Why March is Madness

Inside Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, the seconds ticked off the clock. How could this possibly be happening? Middle Tennessee State, a 15 seed, was not just beating second-seeded Michigan State - they were controlling them. Upsets happen every year in the NCAA Tournament, but 15 seeds beating two seeds are about as rare as finding a Skip Bayless fan. There just aren't very many. But as the final seconds passed, the mighty Michigan State Spartans were defeated.

And millions of brackets were busted less than 36 hours into the tournament.

More than 13 million brackets were submitted on ESPN.com this year and roughly 40 million Americans filled out a bracket. Zero have a perfect one heading into the Final Four. Upsets like Middle Tennessee State, Arkansas Little Rock, Hawaii and Yale made sure of that, but what keeps people coming back? What makes March Madness so appealing?

There's something about the NCAA Tournament that brings people together. Head to the water cooler at work on the Friday morning of the first round games and the conversation will certainly revolve around the tournament. People who haven't watched a game all year will fill out a bracket and everyone from President Obama to Tim McGraw will weigh in on who they feel will cut down the nets. Every year there are pleas for the Thursday and Friday of the first round to be deemed national holidays, and 14 percent of fans in a Yahoo Sports poll said they take sick days to stay home and watch.

Picking a bracket is an impossible task. Busted brackets are the norm and every year people get frustrated when an upset hurts their chances of winning. Money is lost, pride is hurt and a chance at bragging rights is crushed. How is your friend's wife who knows nothing about hoops beating you in the pool? It's March.

But we keep coming back. Here's why: March Madness never fails to entertain us. You might have picked Texas, yet you can't help but go crazy when Paul Jesperson drains a half court shot to give Northern Iowa the win. Perhaps you have a buddy that goes to Purdue so you picked the Boilers, but when UALR's Josh Hagins cans a three to send the game to overtime you forget about the bracket. Your girlfriend's family is from Cincinnati so you went with Cincinnati and Xavier, but you still revel in the madness when St. Joseph's and Wisconsin win at the buzzer.

Syracuse? You had them losing in the first round, but there's something about a 10-seed in the Final Four that makes you not care so much. That's the beauty of March Madness. The matchups that it creates and the Cinderella stories that are written keep us coming back year after year. Who will etch their name into college basketball lore? The tournament has a way of creating legends and we can't help but watch it unfold. No one wants to miss the moment.

So, you might have ripped up your bracket by Friday afternoon of the first round. But next year when Selection Sunday passes, you and those other 40 million Americans will be coming right back to fill out a bracket and watch. 

Because March is madness and we can't get enough.

Wisconsin's Loss is a Loss for College Basketball

This wasn't how the season was supposed to end. Not in the mind of Wisconsin's fans and players. The confetti being shot out of the scoreboard in Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6th was supposed to be red and white and nothing else. Bo Ryan was supposed to be the coach standing on the platform with Jim Nantz and one of Wisconsin's veteran leaders was supposed to be named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

But you know the saying: All good things must come to an end.

The only problem was that this wasn't just a good thing. It was a great thing. It was great for the University of Wisconsin and it was great for the game of college basketball. This team was the perfect example of what college basketball should be, yet no longer is. They were human and they were real. They were here to play for each other and play for their school. It was never about paying their dues and bolting for the NBA Draft because this team took pride in their potential and knew they could have been something special. They SHOULD have been something special.

To anyone that pays attention to basketball, collegiate or professional, it is understood that the "one and done" mindset dominates the young talent around the nation and, in some cases, forms certain programs to be nothing but a minor league system for the NBA rather than a place to raise student-athletes. You've seen Kentucky turn out lottery draft pick after lottery draft pick and any highly-touted recruit with even a glimmer of hope of being drafted falls into the trap of leaving school early. That's why this Wisconsin team was special. They had players that were going to be drafted last year that came back because winning a National Championship in college was more important to them than chasing a seven-digit paycheck.

Kaminsky and Dekker led the Badgers to back-to-back Final Fours

Those specific players are Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky. Two players who went from good to great in this season and led the Badgers the entire way. They showed us that there are still players and teams that take college basketball to heart and are proud of who they play for. This is not to say that the Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parkers of the world didn't appreciate the schools they played for. But it's no secret that, before those two highly-touted recruits even stepped on campus, that they were one-and-dones. So why get attached? Why begin cheering for kids that aren't going to leave a college legacy? Why even trick yourself into thinking that the great recruits will hang around for even a second year of school?

That's why this Wisconsin team was impossible to root against. They showed us the human side of college basketball and proved that, despite the fact that college basketball is becoming more of a business, that they're still kids who are playing the game they love. They joked in interviews, they goofed around in the public eye, all while managing to put together one of the best seasons in their school's history. They epitomized what college basketball should be about: a team that was one of the best in the nation last year and wanted more. They didn't settle for a Final Four finish. They weren't okay with leaving Dallas with a loss. Kaminsky and Dekker could have left for the Draft and didn't. They came back with the goal of hoisting that trophy in mind and nothing less than that would suffice.

We need more teams and players like Wisconsin's. We need more Frank Kaminskys and Sam Dekkers because they give us hope that not all college basketball players only use college basketball as a stepping stone to the NBA. Sure, we've enjoyed watching teams like Arizona and even Kentucky, who shockingly brought back the core of their 2014 Final Four team. Those teams had veterans and they had experience. Kentucky even made a second consecutive Final Four run of their own. But the dynamic of those teams was not like Wisconsin's. Wisconsin didn't play any freshmen. Wisconsin was led by players that were there for Wisconsin, not their own draft stock. That's why last night's championship loss hurts a little more than normal.

