Unforgettable Moments Con't...

I Believe In Fairytales

This pick really reminds me what this tournament is all about.  The magic that can happen at any given time.  In 2006, the George Mason Patriots entered the tournament as 11th seed.  In the first round, they defeated the 6th seeded Michigan State Spartans.  

Their second round matchup was against the defending champions North Carolina Tar Heels (easily the best college program ever).  The Patriots were definitely the unbelievable underdogs.  After falling into a 16-2 hole early in the game, the team bounced back to shock the world and win the game 65-60. 

Their next game was against a equally matched mid-major team, Wichita State Shockers.  George Mason jumped out to a big early lead that the Shockers were unable to overcome.  The Patriots won, 63-55.

Their Elite Eight matchup found themselves facing the Connecticut Huskies, the team that everyone thought would win it all.  The Patriots defeated the top-seeded Huskies, 86-84 in overtime, in what is called one of the memorable games in tournament history.  

The Patriots were the first CAA team to reach the Final Four.  Their Cinderella story ended in Indianapolis, when the eventual National Champion Florida Gators defeated them 73-58 on April 1.  Despite their loss, many analysts, and myself consider their performance in that tourney to be the best run by a mid-major in tournament history.  Their impact was so profound that everyone now asks, "Who will be this years' George Mason?"

More Unforgettable Moments

David vs. Goliath

Scenario: On April 3rd, 1983, the Houston Cougars, also known as "Phi Slamma Jamma," took on the Cinderella story NC State Wolfpack for the NCAA National Championship in Albuquerque, NM.

Houston, led by future Hall of Famer Clyde 'The Glyde' Drexler and future NBA star Akeem Olajuwon, were a dazzling dunk show then entire season, compliling a 31-2 record and maintaining an intimidating stature as the unanimous #1 team in the country.  NC State on the other hand, coached by the late Jimmy Valvano, was a team of inspiration and heart.  After losing 10 regular season games, the Wolfpack squeaked into the tournament and slightly skimmed past each opponent in the tournament on their way to the championship game.

A true David vs. Goliath, the battle that took place in Albuquerque that April night was one for the ages.  The desperation shot, the catch and gaming winning dunk, Coach Valvano racing the floor hugging anyone in site and the unthinkable N.C. State victory are the very moments that make this game one of the greatest in the history of basketball.

1983 NC State Championship Game - The best video clips are right here

Unforgettable Tourney Moments

Leading up to Selection Sunday, I'll be looking back on some of the most unforgettable moments during March Madness.

Chris Webber's Infamous Timeout

This is one of those moments where I'll never forget where I was and what I was doing. Being from Michigan, and having a parent who is a University of Michigan alum, I was obsessed with the Fab Five. I swore I was gonna marry Jalen Rose.

Scenario: April 5, 1993. It's the National Championship game between North Carolina and University of Michigan. NC was leading 73-71. Chris Webber rebounded Pat Sullivan's missed free throw with 19 seconds left.

Webber traveled, but the referee didn't call it. Given a second chance, he hurriedly dribbled across midcourt, stopping in front of Michigan's bench and signaled a timeout with 11 seconds left. The Wolverines were out of timeouts.

I know he wishes the ref would have made that traveling call. Just shameful.

Chris Webber TO - The top video clips of the week are here

I heart March Madness

It's that time again.  The most intense 3 weeks in sports is upon us.  My heart is palpitating just thinking about it.  There really is nothing better than March Madness.  It's basketball in it's purest form.  The best part about the tournament is that you don't have watch the entire NCAA regular season to appreciate it.  In fact, it's hard enough just keeping up with [your] team.  In honor of this momentous occasion, I've listed the top reasons I heart March Madness...

Selection Sunday

There's nothing better than seeing the 5 sec delay of the teams on the bubble find out their in.  

Office Brackets

The Monday following Selection Sunday you spend more time at work researching teams stats and filling in brackets than you do on actual work.  And, it gives you an excuse to talk trash to that co-worker who really pisses you off.

The Play-in Game

Good luck FAMU.

The first 48 hours

This has to be the greatest 48 hours in sports.  Luckily, I have a TV at my desk (perks to working in media) and can watch the upsets unfold.

Terminology

March Madness, Final Four, Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen, Teams on the Bubble, Bracket Busters, Cinderella...it really is music to my ears.

Heartbreaking Moments

Thanks Chris Webber. 

Dicky V

"It's awesome, baby."

Buzzer Beaters

Somewhere, Christian Laetner is reminiscing about the glory days.

Freshmen

Does Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony ring a bell? 

(Sometimes I fantasize about what March Madness would have been like if Lebron went to college *sigh*)

Final Four

When and if they're good.

NBA Playoffs aren't far behind

Let's get it D. Wade

What's your favorite part?