The Madness of March

Ah, Spring. The time of year when a young man's fancy turns to intense passion and leaving it all on the floor. This time of year is one of my favorites by far, with the NBA heating up and gearing towards the playoffs, MLB right around the corner, the NFL draft is a big topic after the Combine, and even Tiger Woods returning at the Masters can not dampen my spring sports fever. Because besides all of these aforementioned treasures, nothing can shake me from my roost quite like March Madness.

It has become a cultural phenomenon, kinda like mullets. And Pokemon. And celebrity scandals. Except the difference is March Madness is the kind of phenomenon everyone can enjoy, from young toddler to the old retired person who is about to get a fat check from Mr. Obama. (One could make a case for mullets still being popular, but the people who put those things on toddlers are ungodly.) Terms such as "bubble", "bracket-busting", and "Cinderella team" are becoming household.

No other sport can match the intensity in a playoff system quite like NCAA men's basketball. Sure, the NFL has the highest-viewed playoffs and (you get those fans that come shirtless with the painted chest when it's -30 degrees outside and it's snowing. But I hope you're not THAT guy.) And the NBA, MLB, and NHL have their own best-of-seven versions of what it takes to be a champion. But the way the Tournament works is unparalleled: 65 teams. Powerhouse programs to lowly mid-majors duking it out. Upsets galore. I mean come on! How often is an Ivy League school in any kind of final that doesn't involve the debate team? (See 12th-seed "Cornell: Men's BBall, 2010). Saint Mary's, a 10 seed, is doing work, beating No. 2 Villanova. Number 11 Washington destroyed a good No. 3 New Mexico.

It can be argued that the reason for this is no dominant teams this season. Doesn't that make it even more intriguing?

Like my good friend Kevin Garnett once said, (well, screamed) "Anything is possible".