Airing my Philthy Laundry

Ruminations and Predictions of the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament as told by a Self-Declared Bandwagon Sports Fan

It's that time of year when all water-cooler conversations revolve around the question, "What's your bracket look like?" I've always been a bandwagon sports fan...when the playoffs of any sport (except hockey) come around, I keep SportsCenter on so I can somewhat talk intelligently (actually just less retardedly) about the respective teams playing. The same holds true for "March Madness" or any other type of madness, frankly.

So here are a few ruminations, and a few predictions as to the outcome of the best college sports has to offer.

-First: Why the hell is Tennessee a 2 seed? So they beat Texas when they were down...nice win, and they beat Florida (who's been streaky all year) and Kentucky (but who hasn't beaten Kentucky?) They are definitely better than expected, and deserving of a higher seed in the tourney, but a 2? not a chance. Prediction: Wichita State will knock them out in the Second Round

-I was originally upset about Illinois being a 4 seed, thinking that their relatively consistent top 10 presence this year earned them at least a 3 seed. Though the Illini were better than projected, and had a pretty good year in the unpredictable Big Ten, if I wouldn't have gone there, I wouldn't have second guessed their seed a bit. So I'm thinking objectively on this one and I'm satisfied. Prediction: Unfortunately, this lower seeding is forcing them to play UConn in the Sweet 16, and they won't make it past the Huskies

-As much as I love to hate Duke, and especially JJ Reddick, he's a stud, and they are the team to beat this year. Prediction: This year's senior class will finally get their national title.

-Some say Gonzaga got screwed on their 3 seed, and I can come up with reasons for both. They probably should have been flip flopped with UCLA for a 2 seed. Regardless, they'll still reach the final four and play Duke. Prediction: The Final Four matchup between Duke & Gonzaga (and more importantly JJ Reddick & Adam Morrison) will give Dick Vitale the first erection he's experienced in 15 years.

-The best part of the NCAA tourney by far is the upsets. Here's who I see making a stink this year:

First Round: Texas A&M over Syracuse; NC State over California; Bucknell over Arkansas; UW-Milwaukee over Oklahoma; Wisconsin over Arizona; UAB over Kentucky; and Utah State over Washington.

Second Round: West Virginia over Iowa; Texas A&M over LSU; Wichita State over Tennessee

Sweet 16: Memphis will be the first 1 seed to lose after Kansas knocks them off in the third round.

If you're planning on calling your bookey after reading this, I wouldn't go that far...I traditionally finish somewhere in the middle of every pool I've ever entered (especially the one's for money) usually getting beat out by the woman who picks her teams based on the teams' mascots and uniforms.

Enjoy the next couple weeks sports fans.

posted by philthy @ 1:43 PM