The Sports Watercooler

I will first start by saying that I was wrong. Yesterday I was lamenting how the championship game of the tournament always fails to match the awesomeness of the first weekend.

Well, last night's overtime thriller essentially killed that. It was a beautiful game, executed perfectly. A game marked not by mistakes and sloppy play, but by great basketball.

So hats off to Kansas for the last second shot to send the game to overtime, and for sealing the deal in overtime. NCAA Men's Basketball Champions.

Yet, I can't help but wonder, did Kansas win the championship, or did Memphis lose it? I remember watching those last 3 minutes in regulation and thinking (and possibly saying out loud) "This game is over."

How could they let Kansas back into it? Was it the terrible free throw shooting? They shot 1 for 5 from the line in the last 1:15. Or maybe it was their poor shot choices in OT. Instead of playing the game they did the first 38 minutes of the game, they panicked and hoisted up ill advised shots.

Then there is the forever on going debate...if you are up three with less than ten seconds to go (as Memphis was), why do you even let the other team attempt a 3 pointer? If they had fouled as Kansas brought the ball up, Chalmers wouldn't have had the opportunity to shoot the ball. Sure, there is a chance a Jayhawk could hit the first free throw, miss the second, Kansas could rebound and then have 8 seconds down 2, but isn't that more attractive than just letting them run a play to shoot a 3?

Anyways, whether Memphis choked it away, or Kansas simple took matters into their own hands, the last 10 minutes plus overtime were a glory to watch. Almost as much as this....take it away Luther!

The Sports Watercooler

Well its finally here, the most anti-climactic championship in the world of sports--the NCAA basketball finals. After the best 4 days in sports, the tournament ends with a whimper on a Monday night.

Sure the matchup should be great. Kansas has arguable the most stacked line up of any team in the tournament, Memphis has the best freshman point guard who could do pretty much anything tonight and no one will be surprised.

Tonight's game should be fun though. Memphis has an exciting style of play, patterned (sort of) after the Phoenix Suns. Its fast, aggressive and fun to watch. Kansas is just straight up good. Both teams are just full of "athletes". Those types of players who can each play 2 or three positions.

On to baseball, with one week underway lets get some immediate reactions:

The Tigers and the Red Sox suck! Sitting at 0-6 and 3-4, these are two teams most picked to win the World Series. Yet they are both in the cellars of their divisions.

The Orioles are amazing! Sitting in first place in a loaded AL East, they just can't lose! All hail the power of Kevin Millar!

Speaking of hot teams right now, I present to you the Bandwagon Team of the Week!

Last week we chose the New York Rangers. The Rangers won dramatically against division leader Pittsburgh in OT on Monday, smoked the Islanders 3-0 on Thursday, but then lost to their rivals on Friday (I didn't know hockey played back to back games). And the ended their reign as the Bandwagon Team by losing a nail biter to the Devils last night.

So the New York Rangers finished 2-2, but locked up a playoff spot in the process, beat the first place team, split with their rival, and lost to a rival. Not too shabby.

This week, I would like to introduce you to the team tied for first place in the AL Central, your Bandwagon Team of the Week: The Kansas City Royals!

There is a lot to like about this team. After being one of the dominant teams of the 80s, hard times came fast. And for the last 20 years, the Royals have been somewhat of a joke. But with a new manager, a new GM and some smart moves, the Royals are closer to competing than ever before.

How are they sitting at 4-2 right now? Well their pitching staff has stepped up. People mocked the huge Gil Meche signing a year ago. Since he got his big paycheck though, the man has been producing. They also have a core of some young pitching (Brian Bannister 3 hit the Tigers last week), and a closer who will be dominant in years to come (he struck out the side against Minnesota yesterday for the save). They even got a win and a sub 2 ERA out of Brett Tomko!

The young hitters are coming into their own. Alex Gordon started the season on an All Star pace. Billy Butler is finally showing signs of his endless talent, and steady vets like Jose Guillan and Mark Grudzielanek are playing well. I believe this is the beginning of a new time for the Royals. Remember when they had an outfield that was Jermaine Dye, Carlos Beltran and Johnny Damon? I think the days of a Royal having a good year and leaving are over. Fans can embrace these players now because they will be wearing the blue and white for a long time.

