An Open Letter to Dan Gilbert

Mr. Gilbert,

First, we the fans of the Cavaliers want to thank you for your letter condemning the actions of LeBron James.  No matter the opinions of the pundits- we appreciate your passion and agree with your statements regarding James.  With that being said there are a few points we would like you to discuss with David Stern:

1. Salary Cap Issues: While David Stern certainly does deserve some credit for the success of the league- the fact is he truly hasn’t helped the game other than broadening the popularity overseas.  Virtually anyone could have rode the coattails of the Bird/Magic rivalry then the phenomenon that was Michael Jordan.  Stern should have forced the players union to give on some of the salary cap issues including following the very successful plan of the NFL.  NBA teams should have the ability to franchise players to assure they have the ability too, at the very least, get market value for players that leave.

2. Free Agency Time Frame: Having free agency after the draft is absolutely ludicrous.  Teams cannot possibly prepare efficiently through the draft without knowing their needs.  Stern needs to clean up the entire process.  It is as ridiculous as the MLB All Star Game deciding home field in the World Series.  In many respects David Stern is as clueless as Bud Selig.

3. Players: The NFL yet again leads all of the major organizations regarding player conduct and accountability.  We ask that you push Stern to create some of the formulas used by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.  Yes, they are very strict but the reputation of the League isn’t good and was only made worse by the free agent scandal labeled the decision.  The NBA must take control of it’s product and image.  The image of the league is that of thugs and heathens.

4. PED Testing: There is little doubt the landscape of the league would dramatically change if performance enhancing drug testing was enforced to the Olympic level.  There are obvious reasons why Stern doesn’t want this too happen.  The league should give it’s players six months notice to clean it up and then drop the hammer.  There is little doubt that a good portion of the league would currently test positive.

5. Officiating: While it is doubtful there are global conspiracies to fix games in the NBA (although it has been proven officials have been on the take), the officiating is absolutely atrocious.  Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals drew incredible ratings and what did the fans get to see?  A game where the officials swallowed their whistles (I.e. “let the players decide the game”) resulting in a wrestling match that ended in a low scoring, 83-79 affair.  This type of officiating limits the skills the game is built upon.

Mr. Gilbert, we hope you take these things to throne of David Stern.  We know you can be a great asset in the massive project to fix the game and protect it’s most valuable resource- the fans.

Regarding the self proclaimed “Chosen One”- we are all now fully aware of what type of person he truly is.  He is without a doubt one of the most self-absorbed individuals in all of sports-a lofty title indeed.  Now James is in his natural surroundings in Miami.  James will fit in well there and prove to be more like Tiger Woods than we could ever imagined.  As previously stated, we appreciate your honesty on James and can only ask for more.  We are intrigued to learn more about a player who not only tanked games but also lacked the common decency to share his “decision” with an organization who treated him very well.  Even more importantly, LeFraud failed to share his decision with teammates whom he  went to battle and shared a locker room with.  This sums up James more than anyone can.  He is a fraud just like Woods and we ask that you bring that all too light-including the stories on the not so lady like Gloria James.

The way this entire fiasco went down doesn’t solely fall on the large ego of James but also on the league, Pat Riley and David Stern.  A fight in the stands in Detroit, drug convictions, hell even murders by players cannot bring down the league; however, the suspicions of games not being played to win or meant to lose changes everything.  Chris Bosh sat out games that had playoff implications, James obviously quit during the playoffs.  Need we say more?  This falls directly on the league and Stern.  Regarding Pat Riley- it doesn’t take a long diatribe to describe one of the dirtiest players in the game.  Pat Riley resigned from his position with the New York Knicks via fax, yeah a fax.  Riley also fired Stan Van Gundy so he could get credit for a title with the Miami Heat.  Riley may be the only human on earth that is more self absorbed than “King” James.

Finally, while we love your passion and appreciate your promise to win a title before the Heat; Cavs’ fans realize this is highly unlikely.  Just promise us you will put your large bank account and your full energy into building a team that will make us proud and will be sustainable.  Although we all hated the Detroit Pistons- we respected their teamwork and work ethic (minus Rasheed Wallace).  Our hope is you build a team like the Pistons, where substance reigns over style.  A team that will worry about winning more than dancing, championships more than Jay-Z and a team that will not be hob-nobbing with the opponent.  Mr. Gilbert- bring us a team that epitomizes the blue collar work ethic of the great state of Ohio.  Also, please make sure LeFraud is barred from all sidelines at The Ohio State University.  I’m sure Coach Tressel will not have a problem doing that.