Okafor and Jones have most likely played their final game for Duke

And while Wisconsin's freshmen were on the sidelines, Duke's freshmen were rising above the rest. Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow, Grayson Allen, and Jahlil Okafor scored 60 of their 68 points and showed just how talented and capable they are. It was fun to watch, right? I witnessed that game, and as I sat there in Lucas Oil Stadium and thought about how great Duke could be next year it occurred to me that the Blue Devils championship team is gone. Long gone. Jones, Winslow, and Okafor are likely to leave for the Draft while another wave of freshman talent comes in. Just like that, a championship team is torn apart as quickly as it came together. That's what's so frustrating.

I'm not a fan of Duke, never have been. But think of how much fun college basketball would be if those freshman stayed and tried to repeat? Look how anxious college basketball fans got whenever Kentucky took the floor. The Wildcats were already the villains of the college basketball world but what they did this year gave the game excitement and an edge that had been absent as of late. I dislike Kentucky as well, but watching those kids who came back evolve and lead was, and I'm ashamed to admit this, fun to experience. It goes to show how competitive the game COULD be if players would stay.

That's why Wisconsin was more than just a team trying to repeat. In a way that they may not have intended, they were a team that was trying to revive a lost concept in the world of college basketball. Had they won, they would have left a legacy that had not been achieved since the '06 and '07 Florida teams. The results are different, but the concept remains the same: both programs brought back players who wanted to get back to where they ended the previous season and, in Wisconsin's case, achieve more.

So while I watched Frank Kaminsky crouch on the sideline as the Duke players wrestled each other to the ground, I realized that Wisconsin's loss was a loss for college basketball fans. The story-book ending was there. They channeled their inner Benny Rodriguez and pickled the Beast in the semi-finals only to fall short to a team that will have an entirely new look next season. They came back to get to that moment, to seize that opportunity, and yet it wasn't meant to be. But even in the loss, Wisconsin should still be appreciated. Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker should be thanked for restoring a little faith and humanity to the college game. They gave us a glimpse of college basketball being treated the right way. Wisconsin won't be anywhere in the history books and soon they will be overlooked. But for now we need to recognize just how special this team was to a game we so deeply love.

5 Things to Watch Before March Madness

Cleanthony Early of Wichita State

It doesn't seem that long ago that we were full from the Thanksgiving feasts and settling in for a day of hoops on television during the Maui Invitational. Nor does it seem that long ago that a trio of freshmen introduced themselves to the nation at the United Center in front of a worldwide audience on ESPN. However, that was November and the Madness is quickly approaching.

Plenty has happened since the beginning of the season: Duke and Syracuse have treated us to a couple of thrillers, Jim Boeheim lost his mind and couldn't get his jacket off, Sean Miller has Arizona rolling out west and those Wichita State Shockers have a goose egg in the loss column. Still, there are still some things to keep an eye on before Selection Sunday. Here's a few storylines to watch before The Big Dance.

1. Can Wichita State enter the tournament undefeated?
The Shockers are a win against Missouri State away from finishing the regular season undefeated. No matter what conference a team is in, that is an unbelievable accomplishment. But can Wichita State enter the tournament undefeated? Thinking back to 2004, the St. Joseph's Hawks, led by Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, completed the regular season undefeated, only to lose in the Atlantic 10 tournament. The Shockers will have to win three games in the Missouri Valley tournament to enter the tourney with an unblemished record. Wichita State winning the conference tournament also has an effect on the NCAA Tournament because if they were to lose then that would mean another MVC team who wouldn't be getting in now would steal a bid from somebody.

2. How will Oklahoma State finish the season?
It's been a rollercoaster ride for Travis Ford and the Oklahoma State Cowboys this season. At the beginning of the season many people, including us at The World of Wadley, though the Pokes would unseat Kansas from the Big 12 throne, but they have been dreadful since late-January, going 2-7. OK State is currently 18-10 overall, but just 6-9 in the Big 12. Still, the conference is so balanced this year, the Cowboys will most likely make the tournament. There's no room for slip-ups though and that is a tall task. The remaining three games on the regular season schedule are Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State. Good luck with that.

3. Who will come out on top in the tough Big Ten?
The Big Ten has been a tough conference to figure out this season, but figures to get about six teams into the Dance. As of now, Michigan is atop the standings at 12-3, but Michigan State is one game back at 11-4 and Wisconsin is still in the hunt at 10-5. Michigan has a pretty favorable schedule with home games against Minnesota and Indiana and a road contest at Illinois. Wisconsin's is also favorable with games against Penn State, Purdue and Nebraska. Meanwhile, the Spartans must finish the year with Illinois, Iowa and Ohio State. It would appear that Michigan could and should win the Big Ten title.

4. Pay attention to the Mountain West Conference tournament final
This is assuming a lot of things, but if the top two teams in the conference square off for the conference tournament title then it will be a dandy between San Diego State and New Mexico. The Aztecs are 23-3 and have spent some time in the top 10 this year. New Mexico, under first year coach Craig Neal, are 23-5 and defeated SDSU back on February 22. That game was in Albuquerque and got a little chippy after the final horn. It's worth noting that these two teams finish the regular season with a game in San Diego on March 8. Potentially two more games between these two is a real treat for college basketball fans.

5. Watch the Missouri-Tennessee game on March 8
Both the Tigers and Volunteers are bubble teams and finish the regular season with a head-to-head matchup in Knoxville. In Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology he has Tennessee as one of the last four in and Mizzou as one of the first four out. Obviously, both teams need to take care of business before this game and, if they do, their matchup will have a big effect on the NCAA Tournament. Both teams are more than capable of winning a game in the Dance.