The Royals have a rough week this week, and my bandwagon cheering may be hampered by the fact that they play my 2 favorite non-bandwagon teams (Yankees Tues through Thursday and Twins Friday to Sunday), but I will for sure be watching every one of their games this week, and I am pretty excited about it.

Let's Go Royals!

The Sports Watercooler

We spend months looking forward to the tournament. Looking forward to the anything can happen mentality, the rooting interest in each game, the chance for a small school and unknown players to become household names.

Which is why I think this year is the Worst NCAA Tournament ever. There has been only a handful of upsets (Western Kentucky, Siena, Villanova, San Diego, and the obvious Davidson), there has only been a couple of games that went down to the wire, and to top it off, the Final Four has all number one seeds. Not even the fact that this has never happened in history can help breath life into this tournament.

And although it may be a testament to the selection committee that their 4 number 1 seeds have thus proven to be the four best teams, its is boring from a fan's perspective.

There are still some plot lines for an average fan to attach themselves too. UCLA's super impressive third straight visit to the Final Four, Kansas finally killing the monkey on it and Bill Self's back, Memphis proving that they do belong in the upper echelon of college basketball, and North Carolina dominating every team they have seen thus far.

But compared to tournaments in the past, there hasn't been very much. I feel like most games were decided by 10+ points. And to top it all off, a bracket that had zero upsets in it would be in the 96th percentile of all people picking on ESPN.com. Davidson, we hardly knew thee.

The upside here is that all 3 remaining games have to be close and good, right? We are finally down to 4 number 1 seeds, who are pretty equal across the board. Let's hope so. Because we need some close games going down to the wire to inject some energy into this thing. As it stands, its been so boring, I actually scheduled a 6:30 dinner reservation for Saturday without even realizing it was the Final Four. Prove me wrong Number 1 seeds.

The Sports Watercooler

Sorry I had to skip this wonderful feature yesterday. Its a pain when your real job gets in the way of your fake job.

As for the sporting world, there is a lot of excitement this time of year. With 16 teams left in the tournament, we are down to the point where every game should be a good game (read: every game but the UCLA and Western Kentucky game). You want to hear my predictions? Too bad, here they are for tonight's games, keeping in mind that I have no more authority to make predictions than the lady sitting next to you on the subway:

West Virginia against Xavier will be close. I think both of these teams are better than people think. This Xavier team had the most wins in school history this year. But I feel that West Virginia is on too much of a roll right now to be stopped.

Washington State versus North Carolina. Although UNC has been steamrolling people this tournament, Washington State will give them a run for their money. Wazzu has held opponents to 40 and 41 points (single tear). Sure, UNC could probably get that combined, but I expect the Heels to win in a closer than you think battle.

Western Kentucky plays UCLA. Now that UCLA has won games on terrible calls for the third game in their last 5, I don't think they will have to pull that card tonight. Western Kentucky already has that "just glad to be here" feeling, and won't put up much of a fight.

Louisville battles Tennessee. If gambling were legal, one might say that I have placed money on Louisville for this game. I happened to have some extra "points" left in my bodog account after getting the Superbowl right (I bet the under on points, never thought the Giants had a chance), and liked Louisville's odds (and/or team). Plus with reports that Bruce Pearl is entertaining thoughts of taking the Indiana job, you can beat the team will be less than focused.

Of course, I am usually wrong about most of this stuff.

There is more than basketball to be excited about this time of year though. The NBA season is winding down and teams are vying for playoff spots. Dallas is falling! Celtics are rising! Spurs have refound their old form!

Then there is baseball season to get you excited! It starts this weekend (and/or 2 days ago). Everybody not living in San Francisco or Baltimore feels a sense of excitement. This could be the year we win it all! Finally show improvement! Win my fantasy league! Opening weekend in baseball is always a treat. And one of the final signs that summer is right around the corner.