Kind Regards,
Stemavo Rheulus

PS- If Stern is fining you and the bigoted “Rev” Jessie Jackson is throwing barbs, you are doing something right.

LeFraud James - Why Are We Surprised?

Everyone was surprised by the prima donna, selfish actions of the self proclaimed “King”- looking back there was no reason .  The media whore James drove a Hummer as a student in Akron which placed his team in the limelight for the wrong reasons and jeopardized their wins and titles.  James and his “loving” mother have acted in this manner throughout his career.  However, up until this point, the diva James, has done his best to cover up his true self.

From high school James moved to Cleveland where he held the franchise hostage for seven years.  He didn’t sign the long term deal and often turn his head and even stated “the fans are spoiled by his play.”  Not exactly the words you would expect to hear from real champions like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.  Players at their level lived up to the responsibility and pushed their teammates to get better.  Yes, James turned the franchise around and made it legitimate but he did no more with the team than did Brad Daugherty and Mark Price.

James did lead the team to the 2007 NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Spurs, and consecutive seasons with the best record.  Despite that “The Chosen One” couldn’t finish the deal.  Critics often point to the supporting cast, which may be true, but megastars finish the deal.  Stars play their best on the biggest stage or will their way to a win, see Kobe Bryant.  Instead, James preferred to flirt with Jay-Z and various other “stars” and made sure he hugged his opponent and of course threw his dust in the air.  Not exactly the focus and desire of a champion.  When the rubber met the road and his teammates needed a kick, the King was often too soft or maybe he was just overly concerned about who and what his mom was doing.

In the end- James is a front runner who doesn’t understand the meaning of loyalty or greatness.  He showed no respect by wearing Yankee and Cowboy hats to sporting events in Cleveland, laughing after losses and “recruiting“ other players to his marketing firm.  He seemed more excited about hosting SNL than playing basketball.  James is what he was in high school- an arrogant prick, surrounded by no-name thugs, who will sell himself like an inner city prostitute at a moment’s notice.  The self absorbed James hasn’t changed one bit- he is still a follower with no support structure in place-his father is nowhere to be found and his mom has been trouble throughout - for more information google Gloria James & Delonte West.  Can he control his mom while with the Heat?  It’s probably a safe bet LeFraud will resemble Tiger Woods more than ever in Miami.

James’ method of announcing and making the decision proves who he is.  His legacy is lost and he will be the most hated player in the league.  Quite the transformation your Highness, quite the transformation.  In the end, James did nothing for the city of Cleveland.  Had they not won the lottery and gotten Anthony or Wade, the story would have been the same.  Not only has he broken the hearts of his faithful throng, he did in a way that makes Judas Iscariot look like Mother Teresa.  LeFraud- you are no student of the game-far from it.  The great ones win on their own merit.  Winners don’t chase championships-they earn it…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Cavs Chatter

No Matter- Mike Brown Must Go

Mike Brown- Defense wins championships, that is the old mantra that critics and coaches alike go by.  It is a myth.  If you score you win.  Mike Brown was a noted defensive specialist but cannot win in the playoffs.  The fact is the Cavaliers should outscore anyone.-Plain and Simple.  If fired New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank was the coach of the Cavs they would still win 60 plus games.  If the 15 win Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis coached the Cavs they would still win 60 games.  The bottom line is if you, me the coach of a NCAA Division III school coached the Cavs they would still win 60+ games.  Mike Brown never deserved the Head Coaching position (stated by yours truly upon his hiring).  He is Romeo Crennel. Brown’s players showed no heart, no passion as they were defeated soundly on all hustle stats.  Brown is a bloated defensive “expert” who has no clue on the offensive end.  Mike Brown is a lifer as an assistant coach and should be supplanted as such. The bottom line is if you score you win.  Had the Cavs played like their normal selves on the offensive end (how about some adjustments Potato Head!) they would have won the series.  Like Crennel, Brown has no ideal how to motivate his players and make adjustments.  With or without LeBron James this clown has to go.

