The days are getting longer, temps are getting warmer (in some places, anyway), which can only mean that a wonderful time of year has arrived. Yep, it’s time for that Big Dance, March Madness.
Professional sports analysts, armchair analysts, and office pool organizers are making predictions about which NCAA teams will get a chance at the title. They’re also making predictions as to who will ultimately win the coveted title. I am not even close to being an armchair analyst, let alone a professional one, but I do have a few heart-felt predictions on the tournament.
First, let me say that in this part of the country, the UK vs. UofL rivalry is almost a religion. You’re either a Wildcats fan, Cardinals fan, or you have brain damage. Mention that you’re a fan of IU or another Division I team, and people look at you like you have 2 heads.
Sane Predictions
Sorry ‘Cats fans; University of Kentucky won’t even make to the dance; there are several outstanding players at UK, but they can’t seem to get it together as a team. John Calipari is an outstanding coach, but he can’t seem to get the players together as a team. Oh well, there’s always next year. That should give them plenty of time to work on some teamwork fundamentals.
University of Louisville Cardinals have a better outlook, however. They’ll make the tournament, and they’ll probably play well enough to get to the Sweet Sixteen or better. Rick Pitino’s team can’t be too arrogant, though. A hungry Cinderella team, maybe Butler, would be all too happy to topple last year’s champs.
Two-headed Prediction
Indiana University Hoosiers will get the chance to play in the tournament. They’ll probably play well enough to make it to the second round, but Tom Crean’s Hoosiers barely have a winning season and will have to thank their luck (and Ferrell) if they make it to the Sweet Sixteen.
Emotional Predictions
Somewhere in the world, there’s a child who has played basketball for the first time this year. The kid has worked hard on and off the court, ate supper with the basketball under the chair, sat on the ball to watch TV and do homework, and slept with the basketball. The kid has watched every televised basketball game and will beg the parents to stay up late on school nights to watch these games. In the next 10-12 years, that same inspired youngster will play on one of the NCAA college teams. Good Luck, kiddo!
The Winner
How miraculous would it be if UofL could pull off a championship two years in a row? After all everybody loves a winner, right?
Did I mention that I am not a good analyst and didn’t pick any of last year’s Final Four?
Good luck to all the teams in all the tournaments.