College Basketball 2013-14 Top 25

Kentucky's six McDonald's All-Americans

How to define college basketball? Is it a guard's game or a big man's game? Is it a freshman's game or an upperclassman's game? Is the focus on who left or who stayed? Here's the answer to all three questions: both. In the ever-changing landscape of basketball at the collegiate level there will not a year more undefinable than this one. Some teams (Kentucky) will rely heavily on freshmen, but others (Michigan State) will call on their veterans to take them to Dallas. Guard play is the backbone for some schools while others will score through the post.

With the season just around the corner, here is the World of Wadley Top 25. Apologies for the incredibly long post, but that's what happens when you have to rundown 25 teams. Enjoy...

1. Kentucky Wildcats -- SEC
Can you have too much of a good thing? We're about to find out. John Calipari has six McDonald's All-Americans in the freshmen class and those have fans thinking national title in Lexington. Combine the six freshmen with two key returners in Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein and the 'Cats have a title team.

2. Michigan State Spartans -- Big Ten
Talent, depth and experience. This is how Michigan State usually gets the job done and this year is no different. Gary Harris decided to stay in East Lansing for another year and that means Tom Izzo and MSU should be in the Final Four. Adreian Payne anchors the inside and Branden Dawson is now fully recovered and confident after his ACL injury. If these Spartans stay healthy they could make the school's seventh Final Four trip during Izzo's tenure.

3. Duke Blue Devils -- ACC
There is not a team in the nation with a more lethal lineup at the wing position than Duke does. Rasheed Sulaimon averaged 11.6 points during a solid freshman campaign and he is joined by a transfer, Rodney Hood, who has the potential to be great. Hood comes from Mississippi State where he averaged 10.3 points two years ago. Add in one of the most talented freshman in the nation in Jabari Parker and this is a team with some serious talent.

4. Louisville Cardinals -- AAC
When Russ Smith decided to stay in Louisville for another season it immediately put the Cards in the title talk. Winning back-to-back titles is no easy task, but with their leading scorer, Smith, back and the return of last year's Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Luke Hancock, maybe Louisville has a chance. Several other returners will help carry the Cards to an AAC title and the Final Four.

Marcus Smart

5. Kansas Jayhawks -- Big 12
KU has had the Big 12 in a choke hold for about a decade now and the hype surrounding their star freshman Andrew Wiggins is immense. Wiggins is hailed the best player since LeBron James, but how far can he take the Jayhawks? Perry Ellis must make big strides inside this season. The other addition to the program that many have overlooked is the transfer of Tarik Black. A 6'9" beast in the paint, Black's addition is huge for Bill Self.

6. Arizona Wildcats -- Pac-12
Sean Miller has landed several McDonald's All-Americans at Zona, but none bigger than star freshman Aaron Gordon. Gordon is tabbed an All-American by several different media outlets and will be added to a frontcourt that was already solid. Sophomores Brandon Ashley and Kaleb Tarczewski both had solid freshmen campaigns. Nick Johnson will anchor the backcourt.

7. Michigan Wolverines -- Big Ten
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. both went to the NBA, but there is plenty left in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines to have another great season. Start with Mitch McGary, who came on strong at the end of last season and, if he can stay on the floor for extended minutes, is going to be an All-American. Glenn Robinson III is also back and so is sharpshooter Nik Stauskas. Expect the winner of the Big Ten to come from the state of Michigan.

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys -- Big 12
It's a rare day when a lottery pick decides to stay in school for another year, but Marcus Smart did just that. Because of his decision, OK State is a real threat to dethrone Kansas in the Big 12. Also returning is Le'Bryan Nash and Markel Brown, meaning that the Cowboys have the top three scorers from the conference back on their roster. Depth may be an issue, but there's no denying the talented trio in Stillwater.

9. North Carolina Tar Heels -- ACC
Here is the biggest question mark in the nation. P.J. Hairston was surrounded by controversy all offseason, but somehow will get to play basketball this season. That's good news for the Heels because they need his shooting. They also need James Michael McAdoo to continue making strides. Add in some development from Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson and UNC could have a very good team.

C.J. Fair

10. Syracuse Orange -- ACC
It's all about C.J. Fair for the Orange. He is the returning leader in points, rebounds and assists and is one of the few proven players on the roster. Rakeem Christmas and DaJuan Coleman are the others, but Syracuse needs Christmas to be more of a presence of this season. The Orange will hand the reins to Tyler Ennis at point guard. Ennis is a true freshman.

11. Florida Gators -- SEC
Billy Donovan has already suspended three of his players for multiple games to start the season, but no need to worry. The Gators are almost always a lock to make a deep run in March and this year will be no different. Contrary to their conference-rival Kentucky, Florida has a veteran-loaded roster headlined by Patric Young. Yet Donovan expects big contributions from freshman Kasey Hill, a McDonald's All-American.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes -- Big Ten
Don't consider us big Buckeye believers, but they do have the talent to be great. However, they have question marks. Aaron Craft is a heady point guard, but needs to be more of an option when it comes to scoring. LaQuinton Ross and Lenzelle Smith Jr. will shoulder the scoring load while Sam Thompson and Amir Williams will be nice complementary pieces.

13. Wisconsin Badgers -- Big Ten
Every year Bo Ryan has been at Wisconsin they have finished in the top four in the Big Ten. It's going to happen again. Book it. The only area to be skeptical of is the post. Frank Kaminsky will be counted on heavily inside. Ben Brust and Traevon Jackson will handle the backcourt duties. Keep an eye on Sam Dekker. The sophomore could be something special.