LeBron James- James lacked focus and desire throughout the series.  He states he gave 100% but that simply isn’t the case.  James is “new school” where players hug and recruit colleagues to Nike and the like.  The last thing Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan would do is give hugs after a monumental collapse.  They wouldn’t be smiling and hugging or clapping five to the fans.  They would be so pissed that the censors would be in dire straights in fear of “F“ bombs being dropped.  James needs to hate losing too achieve greatness.  Right now he values his business interests and various other hobbies far too much to be a winner.  He needs too hate losing like Kobe does.  So much so that life in general isn’t as good after losing.  Lebron played passive yet again and often looked disinterested.  If he had 45 rebounds it wouldn’t matter, as his scoring is the difference.  James should be ashamed of his leadership and his performance and more importantly his effort and his attitude.  Hurt elbow or not, James should have been leading his teammates and screaming at the like of Mo Williams for his lack of defense and Jamison for his lack of passion.  The bottom line is if LeBron James was totally focused on championships and nothing else, he would have signed an extension mid season to avoid distractions.  Instead he let the drama live which certainly created some discourse during the playoffs.  If he in fact leaves Cleveland, LeBron should be a bigger villain than any that have come through Cleveland- Art Modell included.

Danny Ferry- Ferry has been credited many times for his “strategic” moves.  Yet he didn’t bring Amare Stoudamire nor did he bring leadership.  Ferry has to do much more to bring a title.  The first step is to get rid of the imposter Head Coach Mike Brown.  He needs to bring in elite players and an elite coach who understand what winning is all about.  Ferry—bring a winner to Cleveland-please.

Cleveland fans you have heard it many times before- wait until next year…

Stemavo Rheulus

Cavs Chatter

Inexcusable

The question still remains, “Can the Cavs win a title with Mike Brown?”  The answer is likely no.  Mike Brown proves time and time again that he cannot win big games.  In the playoffs minute adjustments are the key to success, something Brown gets burnt on every post season.  The only thing worse than Brown’s ability with the clipboard is his ability to motivate his players.  For those of you who say the players should be motivated on there own, yada yada yada.  Case in point is the great Phil Jackson who is the chief motivator.  Rest assured he would be on the podium calling out his players if the Lakers put the type of effort in.

Brown’s lack of in game adjustments hurt the Cavaliers in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic.  He refused to adjust from his original game plan as he continued to go under screens giving up wide open three pointers.  The result was a shocking loss despite having the home court advantage.  When the Magic advanced to the NBA Finals to face the Lakers they found an opponent who took away their strength.  Jackson made a point to run the Magic’s long range bombers off of the three point line.  The result was another title by the Lakers.

Yes, the players decide games and the Cavaliers certainly have looked soft and disinterested.  They moped and whined throughout game 2, game 4 and inexplicably in game five.  Mo Williams who laid down in the 2009 playoffs, has lacked hustle and his “defense” is ridiculous.  Most if not all coaches would sit Mo for his lack of effort.  Shots come and go but defense is about energy and desire.  One of Brown’s many questionable choices was to place Anthony Parker on Rajon Rondo which was simply ridiculous.  In summary Cleveland has been out rebounded, out hustled, out coached and most importantly out gutted.

Even if the Cavaliers somehow bounce back and win the series and perhaps a NBA title, the lack of passion is something that is unexplainable.  The Cavliers have a talented roster which is good enough to win a title especially with home court advantage.  No team in the league or even an all-star team should hold the Cavaliers down like the Celtics have.  In the end the Cavs need a coach who has big game experience and has some fire in his belly.  Mike Brown hasn’t and won’t fit the bill.  Coach K, Pat Riley if you are listening…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Ohio State vs. Tennessee

Sweet 16 Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes shook off a slow start and took care of Georgia Tech to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.  Ohio State’s defense was the key as they limited Tech big men Gani Lawal and Derrick Flavors to eleven and ten points respectively.  On offense, Jon Diebler caught fire in the 2^nd half ending the contest with 20 points.  Evan Turner bounced back from a disappointing first game with 24 points, 9 boards and 9 helpers.  Versatile forward David Lighty chipped 18 points and was key to the victory  with his post defense.

Next up for the Buckeyes on Friday night is a familiar tournament foe in the Tennessee Volunteers.  The Buckeyes defeated Tennessee in the 2007 NCAA Sweet Sixteen 85-84 after trailing by 20 points in the 1^st half.  This game could potentially be a thriller as well with intriguing individual match-ups.   