The Sports Watercooler

The NCAA Tournament--you are a cruel, cruel mistress.

There are various levels of disappointment in the Tournament. The silver lining being, there are various levels of enjoy it as well.

The First Level: your team. As a fan, it doesn't matter what else happens. Your bracket, upsets, Cinderellas, none of that matters more than your team. And after this weekend, only fans of 16 teams are happy.

Obviously, there are varying degrees of happiness/sadness here. Like if your team took a number 2 seed to overtime, only losing at the last second, you can reflect back on a good run, a memorable tournament, and gain some experience for next year. Or if your team was playing a team of equal talent, yet could only score 41 points in the entire game, it may take a bit longer to recover from that one.

The Second Level: your bracket. There is money and/or bragging rights involved. Without your school to cheer for, at least you can cheer for a more personal victory--domination for your peers. Sure I would trade almost anything for a Notre Dame final four appearance, and the feeling isn't anywhere as good, but it is sort of nice to check out the Bike in Trees bracket pool on facebook and see that I am tied for first place. (Tied with a one Andrew Chungchansat). Likewise, its nice to point out to everyone I meet that I picked the Davidson over Georgetown upset, and remind them repeatedly.

The Third Level: F You. This is when you did have both Georgetown and Pitt in your Final Four. When your team has already been at the opposite end of an upset. Think you have nothing left to cheer for? Wrong! Start cheering for everyone to be as miserable as you. Cheer for every underdog. Cheer for the most popular schools to leave. Cheer for mayhem in the bracket world.

The Fourth Level: Ignore the rest of the tournament. Basketball is dead to you until next November. Baseball starts in a week!

Know Your Opponent

We were sufficiently knowledgeable about George Mason, so let's get to know Notre Dame's next opponent, Washington State. To the internets!

Washington State was founded in 1890 under the original name Washington Agricultural College and School of Science (Gooooo WACSS!).

According to Wikipedia, WSU's role as a statewide institution became clear in 1894 with the launch its first Agricultural Experiment Station. Sounds like the Dharma Initiative was busy even in the 19th century. 

They have a long list of distinguished alumni, including:

Sports announcer Keith Jackson (I have know idea where his hard on for USC comes from)

Far Side creator Gary Larson (damn, that one is pretty awesome)

Edward R Murrow

Paul Allen

Bill Nye (yes, the Science Guy)

Drew Bledsoe

The Game

Ryan Leaf (they can't all be winners)

As for the basketball team , defense reigns supreme. They hold opponents to an average of 56 points per game. Kyle Weaver was second in the Pac 10 in steals and is a lock down perimeter defender.

WSU's best player is senior Derrick Low. For some insane reason, this 3-time Hawaii State

High School Player of the Year chose to go to college in Pullman, Washington. The craziest part, he chose WSU before he even stepped food on campus. I can't imagine the thoughts going through his head during that first winter.

Not single player on the WSU roster this year is actually from the State of Washington, ironically. This could either show how good of a recruited Tony Bennett is, or its just due to the fact that everyone who lives in Washington would rather record moody music hopped up on Starbucks. 

Go Irish! Beat Cougars. 

Know Your Enemy

Sun Tzu's The Art of War were lessons on how to defeat your enemy during battle. At the end of Chapter 3, he states:

So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will fight without danger in battles.

As Notre Dame heads into battle tonight against George Mason, we must educate ourselves against our enemy. Thus, I present to you a comprehensive look at George Mason.

Everyone remembers George Mason for their insane run to the Final Four in 2006. It was impressive, it busted everyone's bracket, and no one cared. Everyone cheered for them, it was the classic David defeats Goliath. And Goliath's better brother. And his bigger best friend. And his even bigger step father, and his even bigger neighbor. Etc.

Well, 2 of those players still play a key roll for the Patriots. Folarin Campbell (not a made up name) is running the point and Will Thomas, who is their top defender (effectively shutting down Rudy Gay in that series).

Let's not also forget they have the same, very good coach Jim Larranaga. I am impressed that he did not leave for a bigger job after that Final Four run. He should be considered one of the best coaches in the tournament.

