The Madness Begins

Now that we have entered the month of March, I can't help buy comment on the upcoming NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament. Tonight, 68 teams will realize their goal of playing in the NCAA Tournament, but only 1 team will cut down the nets in New Orleans. When thinking about March Madness I think back to Steven Garcia's presentation about social psychology. I wonder whether the runner-up feels more upset, disappointed, sad, than the other 66 teams that don't make it to the national championship game. To advance so far, yet fall short of the ultimate goal must be incredibly painful and no other team probably can fully relate, but every team goes through the ups and downs of March, and that is what makes college basketball so much fun.

Every year when tournament time rolls around, I am always amazed by effort and resilience shown by the top teams and players in the nation. Each team enters the NCAA Tournament thinking that they have a legitimate shot to walk away as champions and that makes March Madness so thrilling. There are the upsets and buzzer-beater thrillers, but my favorite part of March Madness would have to be the Mid-Major Cinderella run to the Final Four. Teams like George Mason, VCU, and Butler have given new life to the possibility of small schools making it to the Final Four and possibly winning a national title. As a result, every school enters the NCAA Tournament with the hope and aspiration of winning a title, but when they fall short the disappointment shown on their faces tells you everything you need to know. March for me is all about passion, competition, and an enduring love for the game of basketball. I love March and I can't wait for this year's tournament. Hopefully you enjoy March this year as well. Whether it's your first time or your umpteenth, sit back and get your popcorn ready because its sure to be amazing (1).

(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moyIYzV24XI