 The Vols narrowly escaped San Diego State in the 1^st round and dominated Cinderella Ohio with their length and athleticism.  In the 83-68 victory over the Bobcats the Vols were led by the versatile duo of JP Prince and Scotty Hopson (son of former Buckeye great Dennis Hopson).  Prince scored 18 points and Hopson chipped in 17pts.  During the regular season UT was led by Hopson at 12.5 PPG followed by Wayne Chisum who scored 12.3 PPG and 7.2 RPG. 

Prediction:

Despite the departure of stud forward Tyler Smith, the Vols have managed to play very well as JP Prince has become an intricate part of the team’s success.  Tennessee offers athleticism and unlike most teams will be willing to get out and run with the wings of the Buckeyes.  Scotty Hopson is a smooth scorer while Wayne Chisum can play on the perimeter and underneath the basket.  The key for Ohio State will be to limit easy baskets and force the Vols into a slower pace.  Behind Evan Turner, Ohio State is much more efficient in half courts sets than the helter skelter style of Tennessee. 

Match-ups:

Brian Williams vs. Dallas Lauderdale- Advantage Ohio State: Lauderdale will limit Williams with his long arms and will control the glass.  Dallas knows his role and is very good at it.  The key will be him staying out of foul trouble.

Wayne Chisum vs. David Lighty- Advantage Ohio State: On paper the advantage goes to Chisum with his length and ability to score in a variety of manners.  However, the ultra tough Lighty is used to giving up height but is a great athlete who is incredibly strong.  Lighty will limit Chisum on the offensive end and attack him with his penetration.

Bobby Maze vs. Jon Diebler- Advantage Ohio State: Diebler is simply a much better player than Maze.  Given the athleticism and size of Ohio State, the Vols will be forced to place Maze on Diebler.  Diebler will give space to the penetration game of Turner and if Tennessee collapses he will rain a barrage of 3’s.

Scotty Hopson vs. William Buford- Advantage Tennessee: Hopson is a tremendous scorer who will have his hands full with the mid range game of Buford.  Hopson will get his points and get the better of Buford who struggled in the 2^nd round.

JP Prince vs. Evan Turner- Advantage Ohio State: Bruce Pearl will likely put Prince on Turner in an attempt to slow down the best player in the nation.  Prince is long and athletic but will not be able to prevent Turner from getting to the rim and setting up his teammates.   Look for Turner to have a tremendous game and get Prince in foul trouble.

Bench: Tennessee has a better bench but does it matter?  The bench is one of the most overrated facets of the game.  If Ohio State used their bench extensively with little results then UT would have an advantage.  The fact is four of the five Buckeye starters will likely play close to forty minutes. 

Score: It may not be pretty but the Buckeyes will advance to the Regional Final with a 77-66 victory.

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

The 2010 NCAA Tournament

A User’s Guide to the Midwest Region.
Predicting the NCAA Tournament is the most difficult sport to prognosticate.  The upsets are there but it’s almost impossible to select the correct games.  The 2010 tourney may be even more difficult as parity has infiltrated college basketball.  However, in the Midwest Region the higher seeds should dominate.  Get ready to view the greatest spectacle in sports.  The following is a guide for your office pools:

Favorites: There are three teams that could win the Midwest region- Kansas, Ohio State, Georgetown.  Kansas leads the Midwest region and are the likely favorites to cut the nets down in St. Louis on their way to Indy.  Despite being slated as the #1 overall seed Kansas is in the toughest region.  The Jayhawks will have their hands full in the 2nd round against the winner of UNLV/Northern Iowa.  The Panthers of Northern Iowa are 28-4 in the tough Missouri Valley Conference.  The #2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes are on a roll and are led by the best player in the nation in Evan Turner.  # 3 Georgetown is extremely talented with versatile big man Greg Monroe.  If they come to play they could make a trip to the Final Four.

Possible Upsets: The UNLV/Northern Iowa is an 8 vs. 9 toss up but not a real upset either way.  #10 Georgia Tech behind Derrick Favors will give # 7 Oklahoma State fits.  This should be a back and forth tilt with the Pokes getting the victory behind stud SG James Anderson.  For the Midwest bracket go with the chalk in the 1st round except for #11 San Diego State over #6 Tennessee.  The Aztecs are very talented with four scorers in double figures including fabulous freshmen Kawhi Leonard.
Prediction: The Jayhawks will be challenged in the Sweet 16 by Maryland but will survive.  Ohio State will go down to the wire in the 2nd round against Oklahoma State and prevail with Evan Turner making plays down the stretch.  In the Sweet 16 OSU will get past a tough G-Town team and face Kansas in the regional finals.  In what will be a very entertaining game, Kansas’ size and the point guard play of Sherron Collins will be the difference sending Kansas to the Final Four.

