It's NCAA basketball tournament time again.
Here's a bracket--fill it out.
I'll be passing along my upset picks tomorrow.
It's interesting to ponder the success of the NCAA tournament.
Lord knows I've enjoyed it ever since I began following sports. Now it's success is off the charts. But why has it been such a hit for years? My guesses:
1. Everyone can play--fill out a bracket and see how you do. Or you can draw a team from a hat and see if they win. (Plus the tournament is an easy vehicle for placing friendly wagers.)
2. 65 teams get in. It's likely that a team from your area is in; you have a local, rooting interest.
3. All the games are televised; it's easy to follow.
4. Lose one game and you're out. So much tension and drama.
5. Upsets! The lower-seeded Winthrops or Sienas have a chance to shock the nation. And there are always a bunch of buzzer-beater last-second shots deciding games. And the Cinderellas can go far--see George Mason two years ago.
6. In the first two rounds of the tournament, a bunch of games are played on weekday afternoons. A good excuse to play hooky.
7. The tournament has been around long enough to become a tradition. Like the World Series.
Enjoy, hoops fans. I can't wait.