This year, this George Mason team has beat: Dayton, Kansas State, Drexel (by 47), South Carolina, and Delaware. Not exactly murder's row, but you can only play your schedule. In common opponents to Notre Dame, both the Irish and the Patriots beat Kansas State, while Notre Dame beat Villanova, where the Patriots could not.

The University of George Mason is located in Virginia (who knew!) "minutes away from DC". They have 3 campuses now, with 2 more opening in 2009, one of which is in the United Arab Emarites.

They were founded in 1957 as a branch of UVA, but then became an independent university in 1972.

They have the second largest student population in the "Commonwealth of Virginia". And are known to have a strong law, economics and public policy programs.

They have the 4th most diverse university in the country per the Princeton Review. That's gotta help the basketball team a bit.

They also list several "notable" alumni. Basically, its Karl Rove, Anna E Cabral (who they list as the Treasurer of the United Stats and who they also say is currently attending GMU Law. So wait, our Treasurer is a law student?!), the president of The Weather Channel, a couple of relief pitchers, and (this is the best) under famous athlete alumni: Greg Nosal, professional Foosball player.

Obviously, the school was named after George Mason. He was one of the father's of the Bill of Rights, and is considered a Founding Father. But what do we really know about him. Lets check out Wikipedia.

Well, almost right away it says that good ol' George was very coy about slavery. On one hand, he owned slaves, on the other, he favored the abolition of the slave trade. When it came time to write the Constitution, he was adamant about not including anything about slavery, either pro or con. Does this sound like a man you want to name the forth most diverse college after?

He also refused to sign the Constitution, instead, left the convention and returned to his home state. Sounds like a commie if you ask me. Due to this, George Washington essentially broke off his friendship with him, and its why we rarely hear of George Mason as a founding father anymore.

But the most damning piece of all on his Wiki page.... his direct descendant is: Paris Hilton. Thats right, Mason's tenth son Thomas Mason was Paris Hilton's seventh great grandfather.

I think we are now adequately knowledgeable in our opponent tonight.

Go Irish! Beat possibly racist, Constitution hating, Paris Hilton fathering, Karl Rove educating, United Arab Emarites building George Mason!

The Sports Watercooler

Oh man, as a sports fan, does it get any better than the next two days? If you went to any of 64 Div 1 schools, you get to watch your team play on a do or die game. If you are any sort of college sports fan, you love the upsets, the last second shots, and these kids playing hard because every shot could be their last. And if you are a degenerate gambler, you love the plethora of games--12 hours straight for 4 days.

Its beautiful.

So make sure your brackets are full. Make sure that your money has been paid up. Make sure you have joined the facebook Bikes In Trees pool (obligatory promotion), and make sure you know of a place nearby with a TV for the requisite 2 hour lunch. Get your Alt+Tab fingers ready for when the boss walks by.

Tournament!!

Of course its not all excitement. Around 5ish my emotions will switch to nerves and anticipation. For pretty much all the same reasons as mentioned above, yet all focused on the Notre Dame-George Mason game. Do or die! Another first round exit to a better than advertised mid-major? A chance to show the country that we belong in the top 20? A chance for Harangody to become a household name beyond the Big East? A chance for George Mason to prove that their final four run wasn't a fluke? Just typing all that made me want to eat a roll of Tums. Any team can turn hot and win a few in a row. Any can shoot ice cold and end their season. Its the beauty of the tournament and why we are scheduling Easter Mass around it.

Basically, my emotions can be summed up thusly:

The Sports Watercooler

This is MADNESS. NO! THIS.....IS......MARCH!

Alright, so its here. The most exciting week in the sports year (arguments can be made for opening week of college football, the week where they play 3 BCS games, Thanksgiving week, or the week the Masters is on, but I will take this.)

I won't go too in depth here since you can type in any assortment of letters in your browser and get a list of who got snubbed and who will be this year's Cinderellas. But its obviously on the tip of everyone's tongue.