14. Memphis Tigers -- AAC
There is plenty of experience for the Memphis Tigers this season. Joe Jackson led the team in points and assists last season and he will run the point again. Chris Crawford and Geron Johnson also scored in double figures last season. The wild card of the roster is Michael Dixon Jr. Dixon is a Missouri transfer who played a significant role on Mizzou's 2012 team. One thing to watch: Memphis is no longer in the weak C-USA. The AAC schedule will be more difficult.

15. Gonzaga Bulldogs -- WCC
The Zags had a terrific season in 2012-13, but will have to move on without Kelly Olynyk and Elias Harris. The cupboard is not completely bare though as a trio of backcourt members return. Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. will be starters and Pangos averaged 11.6 points last year. Bell put up 9.0 and that will most likely go up. David Stockton will come off the bench and and he is an assist machine (3.4 last season in 18.7 mpg)

16. Virginia Commonwealth -- Atlantic-10
VCU returns four starters from last year's team that made a Sweet 16 run. Shaka Smart always has the Rams playing high-tempo, pressure defense, but they still lack the size and strength to play with the big boys. However, the Rams will be great in transition if the risks they take on defense pay off. Juvonte Reddic, Treveon Graham and Briante Weber are the top returners.

17. Oregon Ducks -- Pac-12
The Ducks made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 last season, but there are some expectations this season. Oregon welcomes the addition of Mike Moser to the roster, a UNLV transfer. Moser is an athletic forward who can either play power forward or small forward. Dominic Artis, Johnathan Loyd and Damyean Dotson are a solid trio in the backcourt.

18. Marquette Golden Eagles -- Big East
Marquette is one of the teams that will rely heavily on their post presence. Davante Gardner is a large fellow, but is surprisingly nimble. He put up 11.6 points last season and was named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year. Chris Otule is back at center while Jamil Wilson is expected to be more of a factor this season. The backcourt is a bit of a mystery as of now.

Cleanthony Early

19. Wichita State Shockers -- MVC
The Shockers shocked the nation last year with a Final Four run and nearly upset eventual national champion Louisville in the semifinals. Cleanthony Early is the top returner after averaging 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds last season. He should be a first round pick in June. Fred VanVleet is a year wiser and he will run the point again after averaging 2.3 assists last season.

20. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- ACC
Notre Dame is new to the ACC, but the same consistency that Mike Brey had in the Big East should carry over. The guard tandem of Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant is potent as the two combined for 25.5 points and nearly 400 assists. Add sharpshooting Pat Connaughton and freshman Demetrius Jackson to the mix and Brey's Irish should be solid in their ACC debut.

21. Indiana Hoosiers -- Big Ten
Putting Indiana in here is a bit of a gamble, but if Tom Crean is as good of a coach as we think he is and Yogi Ferrell and Will Sheehey made the strides that have been reported then the Hoosiers should be fine. IU lost four 1,000 point scorers, but highly-touted freshman Noah Vonleh can fill a void at the forward position. Transfer Evan Gordon scored 10.0 ppg at Arizona State and he can also provide some help.

22. UCLA Bruins -- Pac-12
Steve Alford enters his first year in Westwood with a roster of quality players, but last year was a tumultuous one in LA. Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson were better than the over-hyped Shabazz Muhammad last season. Adams is the top returning scorer while Anderson is the top returner in the rebounds and assists department. The Wear twins, David and Travis, will handle the inside duties.

23. UConn Huskies -- AAC
Having a good backcourt is essential to success, or at least that is one way of thinking. UConn has arguably one of the best backcourts in the nation with Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright. The pair combined for nearly 50 percent of the team's points and over 60 percent of the team's assists. The Huskies' leading rebounder DeAndre Daniels (5.5) is back as well.

24. New Mexico Lobos -- MWC
Steve Alford is no longer in Albuquerque, but the Lobos should still win the Mountain West Conference under new head coach, and one of Alford's former assistants, Craig Neal. Last year's MWC Player of the Year, Kendall Williams, returns after averaging 13.3 points and 4.9 assists last year. The conference's leading rebounder, Alex Kirk, is also back.

25. Baylor Bears -- Big 12
The Bears would not even sniff this list is it wasn't for the return of Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson. Jefferson led the team in points at 13.3 and Austin was close behind at 13.0 ppg. Austin also led the team in rebounding at 8.3 per game. Baylor needs Austin to be a bit more assertive if they are to compete with Kansas and Oklahoma State.

Reaction to March Madness: Day 2

FGCU took G'Town completely out of their game and moved on

Day two of March Madness provided plenty of down-to-the-wire finishes, but with those finishes came poor decision making and even worse free throw shooting. Cincinnati and Kansas State are going home early and it's because they didn't execute. Georgetown is heading home because they ran into an ultra-athletic Florida Gulf Coast team that took it to them from the start. Iowa State was very impressive and the Bill Self-Roy Williams match up is on. Here are six observations from Day 2.

1. Free throw shooting is arguably the most important team skill
Cincinnati and Creighton was a close game throughout and that could only mean one thing: free throw shooting would be key. The Bearcats found themselves behind late in the game and had multiple chances at the line to bring the game closer and they failed to do so. With 53 seconds remaining a flagrant one foul was called on Doug McDermott, but Shaquille Thomas missed two crucial free throws that proved costly down the stretch. If you need one stat to see why Creighton won the game then look at free throw shooting. The Blue Jays were 22-25 and Cincinnati was just 4-9.

