The Drubbing

I remember looking at the bracket the day after it was announced (my cable wasn’t hooked up yet on selection Sunday) and thinking, this is either a really weak field, or a really strong field. I just wasn’t sure which.

I couldn’t believe that Louisville and UConn were number one seeds. And I was shocked that Memphis and Duke were number two seeds. But then the question remained, if not those teams, then who? And I had no answer.
Well after watching a tournament with very few upsets, and very little excitement, we finally got some great games last weekend with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. This weekend couldn’t be further from that. After watching 3/4 of the worst Final Four I’m aware of, I finally have my answer. Undoubtedly, this is the weakest NCAA Tournament field I’ve ever seen.

But after next weekend’s UNC (there’s another half to play but they’re completely outplaying Villanova at this point) at Michigan State (yeah, it’s a home game) final, this abysmal tournament will be over, and us basketball fans can get ready for the NBA Playoffs, Where Amazing Happens. I just hope One Shining Moment isn’t such a bust. Luther Vandross deserves better.

To think, we could’ve had Lousville, Missouri, Pitt and Oklahoma. That would’ve easily been one of the most exciting Final Fours in recent history. And imagine the scoring and SportCenter Top 10 plays that would’ve come out of a Missouri vs. Oklahoma final, if the two had been able to each pull off another upset. Instead we’ve been gifted another 40 minutes of football on the hardwood starring Michigan St. and Psyco-T.

At least one thing can salvage my night. Caddyshack, featuring classic Bill Murray and Chevy Chase stealing the show, just came on Bravo. To quote Chevy, to the NCAA I say, “Thank you very little.” Or was that Fletch.

And remember, a flute with no holes is not a flute. And a donut with no holes is a danish. What’s an NCAA tournament without great teams? It may just be 2009.