For many people across the nation, this is the most thrilling couple of weeks in sports. The 2010 NCAA Tournament will tip-off tonight with the play-in game between Arkansas Pin Bluff and Winthrop, and on Thursday the Tournament will come to the forefront of American sports coverage with the 1st round games beginning at noon Eastern Time. The state of Ohio is well-represented once again this year with the Big Ten Champion Ohio State Buckeyes, the Mid-American Conference Champion Ohio Bobcats and the Xavier Musketeers all participating in the Big Dance in 2010. DFN Sports is once again on top of the NCAA Tournament with coverage of each game and all 65 teams including Ohio State, Ohio and Xavier. Check out the links to all 3 of these schools’ NCAA Tournament preview capsule below for more.

> 2010 Ohio Bobcats NCAA Tournament preview

> 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA Tournament preview

> 2010 Xavier Musketeers NCAA Tournament preview

Ohio State Basketball Season Review and Big Ten Tournament Preview

 The Ohio State Buckeyes ended the season as the #1 seed in the 2010 Big Ten Tournament.  The #5 Buckeyes stumbled early in the Big Ten season but when All-American Evan Turner was back at full strength, the team flourished.  Ohio State stood at 14-6 after blowing a big lead at West Virginia.  They rebounded and finished the season 10-1 with their only loss coming to Purdue 60-57.

The Buckeyes head into the post season led by Evan Turner who should sweep all major Player of the Year awards including the Naismith and Wooden trophies.  Turner finished the regular season averaging 19.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG and 5.8 APG.  He is a phenomenal player who can win games for the Buckeyes down the stretch.  Sophomore William Buford, 14.3 PPG, drastically improved as the season progressed.  His silky smooth mid range jumpers are a thing of beauty and he is also a very good athlete in the open court.  The glue of the team is RS junior David Lighty.  Lighty, who played in the 2007 National Championship game, is a defensive stopper who can guard four positions and can score in the open court as he averaged 12.4 PPG.  Sharpshooter Jon Diebler had a very good season averaging 12.6 PPG which included 41.9% from beyond the arc.  The team lacks an inside presence on offense but junior center Dallas Lauderdale patrols the paint on the defense end.  His long arms and good timing make it difficult for opposing centers.  The bench is shallow with only Kyle Madsen, PJ Hill and Jeremie Simmons seeing any real playing time.

The team’s biggest weakness could show up in the Big Ten tournament and certainly in a week on the big stage of the NCAA tournament.  Head Coach Thad Matta’s critics point out that he rarely develops a strong bench as was evident in several blow out wins when the starters remained in the game.  If the team can stay out of foul trouble and avoid fatigue they can cut down the nets in Indianapolis, twice.

Big Ten Tournament:

Opening Round: The tournament tips off on March 11th with Iowa facing Michigan.  The winner will move on to face Ohio State on March 12th at noon.  The second game will tip 30 minutes later as Northwestern faces undermanned Indiana.  The night cap features Tubby Smith’s Golden Gophers of Minnesota against Penn State.    Michigan, Northwestern and Minnesota will advance to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals (March 12th): Ohio State will face an athletic and dangerous Michigan team that gave them problems in both contests this season including a 73-64 loss in Ann Arbor.  In what will be a close game, the Buckeyes will prevail and advance to the semifinals.  Wisconsin and Illinois will tip off 30 minutes after in what will be the best game of the quarterfinals.  The Illini could need a win to enter the NCAA tournament.  The teams split the two games in the regular season with each winning on the road.  In what will be a very physical game, the Badgers will advance to face Ohio State on Saturday.  Purdue will battle Northwestern in what will also be a very heated contest.  The Boilermakers are still adjusting to life without Robbie Hummel.  Even without Hummel they will advance to the semifinals.  The Spartans of Michigan State will battle Minnesota in what should be a close game.  The Golden Gophers still believe they should be in the NCAA tournament and a win over Michigan State could propel them into the dance.  The last time they met was a thriller in Minnesota as the Spartans escaped with a 65-64 victory.  It’s difficult to pick against Tom Izzo in the tournament but Minnesota is very hungry.  In what will be a classic, Sparty escapes with a narrow victory.

