Selection Sunday
Posted: Sunday, March 11, 2007 by Travis Cody in
This is my 27th Selection Sunday.
There wasn't always a tournament selection show. But I've kept the brackets since 1983. I've watched the tournament since 1979.
I remember in the early 1980's, when ESPN was young and had exclusive coverage. They had no regional contract responsibilities, so they showed the best games. They had no problem leaving a first round blow-out to go a close finish. I remember watching all day and feeling like I was there. I remember split screens.
I remember when Dick Vitale wasn't so annoying.
I remember Bird and Magic. Before the Celtics and Lakers, it was the Sycamores against the Spartans.
I remember Jim Valvano running around looking for someone to hug after his NC State Wolfpack shocked the mighty Phi Slamma Jamma of Houston for the most improbable championship upset in tournament history.
I remember Dan Dakich and Indiana spoiling Michael Jordan's bid for a championship to close out his career at North Carolina.
I remember Danny Manning and the Miracles overcoming one of the most high-powered offenses in the history of the game, beating Oklahoma.
I remember Bo Kimble of Loyola-Marymount, shooting the first free throw left handed in honor of his friend and teammate Hank Gathers, and the improbable run spurred by grief, that finally ended in the West regional final against a powerful UNLV team that went on to win the championship.
There are so many things I love about the NCAA Tournmaent. The thing I love the most is that once you're in the field of 64 (I don't count the play-in game), anything truly can happen.
A 16 seed will beat a 1 seed someday. The day is approaching when you won't be able to pencil in those 4 gimme picks.
Not much of a sports fan. I like to play, more than watch. For me, watching gets really boring really fast. Although, I do love to watch hockey. I used to play a lot of that back in the day, and it's the only sport I enjoy watching from time to time.