2. The rules about throwing elbows have to change
Staying in the same game, the play that McDermott received the flagrant one foul for was terrible. I completely understand the NCAA doesn't want players throwing elbows, but it's getting ridiculous. Cincinnati was pressing and they brought an excellent trap at McDermott with 53 seconds left. McDermott didn't really throw an elbow, but he attempted to clear space so that he could advance the ball either by a pass or dribble. However, the referees got him for an elbow and it nearly changed the course of the game. This is a rule that the NCAA will have to look at because I understand it's about player safety, but the rule is far too strict. The ball handler must be able to clear space and that requires him to be strong with the ball and natural strong elbow swings.

3. Wisconsin puts on a clinic for bad offense
Bo Ryan and the Badgers win and no one can dispute the fact that he has built a great program. However, Wisconsin is not built for March because of their inability to score the ball. The suffocating defense is great, but it only goes so far when the team fails to score the ball. Watching Wisconsin try and come back in that game hurt. Like it was mind-numbingly bad how poor they played at the offensive end. They shot 15-59 from the field, 7-30 from three and only Sam Dekker scored in double figures. Wisconsin deserves respect for sticking to their system, but they must find some players who can score the ball or they will continue to exit the tournament earlier than they want.

4. Illinois vs. Colorado was about who wanted to lose more
Have you ever seen so many droughts in one game? It was unbelievable to watch both teams struggle to score a basket. Illinois won the game even though they played bad. It just so happened that Colorado played even worse. Illinois lived by the three, died by the three and then was resurrected by the three late in the game. That's not exactly the recipe for success, but in the tournament it doesn't matter how you win as long as you get the win. Neither team deserved to win the game and the Illini have their work cut out for them against Miami. Another shooting performance like this one will send them home to Champaign.

Howland's days in LA may be over

5. Georgetown is not a safe bet when playing a double digit seed
The Hoyas lost to Florida Gulf Coast who, just three years ago, couldn't even qualify for the tournament. The Eagles didn't just beat Georgetown -- they completely dominated them for much of the game. In the second half the lead was double digits and the Hoyas were never able to make a comeback until the end. It's the fifth year in a row that Georgetown has lost to a double digit seed and it's a disturbing trend for John Thompson III. Florida Gulf Coast was unbelievably athletic and didn't back down from the spotlight. Instead, they took right to G'Town and the Hoyas were the ones who seemed like they weren't ready.

6. It may be time for Ben Howland and UCLA to part ways
Ben Howland had a magnificent run at UCLA for awhile, but times have changed drastically. After two poor seasons the Bruins had something of a revival, but they still underachieved. Howland brought in a dynamite recruiting class and the freshmen did live up to the hype but UCLA was bounced in the second round and ultimately it's a disappointing end to the season. It may be time for Howland to go in a different direction and UCLA may want to start fresh. It seems the success is in the rear view mirror and all is not well in Westwood.

The second round is in the books and it did not disappoint. Harvard and Florida Gulf Coast are the tournament darlings and the West Region is all sorts of messed up. The one seeds are alive, but they all face tough challenges in the third round. Also don't bank on the two seeds all advancing. Duke and Ohio State have very difficult games and the unpredictability is the beauty of this tournament. Also, get yourself prepared for the VCU-Michigan showdown in the morning as it should be something special.

Big Ten Hopes to See Championship Drought End

Payne and Thomas will be key to their teams' success in March

There's hardly a question that the Big Ten has been the most dominant conference from top-to-bottom this season and the Selection Committee agreed, giving the conference seven teams in the tournament. The conference has four teams that pose as serious title threats in Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State while Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota have the potential to win a game or two. However, for a conference that is so highly regarded this season, anything less than a championship could be viewed as a failure. The Big Ten hasn't experienced the crystal ball, confetti and championship podium since Michigan State's title in 2000 behind Mateen Cleaves and the Flintstones. That's a drought that isn't something to brag about.

Since 2001 the ACC has won five championships while the Big East and SEC have each won three. The Big 12 has one title courtesy of Kansas in 2008, but the Big Ten is empty handed. Four times the conference has had the runner-up and they have sent eight teams to the Final Four since 2001, so it's not as though the conference has been unsuccessful. Still, championships are the ultimate barometer and the Big Ten is looking up at everyone else. The conference hasn't been this good in a long time, but, then again, neither has the tournament as a whole. There is no clear favorite and that may work in the Big Ten's favor. If they are going to get back on top then this is the year to do it. Here's a team-by-team look at the seven Big Ten tourney participants.

Indiana Hoosiers (27-6, 14-4 Big Ten)
Indiana can be the best team in the nation on any given night, but they have looked suspect of late. They lost at home to Ohio State and have been defeated by Wisconsin twice this season. However, the Hoosiers are 7-2 against ranked opponents and defeated every Big Ten team except the Badgers. IU scores the ball at ease and they shoot nearly 50 percent from the field. They have two of the best players in the nation in Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo and, barring some major upset, should be in Atlanta. Prediction: National Runner-Up

Ohio State Buckeyes (26-7, 13-5 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes are interesting. It seems as if DeShaun Thomas (19.6 points per game) is their only weapon, but somehow they keep winning ball games. Thomas is the only player who averages double figures and as a team Ohio State doesn't do anything particularly well. However, they guard hard and have arguably the best perimeter defender in the country in Aaron Craft. The other thing to look for in March is who's hot and the Buckeyes have won eight in a row to finish the season. OSU is 5-7 versus ranked opponents. Prediction: Sweet 16

