And so the Madness begins
Allana Tachauer
Issue date: 3/15/10 Section: Sports
Media Credit: ukathletics.comKentucky Wildcats Jodie Meeks.
As I walked to my closet, grabbing my Michigan State sweatshirt, it dawned on me. Nine days ago, February turned into March, signifying only one thing for basketball fans: March Madness. For those out there who are unaware, March Madness is a nickname for the NCAA Basketball Championship Tournament. Created in 1939, it is held every Spring, and features sixty-five men's college basketball teams. In terms of the tournament setup, the teams are divided into four regions and then numbered one through sixteen. The one seed in each region then plays the sixteen seed, the two seed plays the fifteen seed, and so on. Though every game in the tournament is exciting, and obviously important as the losing teams get knocked out game after game, what most look forward to is the final round; better known as the Final Four.
I must admit, it is a bit early to be set on only one team, as tournaments like this are often full of surprises. However, for the sake of this article, I have already given some thought to my last round predictions.
I will start with Duke, a classic college basketball favorite. They are currently second in rankings and have had a 26-5 season, leaving the Blue Devils in pretty good shape, especially with a coach like Mike Krzyzewski, or better known as coach K. He is easily one of the best coaches in men's college basketball, coaching for twenty-nine seasons and making it to ten Final Fours. Therefore, it is raw talent and experience that leaves Duke as one of my choices; that, and perhaps the fact that Chicago Bulls player Luol Deng belongs to their alumni. After all, I am ride or die with my Bulls.
Moving on, I see Kentucky as having a great chance this year. The Wildcats are no stranger to being in the Final Four either, and are ranked third, with a 29-2 season. Many out there have pegged them as going all the way this year and with NBA alumni such as Tayshaun Prince and Rajon Rondo, I do not doubt their ability for a second. This year's team has big shoes to fill, but hopefully that will work for them as motivation, instead of against them as fear.
Fourth ranked Syracuse is my third pick, and not just because of the fact that one of my top five NBA players, Carmelo Anthony, comes from there. The Orange have been having a great season, 28-3, and like the two previously mentioned teams, they know how to stay afloat during the craziness of such an event. They are best known for their hustle and determination, so I have full faith in them making it to the final round this year.
Last but not least comes Kansas, a favorite this year, ranked number one with a 29-2 record. In my opinion, the Jayhawks seem to be hungriest of them all, confident in themselves and not slowing down for a second. And if I have learned anything from players like Kirk Hinrich, yet another Chicago Bull, or Paul Pierce, failure is just not an option.
My heart may mostly belong to the NBA with my mind already preparing for the Playoffs, but March Madness is a tradition, and undeniably a lot of fun to be a part of, especially with such talent existing in the college league these days. So if you have not already done so, grab a bracket and start making some predictions. It's on.
|
I must admit, it is a bit early to be set on only one team, as tournaments like this are often full of surprises. However, for the sake of this article, I have already given some thought to my last round predictions.
I will start with Duke, a classic college basketball favorite. They are currently second in rankings and have had a 26-5 season, leaving the Blue Devils in pretty good shape, especially with a coach like Mike Krzyzewski, or better known as coach K. He is easily one of the best coaches in men's college basketball, coaching for twenty-nine seasons and making it to ten Final Fours. Therefore, it is raw talent and experience that leaves Duke as one of my choices; that, and perhaps the fact that Chicago Bulls player Luol Deng belongs to their alumni. After all, I am ride or die with my Bulls.
Moving on, I see Kentucky as having a great chance this year. The Wildcats are no stranger to being in the Final Four either, and are ranked third, with a 29-2 season. Many out there have pegged them as going all the way this year and with NBA alumni such as Tayshaun Prince and Rajon Rondo, I do not doubt their ability for a second. This year's team has big shoes to fill, but hopefully that will work for them as motivation, instead of against them as fear.
Fourth ranked Syracuse is my third pick, and not just because of the fact that one of my top five NBA players, Carmelo Anthony, comes from there. The Orange have been having a great season, 28-3, and like the two previously mentioned teams, they know how to stay afloat during the craziness of such an event. They are best known for their hustle and determination, so I have full faith in them making it to the final round this year.
Last but not least comes Kansas, a favorite this year, ranked number one with a 29-2 record. In my opinion, the Jayhawks seem to be hungriest of them all, confident in themselves and not slowing down for a second. And if I have learned anything from players like Kirk Hinrich, yet another Chicago Bull, or Paul Pierce, failure is just not an option.
My heart may mostly belong to the NBA with my mind already preparing for the Playoffs, but March Madness is a tradition, and undeniably a lot of fun to be a part of, especially with such talent existing in the college league these days. So if you have not already done so, grab a bracket and start making some predictions. It's on.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
d
posted 3/15/10 @ 7:52 AM CST
"As I walked to my closet, grabbing my Michigan State sweatshirt, it dawned on me."
Are you an MSU grad? I hope so. Otherwise, this is a great example of lacking school pride at UIC. (Continued…)
Kevin
posted 3/15/10 @ 2:18 PM CST
You say that you like all top 4 teams to advance - which will not happen by the way, in fact it never has - why? You mention no players on any of the teams and only talk of their coaches and swagger. (Continued…)
Post a Comment