The Water Cooler, part two
As much as I watch the NFL network to convince myself that football never takes a backseat to any sport, that all changes during the third weekend of this month, when March Madness, the best tournament in the world starts.
College basketball hits the forefront, as the 64-team, three week tournament produces highlights and memories which stick with you for a lifetime.
There will be the teams from the power conferences (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10, etc.), getting beaten by some small college somewhere in the middle of Kentucky; thus causing fans to rip up their brackets and shake their heads in disgust.
This year I have North Carolina, Louisville, Memphis, and Pittsburgh eventually making the Final Four. I’ll probably be one of those fans tossing ye ol’ bracket in the trash. I mean, I’m the same kid who finished sixth, second-to-last, and last place in the last three years.
Still, March Madness is one of the best sporting events out there. I can’t wait to watch upsets, buzzer beaters, and games that become instant classics. Just lead me to the Cheetos, beer, and I’ll be okay.
NBA MVP Race
Watching the National Basketball Association during the regular season can be a drag. One thing that has stood out recently is the most valuable player race between LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade.
If the season ended today, my vote would go to James. Kobe is great and Wade has been a nightly highlight reel, but it’s “King” James who is the most unselfish superstar to come into the league during the last fifteen years.
James is only 24 years old, and even though he has the composure of a 10-year veteran, he has yet to hit his peak. Leading the NBA with nearly 29 points a game, seven rebounds, and seven assists, James flirts with triple-doubles nightly.
Not to take anything away from Kobe and D-Wade, both are right there with James in terms of overall greatness. It’s James though, who has been this season’s best player.
Random Thoughts
Watching the World Baseball Classic has been exciting in it’s second go-round. It has taken my mind off all the talk about steroids that’s going on in major league baseball.
It just sucks that it’s over and we soon have to deal with A-Rod, commissioner Bud Selig and hearing about how Barry Bonds’ court case has been delayed for the 2,176th time. Ahhhhhh...
Why are the Red Sox still taking shots at Manny Ramirez? It’s a dead issue now. He’s gone to L.A. and he’s happy there.
I got a suggestion for the Sox: Worry about the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. By the end of this season, the Sox will be in third place and missing the “distraction” they called Manny Ramirez...
A big round of applause for boxing this year. Finally, promoters and network television are getting together, producing great match-ups, and airing them for free. It’s been refreshing to see boxing produce great events and set up the fights fans want to see.
