up with a Kansas team that is facing some struggles this year as well. I have watched 1 Longhorns game. I really like their deep post bigmen. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Texas come out with a win right before selection Sunday.
Colleges all over the country, regardless if they are in the tournament or not, will fill apartments, bars and dorm rooms for the entire tournament. I know the fraternity house is gonna be the spot for me. So pull up a chair and put on your best warpaint, March Madness is here. Good luck to everyone in their pools hopefully we all make a little money.
