Can the Best Get Better?

The NCAA Tournament is easily one of the most exciting events in sports. 64 teams (I don't count the play-in games) facing against each other for one common prize. The stakes can't get any higher. If you lose, your season is over. This makes for very interesting match-ups, fun to watch upsets, and a ton of very close games. It doesn't seem like it could get much better; but is it perfect?

I don't think so. In fact, I believe there is one huge thing that it is missing, and all it has to do to figure it out is look at it's little brother, The NIT. What does the NIT have that the NCAA Tournament doesn't?

Student and local fan involvement.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that the atmosphere for NCAA Tournament games isn't good. It's great! but it's missing something that it just can't get with the current system they have in place. The average college student and local fan can not afford to travel halfway across the country, and pay $200 for a ticket to watch their team play one or two basketball games. It simply is not feasible.

The NIT however has avoided this problem by simply playings games and giving a team home court. For example, In the first round of the NIT there was a game between Boston College and my hometown university, McNeese State. Where did they play the game? They played in the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, Louisiana, because that is where McNeese plays its home games. Not a hard concept to follow.

Now I know some of you are thinking "Who wants to watch Boston College vs. McNeese State in a small town like Lake Charles." McNeese Fans! The Burton Coliseum was absolutely packed, full of people who wanted to watch their small town Cowboys take on a power conference team like Boston College.

Above I have posted a picture comparing the crowds at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado for the Louisville vs. Morehead State game, one of the most exciting games of the tournament thus far, and The Burton Coliseum for MSU vs BC. The reason for this mass difference in attendance is obvious. There is very little interest for both Louisville and Morehead State, two teams located in Kentucky, in Denver, Colorado. Imagine if that game was held at one of the competing team's universities. They are 2 hours away from each other. It would have been absolute madness.

Now, I do understand where the NCAA is coming from. They want everything to be as "fair" and "equal" as possible by putting all of these games at a neutral site. That said, think of how much money they would make and save if they just had at least the first 2 rounds played at a participating school's gym. This would essentially assure sold out crowds, and bring the true atmosphere of college basketball into the tournament. Isn't that the only thing that it's missing?

I honestly feel that the NCAA Tournament is the best, most exciting and fun to watch playoff system in sports, but as we all know, everything can get better. Whether it's by expanding the bracket or giving teams home court advantage, we may never know. I do know, however, that nothing is perfect and everything can be improved upon.

If you have any comments, questions, or ideas of how to make the NCAA Tournament better, or if there is something you want to me to write about specifically, post a comment. I promise I read them and I will be glad to service you in any way that I can.

Feeling Sweet

Well guys, March is officially here with all of its madness. Now that virtually everyone's brackets are destroyed, we can finally focus on the games. We are down the Sweet 16, and I couldn't be more excited Regionals weekend is easily the most intense, competitive weekend in college basketball. Cinderella teams will either be formed or shot down. Favorites will either prove their worth, or fall to their knees is failure. Only the best of the best move on past this weekend to claim their spot in the coveted Final Four.

Thursday and Friday have some very interesting match ups. Here, I'm going to do a quick analysis of each game, so you can get an idea of what we're looking at this weekend.

EAST REGION:

Ohio State vs. Kentucky: Few teams have looked as intimidating and consistent as Ohio State this season. With freshman sensation Jared Sullinger leading the team in the post, this entire team is stacked. That said, Kentucky offers and interesting match up for the Buckeyes. The Wildcats are longer and more athletic than Ohio State, and I think if they can control the tempo early, it could be upset city in Newark.

Marquette vs. North Carolina: Marquette is a very scrappy team who can drive and shoot, but I think the Tar Heel's defense and post game will be too much for the Golden Eagles. Also, UNC is just too good in clutch situations. If it's a close game, the Tar Heels take it.

WEST REGION:

Duke vs. Arizona: Two teams that probably should have lost their last games. If the Blue Devils can establish a post presence early, and implement the new addition of Kyrie Irving well, they come away with an easy win. Arizona will have a tough time defending the Plumlees down low and the onslaught of players that can shoot the three ball.

UCONN vs. San Diego State: This is an intriguing match-up. The key for the Aztecs is clearly to slow down Kemba Walker and force him to get his teammates involved. This is not a small task by any means, but if there's a team that can do it, it's San Diego State. They have several very versatile defenders, and they will all have to bring their "A game" to defeat the Huskies.

SOUTHWEST REGION:

Kansas vs. Richmond: Richmond is a good team, but they'll need a miracle to defeat the Jayhawks. I don't see a Cinderella story for the Spiders in this one.

Virginia Commonwealth vs. Florida State: Most interesting match up of the Sweet 16. With Chris Singleton back on the floor it seems Florida State's defense is nearly impenetrable, but VCU runs a very unique offense that tends to take teams out of their rhythm. Tough call, but I'm going to have to go with Florida State in this one.

SOUTHEAST REGION:

Butler vs. Wisconsin: Last year's National Runner-ups just won't go away. Brad Stevens has definitely proven that he is one of the best coaches in college basketball. That said, I think Wisconsin's rebounding ability and size will be too much for them.

BYU vs. Florida: Jimmer Fredette has been able to carry BYU early in this tournament with his fantastic play, but I think this is where the loss of Brandon Davies finally gets the best of the Cougars.

And there you have it. My take on the sweet 16. Feel free to leave comments on what you agree and disagree with.

I'm Back!!!!

Hey guys! Sorry about the year without a post. It's been a crazy one. But now I'm back, and will be updating shortly. March Madness is upon us and I'll be giving you my thoughts on who will win it all, and what I think about the bracket as a whole. So keep your eyes peeled, because That Guy is about to get you caught up in the latest in sports again.