Sweet 16

Hey, how’s it going? Have you been keeping up to date with the NCAA Mens Tourney?

If you’re anything like me, you really have had no choice. I’m a sports fan. I love it.

It’s cool because of the way we’ve been able to get EVERYONE involved in the tourney. Not me, exactly but with having a tournament set up with a bracket, anyone can fill one out and watch with interest. Anyone. It matters not if you’re knowledgeable or just fill it out if you like the particular teams colors. That just may work out for you and you’re in the money … figuratively of course. It’s all for entertainment purposes only. (I’m not sure if you’ve heard but there were 15 million+ brackets sent in to ESPN and not one had all final 16 teams in. Whoa)

So, how have you fared?

Me? So so … but the whole first weekend was just as enjoyable as in previous years. There’s always a couple of blowouts early and of course, a few nailbiters for upsets. Thrilling final seconds and boneheaded plays by kids who’ve played the game their entire lives. Funny and sometimes heartbreaking.

I’ve watched and played (sorta, some mates may beg to differ) this game almost my entire life and I fail to understand what’s happened to it.

There’s some really lousy play happening on the hardwood that I’ve had to endure. Oh my God … terrible. The game itself has deteriorated before my eyes. Never did I think that the collegiate version would go to crap like it has. Pros? Sure, that’s been a given since they allowed the zone defense but in college? Ticks me off. The ‘superstar’ player has taken precedent over the ‘team’ aspect and it’s hurting the game. Actually, the sports coverage has hurt it the most because all these kids want to do is see themselves on TV after the game. Me, me, me … selfish beyond belief.

To watch a kid dribble the ball up the court only to see him attempt to do things with the ball that not only isn’t necessary but normally ends up in a turnover, just kills me. Such talent and yet they screw themselves without getting a decent shot off. Passing the ball? Only if they’re tied up or it’s an alley-oop for another highlight reel. Joke.

I heard over the airwaves that this one guy made a bold prediction: a ‘mid-major’ would win the tournament within the next five years. Oooo, way to go out on a limb, bud. To me it’s obvious. There’s more teamwork in the lower division of schools and much better defense. These teams understand the real game. Upsets in the tourney? Only if you believe that an individually talented kid can win a game for you. It happens but once in a while it hurts you to the point of a disappointing loss. Those are the teams that just can’t believe they’ve lost to a VCU or a Richmond. Wake up kids and re-learn the game.

– Begin with the fundamentals, remove the 3-point line and work on passing the ball. I say to remove the 3 because it takes away from learning how to actually shoot the ball. Children aren’t strong enough to shoot the ball from that distance and hence they pick up awful flaws and habits. Do not add the 3-point line onto the court until high school if at all. (yep, hate it) There’s my little advise for the people in the know.

Enjoy this weekends games. Cheer for your home state or alma mater teams still involved and hopefully get out of it victoriously. Hold on as the lower seeds claw and scratch their way to another hopeful win over the ‘big guys’ by making that one more pass. March Madness is upon us and it’s a great time to watch. Stay tuned.

Plus … baseball begins in 9 days. Gotta love it.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s Party!”   ~  Robin Williams

Reiny