Michigan State Spartans (25-8, 13-5 Big Ten)
Tom Izzo knows a thing or six about the final Four and his Spartan squad may be there again. Michigan State has a nice mix of outside shooting and inside force and that makes them a hard team to guard. MSU scores just 68 points per game, but they hold their opponents to a mere 59 per game. Keith Appling is reliable point guard and a tandem of freshmen, Gary Harris and Denzel Valentine, have contributed valuable minutes. Adrien Payne and Derrick Nix rebound the ball well and complement each other in the post. Prediction: Elite 8

Hardaway and Watford were part of two thrillers between IU and UM

Michigan Wolverines (26-7, 12-6 Big Ten)
Since the calendar flipped to Febrary, Michigan is just 6-6 and finished the season losing two of their last three. Behind Big Ten Player of the year Trey Burke and athletic wing Tim Hardaway, the Wolverines have a dynamic duo that could carry them to Atlanta. Also, look for Mitch McGary to be a key part to Michigan's tournament run. What could hold them back though is rebounding (156th in the nation) and decision making. Burke, for as good as he is, is prone to lapses in judgment and poor shot selection at times. Prediction: Elite 8

Wisconsin Badgers (23-11, 12-6 Big Ten)
Bo Ryan and the Badgers get the job done and it's usually not in pretty fashion. Wisconsin finished second in the Big Ten tournament and they have compiled a 23-11 record on the same principles that we have become accustomed to seeing from Wisconsin: defense, rebounding and toughness. Count on the Badgers to slow down the pace and make it difficult for opponents to score, but don't count on them to go too far because of their inability to score. Ohio State held them scoreless for the last seven minutes in the Big Ten title game and Wisconsin doesn't really have someone to take over a game. Prediction: Two and Out

Illinois Fighting Illini (22-12, 8-10 Big Ten)
Which Illinois team will show up in the tournament? The Illini have been up-and-down this season and that's the reality for a team that relies on jump shooting. Some nights the Illini can shoot a team out of the gym, but other nights they struggle to throw the ball in the ocean. The other dowside to Illinois is the fact that they have a nonexistent interior game. They rely solely on the perimeter players and that doesn't always work. That said, if Illinois catches fire then watch out because who knows how far they can go. Prediction: Two and Out

Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-12, 8-10 Big Ten)
Tubby Smith's Gophers are similar to several other Big Ten teams. They can beat anybody, but they win ugly and they lose ugly. Minnesota sometimes struggles to score the ball, but they can guard the ball well and they rebound. Like other big Ten teams, Minnesota can win if they make teams play to their pace and they find consistent offense from someone like Andre Hollins. However, they won't go very far if Trevor Mbakwe disappears and the offense sputters for long stretches. Prediction: Two and Out

This could be the Big Ten's year, but it's all about consistent play. They have beaten up on each other all year long and that has earned the conference a reputation. Now it's time to finish it off with a title. Michigan State and Michigan will play on Thursday. Indiana, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota will all play on Friday.

Bracket Breakdown: West

Steve Alford and Tony Snell of New Mexico

Of the four brackets the West is the probably the weakest, but that can also mean it is the most wide open. Gonzaga is the number one seed and deservedly so. They didn't play a real tough schedule, but anybody who wins like they did deserves the top spot. Ohio State played their way into a two seed after winning the Big Ten tournament and fellow Big Ten member Wisconsin sits at the five seed. New Mexico has played good ball and looks like they could make a run and Belmont and Wichita State appear to be upset picks. Also don't forget about Bruce Weber's K-State Wildcats. Here's a more in-depth look...

West Region winner: New Mexico Lobos
In a bracket that seems to have no favorite, take a good look at Steve Alford's New Mexico squad. The Lobos are 29-5 and went undefeated against ranked opponents. If you think for a second that the Mountain West was a walk in the park then hold on just a second. The MWC was arguably one of the top three toughest conferences and five teams made the tournament. New Mexico won the regular season and the conference tournament and they will now have a chance to make another tourney run -- this one of bigger proportion. It's not going to be easy as they will probably meet Ohio State in the Sweet 16. The Buckeyes have won 10 in a row and are playing very well right now. In the Elite 8 the Lobos will have to take down either Gonzaga, Kansas State or Wisconsin and that will be another tall task. However, Alford has played with the big boys before and has put together a tremendous season. Now it's time to do it on the national stage.

Lamont Jones of Iona

Upset Pick: Belmont over Arizona
The Bruins should come away the victor in this one. Belmont is 26-6 and won the Ohio Valley Conference behind a high-powered offense. They average 77.2 points per game which is the 15th in the nation and their 49 percent field goal percentage is fourth in the nation. Arizona has looked shaky of late, losing three of their last five. Although the 'Cats are talented, don't count on them making a run in this tournament.

Potentially Intriguing Matchup: Gonzaga vs. New Mexico (Elite 8)
Two mid-majors going head-to-head for the right to advance to the Final Four would be intriguing to watch. The Lobos and Zags have been in the tournament before and they both have seasoned veterans on the sidelines. However, neither team has made it the Final Four. It seems likely that this matchup could happen and if it does, the fans will finally get to see what all the hype is about these two squads.

Player to Watch: Lamont Jones, guard, Iona
Lamont Jones knows about big time competition. He transferred to Iona after two seasons at Arizona and he has torn it up for the Gaels. Jones averages 23.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and his Gaels will have the tough job of beating Ohio State in the first round. Last season there were two 15 seeds that won a second round game and they both did so behind Superman-type efforts from their star players. Iona needs Jones to bring his A game if they are to upset one of the Big Ten titans.

Bottom Line: There is no clear favorite in this league, but New Mexico, Ohio State and Gonzaga are all playing good basketball. One of those three will emerge.