Semifinals (March 13th): Ohio State will battle a tough Wisconsin team at 1:40 on Saturday.  The Badgers and Buckeyes split the regular season with each team winning on their home court.  This will be a grueling contest but the athleticism of Ohio State will be the difference.  The Big Ten’s best player, Evan Turner, will have a monster game as the Buckeyes advance to the title game on Sunday.  Michigan State vs. Purdue will follow in an evenly matched contest.  Even without Hummel Purdue is still a very good team and will give Michigan State all they want.  Michigan State defeated Purdue on February 28th in the Boilermakers first game after Hummel’s injury.  Purdue will be inspired in front of the home state faithful but the absence of Hummel will be the deciding factor down the stretch.  Michigan State advances to face Ohio State for the title.

Big Ten Championship (3:30 ET March 14th): The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans in East Lansing 74-67 on February 21st.  In that game four Ohio State starters played all 40 minutes with each scoring in double figures.  Turner and Buford recorded double-doubles in the contest.  Michigan State star guard Kalin Lucas was held in check with only 9 points but he did record 8 assists.  The title game will be back and forth and very close.  Turner will once again be the difference as Ohio State wins the title 77-73.

Projected NCAA Seeding for the NCAA Tournament:
Ohio State:         2
Michigan State:  3
Purdue:              4
Wisconsin:         5
Illinois:               9

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

The Madness of Spring

It’s more than just brackets, office pools and pairings-the NCAA Tournament is best described with emotional echoes and long standing memories.  March Madness brings families, friends and possibly even strangers together in a bond that few other events can create.  Quite simply, the spectacle that is the NCAA Tournament is much more than just basketball.

I don’t need a calendar to know when the madness is about to begin.  The smell of the air, along with the distinguishable sound of birds chirping,  sends my senses scrambling and my mind into nostalgic overdrive.  Nature delivers my internal clock notice that, yes, the greatest reality show ever created is about to reappear for yet another dramatic-emotional season.

My heart beats purer as exaltations of announcers past ring in my head.  The sound of the CBS intro music creates an anticipation  that can only be described as a child on Christmas Eve.  And of course there is One Shining Moment.  As I progress into my mid 30’s,  I make a point to listen to the immensely popular song (the  anthem of the tournament) prior to the madness beginning.  Yes, the tears bubble as soon as the music starts and the lyrics “the ball is tipped” is sang.  My friends, there isn’t a reality show on the planet that can invoke so many emotions and more importantly, memories.

My first real memories of the tournament go back to when I was in the 2nd grade when the North Carolina Tar Heels knocked off John Thompson’s Georgetown Hoyas.  The game was entertaining to me but I was far too young to understand what I just witnessed.  In 1983 I watched one of the biggest miracles in the history of sport as the NC State Wolf Pack shocked Phi Slama Jama (Houston Cougars).  I was upset by the defeat as I became enthralled by the up and down game of the Cougars but I still didn’t comprehend the magnitude of the event, even while watching the exaltations of Jimmy Valvano.  The 1985 Villanova Wildcats captured my imagination and in fact my heart as they trumped anything before them by stunning the Georgetown Hoyas (a team I vehemently hated) in what is an all-time classic.  From that day forward I became completely engrossed and consumed by the madness.

There are many things to thank my dad for, and for that matter both of my parents, for but I’m extremely grateful he introduced me to something that will remain with me as long as I live.  Not only has the introduction created strong bonds and incredible memories, the tournament also helps me feel like a kid again, at least for three weeks a year.  There are few things in life that can be said of.

As my love grew I was fortunate enough to come down with a rare sickness every March-tourney fever.  Since the 5th grade I have taken at least one day off every year to witness the 1st round of the tournament.  Wow, what a rush!  Not only did I get out of school, and later work, I got to experience a feeling like no other.  Watching the games at noon and flipping through all of the games (on satellite) is a love I have never taken for granted.  Can you think of anything in life you love that much and have never taken for granted?  On the day I went to school my dad would always make sure the bracket was filled out so I knew what happened.  If he was working while I was watching, I would return the favor.  Those my friends are priceless memories.

