2014 ncaa tournament

What’s so maddening about the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?

Is it the diversity?  After all, only in the 2014 bracket will you seem to find…

 

… Cavaliers vs. Chanticleers, Huskies vs. Hawks, and Aztecs vs. Aggies.

That’s not to mention skin color…

… Bearcats vs. the color Crimson, Broncos vs. Orange, and Lobos vs. Cardinal (… what’s a “lobo” again?).

Don’t confuse the color Cardinal with the bird Cardinal, as birds are again well-represented via defending champ, Louisville, and those prominent Jayhawks, Blue Jays, and even Ducks.

Let’s also not forget the nuts (… sorry, Buckeyes).

There actually exist multiple commonalities among the teams, especially noting the half dozen included Wildcats.  In fact, there exist such a plethora of the animal that they will  quickly become an endangered species, eliminating one another when Arizona meets Weber St. and Kansas St. meets Kentucky all in the first round… each an untamed feline.  Those Wildcats tend to eat their own… just sayin’…

Speaking of eating their own, evil is again unfortunately alive and well on planet Earth, as Devils hail from both Arizona St. and Duke.  Sorry, nothing against those two well-respected educational institutions; the Intramuralist just can’t support evil.

Sooners and Shockers…

Colonials and Colonels…

It’s no wonder it’s hard to know who to root for.

We might also note that it’s hip these days to broadcast any weather event not easily explainable; hence, we welcome both the Cyclones and Golden Hurricane to this year’s conversation.

We will see Spartans vs. Blue Hens (… sorry, but the whole hen idea sounds a little weak) and Rams vs. Lumberjacks (… who are respectfully taking some time off to play a little basketball).

Don’t also miss the inclusion of both Bison and Buffaloes.  Is there a difference?

Ah, let’s not forget the Billikens, Jaspers, and team from Louisiana-Lafayette.  What’s in a name?  LOTS… especially if you’re a Ragin’ Cajun.

Speaking of individuals, there are a handful that stand out that we should at least give a mention… from UCLA’s Wanaah Bail to North Carolina State’s Staats Battle to St. Louie’s Jordair Jett… too bad Wofford’s Indiana Faithfull left the team earlier this year.

But lest we begin to think the tournament is not an accurate blend of contemporary society, remember that there will also exist jeers and cheers and tears and fears.  There will be “one shining moments” and moments that no one wishes would be publicized again.  There will be winners and losers, but only one team will win in the end.  Some teams will be better than others.  Some will simply play better.  It’s not a measure of equality.  It is just a game.

Welcome to the madness, friends.  Personally, I kind of like those Shockers from Wichita State.  I also like the Spartans from East Lansing, Michigan.  And oh, yeah… I like Louisiana-Lafayette.  I like to say their name.

Respectfully,

AR