Big Ten is College Basketball's Elite

If anybody watched college football this year, it wasn't hard at all to pick up on the fact that the Big Ten was less than impressive. It was a rough year for every fan of a Big Ten team, even if you were an Ohio State fan you had to sit back and realize their undefeated season meant nothing due to bowl ineligibility (Shout out to Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel). All in all, life as a Big Ten fan was pretty rough in the fall.

But the fall is over and winter is in full swing which means one of the worst conferences is now the best. The Big Ten has taken the world of college basketball by storm and it looks like it's here to stay. With six teams in the top 25 (no team being ranked lower than 18), it's plain to see that the Big Ten has talent that other conferences can only dream of. Take the Naismith Player of the Year award for instance, four players from the Big Ten have been mentioned in the discussion. DeShaun Thomas of Ohio State, Brandon Paul of Illinois, Cody Zeller of Indiana, and Trey Burke of Michigan have all been named possible winners or contenders. These players also come from teams that, right now, look as if they could contend for a trip to the Final Four.

Yet it's easy to base a conference off of the elite teams, but here's a look at the teams people may be overlooking in the midst of the talk about the six ranked teams:

Wisconsin: The Badgers are off to an 11-4 start with very few eye-opening wins. They lost by double-digits to Florida, Creighton, and Marquette. Yet they started the conference season with two wins. Granted, those wins came against Nebraska and Penn State, but if you think the Badgers won't give teams trouble, then you don't know Bo...Ryan that is. In my mind, Bo Ryan is a very underrated coach. He's not on the level of Tom Izzo but he does have five Big Ten titles and a record of 268-101 in his eleven years at Wisconsin. Not to mention that the Badgers are one of the toughest teams to beat at home, boasting an astounding 116-15 record at home under Ryan. They may not be ranked, but you'd be stupid to overlook the Badgers.

Purdue: A team with six freshman and only two seniors? What's to fear about a team so inexperienced? Well, if you were able to catch the Purdue/Illinois game, there's alot to fear. This squad of Matt Painter's is going to be an impressive one. They won't contend this year or maybe next year, but freshmen Ronnie Johnson and A.J. Hammons are showing great promise. Johnson is a quick guard who's averaging almost nine points, four rebounds, and three assists. Not bad for a freshman guard. As for Hammons, the kid looks like the second coming of JaJuan Johnson; very long and raw at a young age. Yet he presents a presence in the paint that will even make All-Americans change their shot. That's exactly what Hammons needs to understand. He doesn't necessarily need to be a shot-blocker. He can work wonders just by putting his hands up and standing there. Throw that in with the fact he's grabbing almost seven boards a game and you've got a player with some real potential. The Boilermakers already upset Illinois and gave Ohio State a great game. The old saying goes "Age is but a number", and this Purdue team is out to prove that no matter how young they are they're here to compete.

Iowa: The Hawkeyes currently have an 11-4 record and, if you look closely, they have only beaten cupcake teams. They don't have any impressive wins thus far and are 0-2 in conference play. With that being said, Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White can still lead the Hawkeyes to a handful of conference wins. Marble averages just over fifteen points a game and White averages thirteen. Together, they led the Hawkeyes in a four-point loss to the nationally-respected Indiana Hoosiers. The final score was 69-65 and there were numerous times that Iowa had Tom Crean's squad on the ropes. Iowa is presented with another test tonight as they try to topple Michigan State at home. Again, the Hawkeyes are not likely to contend for the Big Ten crown, but there's no doubt they will be the spoilers when it comes down to the end.

I've heard plenty of people try to say that the Big Ten is not the best conference. I can respect opinions, but I can't see how someone could go against the talent, coaching, and flat out domination the Big Ten is showing this year. The ACC is Duke's for the taking. The Big East will, most likely, be Syracuse's once again, the SEC will come down to either Florida or Missouri, the Big 12 will no doubt be won by Kansas, and the Pac 12 will come down to UCLA and Arizona. Of the Power Six conferences, only the Big Ten has more than two teams that can contend for the title. Between Michigan, Indiana, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan State there is no clear-cut winner, not to mention the depth this conference has. Don't be surprised if the Sweet Sixteen has five or six Big Ten teams in it.

Top 5 Toughest College Basketball Venues to Play In

If I were to take a poll of all the athletes in high school or older, and ask them if they’d rather play a home game or away game, almost 100% would say that they would rather play in their own house. It’s a no-brainer; you know the playing surface better, and you don’t have to deal with any traveling. Yet, for me, and the conference I play in, possibly the most intimidating factor of an away game is the student section that shows up. I’ve played in gyms where there were 600 students yelling right in my ear and riding me the whole game. Say what you want about “blocking out the crowd”, but after awhile you can’t help but hear them try to get under your skin.

You see it all the time in college sports as well. The Cameron Crazies, the Izzone, and many other student sections around the nation instill fear in every team that comes into their gym or arena. Chants, trash talk, and just general hysteria can affect a player. Here’s a look at the top five venues that I believe are the toughest to play in if you’re an NCAA college basketball player.

1. Cameron Indoor – 737-150. That’s the record the Duke Blue Devils have accumulated since Cameron Indoor opened in 1935. One of the most storied programs plays in one of the smallest gyms. It also is home to the Cameron Crazies who don’t hesitate make sure their presence is felt the minute warm-ups start. Everyone’s decked out in Duke gear and even some of the alumni come back and fill the seats behind the hoops. The hardest part of playing their might have to be taking the ball out of bounds on the sideline where the Crazies are standing. The minute you cross that sideline, hundreds of hands are pointed right at your face, as close as mere inches behind your head while their voices are ringing in your ears. The Crazies give their players that much more confidence and clearly cement their spot as being part of the number one venue that’s toughest to play in.