So, Bikes in Trees present: Rules for Making Your Picks*

*Probably should ignore these

Rule 1: Pick lots of upsets. Sure, 75% of the time, your pick is going to be wrong. But who doesn't want to be that guy at the bar when a big upset is happening and you get to be smug and tell everyone you see "I picked that. No big deal." And really, whats more important? Getting the majority of your picks right? Or being the smug asshole at the bar?

Rule 2: Don't pick all 1 seeds to make the Final Four. First off, it never happens. Second off, its just lame and boring.

Rule 3: Bet lots of money on your picks. Sure, you will just lose to the lady in accounting who picked UCLA to win it all because their best player is named Love and that is "sooooo cute", but if you don't have enough money on the line to be screaming over Dan Nelms of Davidson's sloppy play, then what's the point?

Rule 4: Every year a 12 seed upsets a 5. So keep an eye on those games. Except for the one in the East bracket. Nothing bad will happen there. Nothing bad will happen there. Nothing bad wil happen there....

Rule 5: There is always a hot team that comes out of nowhere. Gonzaga, Butler, and George Mason have been those teams recently. Don't worry though, no matter how hard you research it, you won't pick it. So don't worry.

Rule 6: You will be beyond unproductive Thursday and Friday. There are 12 straight hours of basketball on both days. And whether you are camped out in front of the TV with a case of beers, or stuck in your cubicle relying on Stat Tracker you will be fully engrossed. Because lets face it, even if you haven't even heard that Drake existed until 2 weeks ago, you will be cheering like mad that they beat Western Kentucky (or vice versa).

Rule 7: Go with your gut. Somethings, as soon as you look at them, seem obvious. Stick with that. No one like the guy who is constantly saying "Aw, I almost picked that upset!" just because he sat and debated over each game for hours on end. If a game looks like a lock to you, stick with it, its probably true.

Rule 8: Only do one bracket. Sure, it could be fun to have one bracket where you make all your risky picks, a bracket where you pick with your heart, and a bracket where you use your head. Man up. Make one bracket and stick with it. If you hear someone say "aw, I had that one right in my other bracket", compliment their skirt and punch them in the throat.

Rule 9: Have fun out there. Its like youth soccer, only without oranges and halftime. Use your one bracket (see Rule 8) and entire as many pools as possible. In fact, join the Bikes in Trees bracket on facebook (well, join in a day or two, once I set it up). Join one with your college friends, high school friends, family, coworkers, neighbors. Join a pool where its just you and your roommate. Wager over who gets to pay for the next dinner with you and your girlfriend. Wager over money, dares, and honor.

There really isn't a more wonderful time of the sporting year.

The Sports Watercooler

Dancing. As the smaller conferences end their tournaments and the bigger conferences are starting, lets take a look at who has already made the tournament. And maybe how they will fare:

Just happy to be here:
Austin Peay, George Mason, Belmont, Siena, Winthrop, Cornell, and San Diego. San Diego had a huge upset yesterday in their conference title game, beating Gonzaga and punching their ticket to the dance. Syracuse fans just watch and sigh as one more at large spot gets taken.

Could win a few:
Davidson (with superstar Stephen Curry on the team, anything is possible) and Drake who has sweet sixteen potential, if not more.

We also had a few signings in the NFL yesterday. The Rams signed walking concussion Trent Green to a 3 year deal. Sure hope they gave their medical staff a raise as well. Warrick Dunn returned to his old team, Tampa Bay. And Julius Jones was traded to Seattle, which made Shuan Alexander confused. The 2005 MVP has fallen faster than Ricky Martin's career. Hey-o!

The Rockets are now tied for 3rd place in history with the longest winning streak as they won their 19th in a row last night. Meanwhile Dwayne Wade is out for the rest of the year due to his injured knee.

And in made-for-tv sports, Federer beat Sampras in the Garden last night. Maybe its because he is the best ever, or maybe because its because he is 10 years older playing against a guy who has been retired for the last 5 years. Actually, Sampras kept it close, winning the second set and going up 5-2 in the third set (of three) before eventually losing.