NCAA March Madness: Where You Are the Hoops Expert

While I'm not suggesting that you ignore what the experts have to say, when has an analyst ever gotten a bracket completely right? How often do all four No. 1 seeds go to the Final Four?

The beauty of March basketball is the excitement and unpredictability that it brings.

It is crucial to buckle down with your bracket and look at each matchup individually. Seedings don't mean a darn thing when it comes down to tip-off. There has only been one year when all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four, 2008. This statistic shows that games are never won on paper.

Upsets, underdogs and Cinderella teams is what makes the NCAA Tournament a success.

This is not intended disrespect those wise basketball gurus that break down the bracket. Having said that, no "expert" has ever gotten a bracket completely right. Heck, it's nearly impossible to perfect a basketball bracket.

So, while it's important to respect and value expert advice, don't ever hesitate what your gut is telling you.

Over thinking a bracket is one of the worst things to do. If you see a potential upset that makes sense to you, go for it. The more things over-analyzed games get, the more doubt will arise.

With the doubt, people tend to break down the matchups and give the nod to the high seed. Don't do that!

The NCAA Tournament is destined to have major upsets. Your "responsibility" is to find them. How many people had a Butler vs Duke final in 2010? How many people had VCU and Butler in the 2011 Final Four? On paper, those possibilities never should have happened.

The hearts and competitiveness of athletes can never be measured and any team can win on any single day.

Having said that, don't pick upsets just to pick them. Make smart choices as well.

In the first round, the 1 and 2 seeds probably won't lose. Save your upsets for a logical game. Although anything is possible, it's very unlikely.

Pick smart and pick courageously. Other than the 15 and 16 seeds, pick upsets that you think are possible. After all, this is you bracket.

Enjoy it.

All that is needed to spark a magical run is momentum for a team. If a team can get a win, they will have the confidence to follow through. Politics still tend to run the game.

Big name universities are given more opportunities and often get the nod over smaller schools in brackets. Murray State finished 30-1 but is a 6 seed. Small schools like them can be dangerous. All it needs is one player to spark the team and the rest is history.

So, while you are filling out your bracket this year, first and foremost, follow your gut. If you think Memphis can upset Michigan State, write it down with authority and move on.

History tells us that some of the four No.1 seeds are destined to fall out before the Final Four. History tells us that some higher seeds are bound to make a run. What history and experts cannot predict is who is ready.

The teams are ready to dance. The stage has been set.

With the nation watching, college basketball teams will take the court by storm in 2012. Make smart decisions in your bracket. Make bold and realistic predictions. When the ball is tipped off, all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the greatest tournament in all of sports.