For the game itself, the memories and emotions are numerous to name, however there are a few that stand out.  Seeing Jimmy Valvano run on the court in glee, hugging everyone in sight is something I will never forget.  Sadly, Valvano passed away years later due to cancer; however, the same passion we saw on the court in 1983 carried him through the toughest moments in his life as he penned the deeply emotional speech, Don’t Ever Give Up.  Another fond memory is seeing Thomas Hill stand with his hands on his head crying as Christian Laettner had just hit the greatest shot in what could be the greatest game in the history of the tournament.  A picture truly is worth a thousand words as the emotion and joy were on full display in Thomas’ tears.  Keith Smart hitting the baseline jumper in 1987 is certainly one of the greatest moments in all of sports for me.  The shot captured the title for the Indiana Hoosiers who were led by legendary Head Coach Bob Knight.  I absolutely worshipped Knight who in my opinion is the greatest coach in the history of the sport.  Valporaiso’s Bryce Drew hitting the game winner against Missouri was incredible and witnessing the pure joy of his teammates was incredible.  In 2006 I observed Cinderella in person as George Mason knocked off North Carolina.  The electricity in Dayton is hard to put into words.  The pressure grew with each passing second as the crowd’s roar grew in anticipation of the possible upset.  When George Mason pulled out the victory, the chaos that defines the tournament ensued.  The 2007 second round clash between Ohio State and Xavier was one for the ages.  Not only was the game between in-state foes but it included an incredible shot by Buckeye Ron Lewis which sent the game to overtime.  I was on hand to witness the miracle as Ohio State escaped with a stunning victory.

There are countless other great memories of buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories that still live through tourney highlights each season which are far too many to name.   Although I’m not a big fan of any of the three I would be remised not mentioning Al Macguire, Billy Packer and Dick Vitale.  Their love and passion of the game has been sewn into the fabric of the sport.

I hope my brief expose into the great event has exhumed emotions and memories for you as it did for me.  Friends and fans, please remember the game is much more than just office pools and cutting down the nets; it’s about young men exceeding their own reality, grown men crying and fans jumping in jubilation.  March Madness itself is about enthusiasm, memories and passion and should be shared with all.  With tears in my eye and a lump in my throat, in the style that North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams can appreciate, ready yourself for the greatest event in all of sports.  The Madness of Spring is about to begin.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Cross Town Shootout

Cincinnati (6-1) at Xavier (5-3)

December 13^th 7:00 ET

The 2009 version of the Cincinnati Bearcats will remind fans of a Bob Huggins coached team.  They are not pretty to watch but are very athletic and rugged.  They struggle mightily on the offense end but bring it defensively.  They are led in scoring by wide body Yancey Gates.  The 260lb sophomore center is averaging 11.6 PPG and 7.7 boards.  Ballyhooed freshmen Lance Stephenson is living up to the billing.  He is very athletic with an explosive first step.  He is averaging 11.6 PPG and 6 boards on the young season.  Senior guard Deonta Vaughn has been very unselfish taking less shots and getting the youngsters involved.  The Bearcats were looking forward to the addition of guard Cashmere Wright last season but an injury forced him out for the season.  Wright still is shaking off the rust but will be very good in the near future.

The Xavier Musketeers do not look like the same team without former Head Coach Sean Miller.  Much was expected from the 09-10 Muskies but they have started slowly going 5-3 in their first eight games.  The addition of Jordan Crawford, a transfer from Indiana, was thought to be the piece that made Xavier a national power this season.  Crawford is having a good start to the season averaging 18.5 PPG and 5 RPG.  He is very athletic but his shot selection can often be questioned.  In Xavier’s three losses Crawford didn’t have off nights he was absolutely atrocious.  He was a combined 15 of 52 against Marquette, Baylor and Kansas State.  Xavier big man Jason Love is averaging a double-double with 10 PPG and 10 RPG.  Guards Terrell Holloway and Mark Lyons have been solid.  Athletic junior forward Jamel McLean is a tease.  He possesses a tremendous talent but rarely puts it all together.

Prediction: This is a rivalry game so anything can happen.  In addition Xavier’s home crowd will no doubt be a factor.  For Xavier to have any chance they will have to keep one of the best rebounding teams in the nation off of the glass.  Jason Love will need to have a big game against Yancey Gates and force him away from the basket.  Jordan Crawford and Dante Jackson will be matched up against the athletic guards of UC which is an intriguing match-up.  If Crawford lets the game come to him he will find success.  The Bearcats struggles on the offensive end will keep the game close but their power and defense will be the difference.  Behind a very good performance by Yancey Gates and senior Deonta Vaughn the Bearcats escape the Cintas Center with a big win.  Cincinnati 67 Xavier 63.

Scott Dryden