I suffered through a lot of car talking-head-radio time yesterday, and almost suffered a mini-meltdown reassuring myself that only one bracket is the way to go, and desperately trying to cling to my picks. Yes, I still have the Kansas-Syracuse-West Virginia-Baylor Final Four I told you about Sunday. Yes, I’m still iffy on all four.
Even Syracuse, whom I’ve picked into the Final Four, violating my traditional “Wax your team early and don’t potentially jinx your favorite club’s once in a lifetime chances.”
Well, I’ve thrown that rule out the window. Because of a couple things. One: In a stunning bout of maturity, I hardly believe the opinion of Mr. Faded Glory swings the outcomes of the Orange. I know, I know, it’s true. Two: I’ve seen ‘em win the title, so my angst level is much, much lower. This isn’t the Cubs, where any superstition reigns supreme and the slightest deviation from bland hope results in crushing doom.
Three: As I’ve gotten older, the tournament befuddles me more each season. I accept this. I don’t watch as much college basketball as the 12-year-old who lost a chance at a thousand bucks when Duke shocked UNLV, or the teenager who nailed 30 out of 32, 14 out of 16 and got Arkansas, Duke, Florida and Arizona correctly in 1994. Yes, I only bring this up as a chance to mention it.
BUT ANYWAY, I figure I’m going to watch. I’m going to cheer for Syracuse, I’m going to live and die with them. Why not pick them? Legitimately, they and Kansas are the two best teams in the nation, having dominated the two best conferences.
Plus, it’s certainly possible that the Syracuse could face both Kansas and Kansas State; a trinity of the teams I’ve watched most this season. Let my scouting record show that Butler and Gonzaga are tougher matchups for Syracuse: KU and KSU actually might play right into their hands. They don’t concern me as much as even, say, Florida State. (Assuming, you know, Cuse beats Vermont. I don’t assume).
But regardless, I can barely pick the Kansas teams over Syracuse, let alone root for them. I also don’t know how I can survive in this region without Syracuse advancing to the finals. I can’t take a decade of taunts from fanbases who pay more attention to their foes than their own teams. However, if Syracuse beats both Kansas schools – well, let’s just say I may no longer be welcome in my home. Or at least the John Wallace jersey may have to be stowed temporarily.
Anyway, they stay in my Final Four. Besides, I look at this tournament as resembling 2000 and 2002. Maybe I’m wrong.
