Almost there
Back on Sunday Duke defeated Gonzaga and Michigan State snuck past Louisville in an overtime thriller to complete the NCAA Final Four. I hear a Michigan State fan had a sign that read, “January, February, Izzo, April”. It’s true, Tom Izzo always seems to get his team to play their best ball in March. If I’m remembering correctly it’s the 4th time he’s led a team seed #5 or higher to the final four. Certainly he’s among the most respected coaches in the game today. Then there’s that other guy. Coach krew-sha-wooski.
Whether you root for Duke or not, it’s hard not to respect Coach K. I love the guy. I was watching the end of the Gonzaga game and to see the way he hugged his players when they come off the court. Nothing but love there, for his players and the game. And then as the teams shook hands, watching the way he took extra time speaking to Zags Senior Point Guard Kevin Pangos. Impossible not to respect how he handles himself. And then, there’s this commercial you probably remember.
So it’s Duke, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and favorite Kentucky in the Final Four. Who’s it gonna be?
The Remaining RI Contenders
Finally making it to the top of the RI leader board is mystery prize frontrunner Will Hagy. Can Will really win this thing on his first attempt? Cinderella story. Will can actually lock down the coveted mystery prize on Saturday with wins from Kentucky and Michigan State.
Conspiracy Theory
So how is Will doing so well on his first attempt? It’s almost as though he has first hand basketball experience…maybe even first hand knowledge of one of the teams still playing. I submit to you exhibit A:
I’m just saying. Has anyone ever seen Will Hagy and J.J. Redick in the same room?
Winning Scenarios
Will Hagy – Will will win if Kentucky wins over Michigan State or if Michigan State wins over Kentucky. In other words he needs them both to win on Saturday. He’ll also win if Michigan State wins over Wisconsin.
Matt Hollins – Matt will win if Kentucky wins it all over Duke.
Heather Carkuff Joson – Heather will win if Duke wins it all. Will this be the year Heather makes up for 2010 when Duke won it all and Heather would’ve won if she hadn’t picked Duke to lose?
Marcia Milam – Are the Milams going to finally ride Wisconsin to glory? Marcia Milam will win if Wisconsin wins it all. They’ll have to get by Kentucky first and then the championship on Monday night.
Joel Shilliday – not going to win.
So there you have it. Will (J.J.?), Matt, Heather, and Marcia battle it out for the RI13 crown. Good luck to you all, but there can be only one.
Thanks to everyone for participating and a special thank you to whoever captured this footage of Melissa and I at our last Target outing.
Quote of the Day
“That’s what I do now: I lead and I teach. If we win basketball games from doing that, then that’s great, but I lead and teach. Those are the two things I concentrate on. -Mike Krzyzewski
Jam of the Day
Cheers,
Greg