Why March Madness Is the Best Time of Year; Plus a Few Predictions

It snowed in the state of Washington over the weekend. Right now, it is mid-40s in New York City. LA was even a little cold over the weekend in the lower 60s. Yet, all I keep hearing is, “I love this time of year!”

That’s right, the best time of year is back—March Madness. A time that you sit on the couch or bar with friends and watch nonstop basketball, while crying over your missed brackets that you were so sure were can’t misses. Yet, the 12-year-old Girl Scout in your pool, who happens to be your boss’ daughter, hasn’t missed a game because the colors of the teams matched up.

Yeah, we have all been there. Every game feels like a nail-bitter, and the masses cheer on the David to slay the Goliath. In my opinion, March Madness is like Fantasy Football on steroids—there is nothing better.

We are just one day away from the official start (sorry, I do not count the play-in game) and want to give you guys some heads up.

First, the Basketball.org team will be in Las Vegas next weekend (Thursday-Sunday) for the second weekend of the tournament. Most likely, we will be watching the games at the Mandalay Sports Book. If anybody is interested in getting together, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Today, I will provide you with some of the sleepers that I think can make some noise in the tournament, either by taking the crown or that Cinderella who goes dancing. What I will not do is show you my brackets.

If you have ever seen the movie The Cooler, that is me when it comes to NCAA pools. I haven’t had a good showing since short shorts were in. Although I do see shorter shorts becoming more in fashion, I don’t expect to break my streak this year.

Teams that are not a No. 1 seed who have the best chance to cut down the nets

Gonzaga

If you are playing the Bulldogs, you have to be scared. They are very talented in all of their positions and even have some depth coming off the bench. They played a strong non-conference schedule, and nobody should scare them.

My worry with them is their lack of size. They have Josh Heytvelt, but not much after him.  Their biggest test will come with UNC, but if Ty Lawson is not healthy, then I think the Zags take it.

Oklahoma

Blake Griffin is all I have to say. He is a beast, and if he gets going on a roll, nobody will be able to stop this semi. Oklahoma’s tournament will come down to how much Griffin can dominate and think he will have his way. Look out.

Teams from the lower seeds that will make some noise

Arizona State

With James Harden, anything is a possibility. Don’t be afraid to pick them for some upsets. Possibly Sweet 16.

Utah State

This team is very talented and polished. They won 24 of their first 25 games to start the year. Look for them to beat an injured Marquette team.

UCLA

Probably the most dangerous sixth seed we have seen in some time. Bottom line, the Bruins don’t lose many tournament games under Ben Howland unless it is in the Final Four. I think they roll to the Sweet 16.