So here we go.
The bracket sheets have been distributed, viewed and submitted. The NCAA tournament is the ultimate sports fan participation event. There is nothing like it in sports on the planet where everyone pays attention, makes a wager and yes, creates a work slow down if not shut down on the first two days of the event.
While there is no real scientific method of being an ultimate winner, everyone starts off with hope and prayer. From alma maters, to the color of the uniforms to names of mascots is how some bracket sheets are filled. Throw in the fact that some teams actually are good enough and you have as what the late Al McGuire affectionately called “The Big Dance.” In many cases, after the first weekend of play when our hopefuls find their run has come to an abrupt halt, it would have just been some sum of money lost forever but the fun leading up to it was worth it, at least until next year.
Local Hopefuls
Yes, despite their road woes this season, Missouri is in and they could be a dangerous team. While it may not be a home game, playing at a neutral site early may be what the doctor ordered for the Tigers. This team is tournament fit. They have size, toughness, depth and skill to score and guard. I know they have been perplexing but I would be shocked if they are a one and done team, Then again who though they would be the best 39 minute team in the country when they went on the road?
Saint Louis University is the most dangerous team in the country. They have everything to win. While this is certainly new territory for the Billikens (being ranked nationally as high as they are and winning the conference regular season and post season tournament) someone has not made their coach or players aware of this feat.
If you have read this column this year, you know where I stand on Jim Crews. He has been the perfect guy for a challenging situation. Crews has been there as a player, assistant coach and head coach with good teams. There is nothing he has not seen and he will get his bunch ready. The Billiken story has been the best one in St. Louis this year, if not the country in any sport. They could have a big run in the tournament. For those of you who are concerned about who they could play down the road just remember in order to go deep in the tournament they are going to have to beat a really good team or two. It’s time to buy into what the Bills have been all about all year. They are no fluke and they have beaten some good teams this season and they should beat a few more before this is over.
Adios SJ 39
So Steven Jackson has moved on to what he hopes are greener pastures in signing with Atlanta. I do not blame him for leaving nor do I blame the Rams for being ready to move on without him. Both have lived out their usefulness to each other and the only regret should be that the team did not win more. Jackson gave what he had every time he stepped on the field. The only problem was there were not enough good players to play with him in the later stages of his time here. More important, Jackson should be remembered for how he carried himself as a pro athlete. He was big on charity, he was visible in the community and he stayed out of trouble. No front page shenanigans, nor whispers, just a top shelf guy who did things the right way. A class guy who we should wish the best to in his future endeavors.
Radio Waves
Word travels fast in the radio business and there are some changes that are taking place throughout the market. On the sports front, my former home is making some changes with respect to the format. I normally wish to best to all in my business as I like to see everyone working. Programming decisions are normally for someone other than me but when you have 32 years of experience, a qualified observation and suggestion can be useful. While it is yet to be seen if this is a good idea, it was obvious that a change was needed. With change some things remain the same. One of which is my hope that my good friend Charlie “Tuna” Edwards will be part of the new regime in a meaningful role. Tuna has been at this a long time. He is respected by his peers and needs to have a voice and certainly a seat at the new table. Hopefully those who he has helped into the business will step up and make sure Tuna has more than a dead end time slot.
Incarnate Perfection
It’s too bad that that Incarnate Word Academy is based in North County. I often wonder if they were in West County that they would not receive more media attention. It has become embarrassing to see how slanted the coverage is when it comes to covering the best high school basketball team in the state of Missouri. I have come to respect St. Joseph’s Academy. They play hard, they have a good schedule and they are well coached. How is it that when the subject of basketball comes up that that they are the face of the sport when Incarnate Word traditionally beats them, and this season everyone else on the schedule? Even from Jupiter, Florida I hear and read about a team that could not win the big one again even when Incarnate moved to another class. Let’s get something straight once and for all. Incarnate Word ran the table this year. They played teams from around the country. They destroyed everyone locally. Teams who lost to them in St. Louis were thankful when they could keep the loss to 30 points or less and there was a running clock in the second half. Never have we seen anything like this and yet I have to hear and read about other teams who had their shot and had nothing coming. It is one thing to have an undefeated season but when the championship game rolls along and you win by 41 points do we really need to hear about anyone else? The local media has done a miserable job in covering one of the better stories in town. If not for Earl Austin, Jr. and Frank Cusumano, I am not sure the story would be ever told. Yes, I know it’s girls high school basketball but what team boys or girls was even close to what Incarnate Word has? Here one for you to paste in your hat. Many of their best players will be back next season. Too bad St. Louis University did not hire Incarnate coach Dan Rolfes when they had the chance. That is a mistake they will always regret. For the rest of us it is still fun to watch his teams at Incarnate.