2. Allen Field House (The “Phog”) – The Big 12 as I knew it doesn’t really exist anymore, but back when it did, Kansas was nearly unbeatable at the Phog. Losing only twice in 45 games hosted by the Jayhawks, the Phog has become a place few athletes on visiting teams enjoy playing in. Banners from recent years fill the rafters and the students all around the arena are screaming out the “Rock, Chalk” chant. It’s one of the most original and impressive chants college basketball has to offer and it’s tough to top the tradition that the Jayhawks have created in the Phog.

3. Rupp Arena – I’ll be the first to say that I’m not a fan of Kentucky at all. They’re stubborn and make excuses for everything that doesn’t go their way (stereotypically speaking). But those darn Wildcat fans know how to get the job done. Rupp Arena’s been open for 35 years now and the Wildcats have lost 65 games while winning 465 and John Calipari has yet to lose a game in the storied arena. Blue banners line the rafters of the arena and a sea of blue circles the hardwood. Loud from start to finish, UK fans arrive early and stay late. They’ll bash anybody they can whether it’s opposing players, opposing coaches, or the refs. They’ll chant what they want, when they want, and don’t care about anything but the Wildcats coming out on top. Combine that with the swag that Kentucky’s young team plays with and you’ve got an arena that’s not easy to play in.

4. The Kohl Center – Surprised? Wisconsin’s not a perennial top 10 team, they haven’t been to a Final Four in 11 years, and they won’t lead the nation in scoring, rebounds, or assists. So what makes Wisconsin so tough to play against at home? Try the record of 155-12 that Bo Ryan has racked up since taking over the Badgers. At one point, back in 2008, the Badgers had a home win streak of 38 games. The Badgers simply don’t lose at home. They’re fans are there and support the team, but they aren’t necessarily anything special, not when compared to the Cameron Crazies or the students of KU. However, Wisconsin is guaranteed to put on a show for their hometown fans which means the visiting team better be ready for a fight.

5. Carrier Dome -- Doubling as a football and basketball facility, the Carrier Dome on the campus of Syracuse University is one of the largest college basketball venues. The Dome holds the college basketball attendance record of 34,616 back in 2010 when Syracuse defeated Villanova. With orange everywhere and so many people, 'Cuse is hard to bring down on it's home court. Although much of the space in the Dome goes unused during basketball contests the place can still be deafening and the sheer size of the building is intimidating. There are plenty of tough places to play in the Big East but the Carrier Dome is at the top.

There are many more arenas that are difficult to play in, but these five are the toughest and the teams have demonstrated it with their records. The unique thing about college basketball is that the arenas are indoors and the seating is close to the floor. Unlike football, the student sections are right on top of the players, and because it's indoors, the noise is contained inside. This is a topic that could be debated hard so if you have a different take feel free to comment with your thoughts.

Experience from the Inaugural Big Ten Football Championship

View from the Lucas Oil pressbox for the opening kickoff of the Big Ten title

It was a historic night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana Saturday night. The Michigan State Spartans, champions of the Legends Division, battled the Wisconsin Badgers, champions of the Leaders Division, for the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship. It was the first championship game played in the 106-year-old football conference and featured two teams that had already played an instant classic earlier in the year. The event didn't fail on any level, unless you count the ending of the game as a failure. Indianapolis was a superb host, as they always are for big sporting events, and the game itself was incredible from the opening kickoff.

I've been to four Final Fours in Indy and a couple of Big Ten basketball tournaments. The city has perfected those two events but taking on the football championship was a completely new task to everyone involved. I had the opportunity to volunteer in the media department and there were a few minor things that could have gone smoother but overall I thought the Big Ten was very well prepared in all facets. Lucas Oil was the ideal venue for the game because of the closed roof and it's proximity to other attractions in Indianapolis that fans would want to visit. 64,000+ people showed up to see the game and the stadium looked full, which is always a good sight to see. Think about it: 64,000 people attended a game between Michigan State and Wisconsin down in Indianapolis. How many will there be if it's Michigan and Ohio State? Or what about the first time Indiana or Purdue qualifies? Not that I see that second scenario happening anytime soon, but the point is that this was highly successful and the two schools in the game weren't close to Indy at all.

I can't see the game being anywhere but Lucas Oil. It was a one-year contract but the game will most likely stay in Indianapolis. The only other venues that have a closed roof are the Metrodome in Minneapolis, which has no chance, and Ford Field in Detroit. Don't be surprised if the game is played in Detroit sometime in the near future but I wouldn't bank on the Big Ten officials voting to play the game in an outdoor stadium such as Soldier Field.

If you watched the game then you know it was a great game from the start. The first five drives resulted in touchdowns and for awhile it seemed that the punters wouldn't be needed. Wisconsin running back, Montee Ball, scored four touchdown with three coming on the ground. He is now within two rushing touchdowns of tying Barry Sanders' single-season mark of 39. Russell Wilson, quarterback of Wisconsin, also wrote his name into the record books by throwing for three touchdowns. It was his 37th game in a row with a TD pass which broke Graham Harrell's mark from 06-09 with Texas Tech.

With the score 42-39 Wisconsin, it apeared that Michigan State would have a chance to at least tie the game with a field goal but twice they couldn't get the job done, the second because of a running into the punter penalty. It may not have ended the way fans wanted but overall the game and the atmosphere were exactly what I expected from the first Big Ten Championship. Fans from all teams in the conference showed up to witness the historic game and it did not disappoint. Indianapolis was a great host and we couldn't ask for a better game. It's hard to argue against the Big Ten being the best conference in America today.