Brackets? We Don't Need No Stinking Brackets!

Written by Jeff Fox | 24 March 2010

Are you enjoying the NCAA Tournament so far?  If so, I'm guessing you aren't a big gambler and/or bracket filler-outer (yes, I am professional writer and I just used the term "filler-outer").  With all the crazy upsets and Cinderella runs this year, everyone's brackets are in shambles.  But if you are true college basketball fan, that shouldn't matter to you.  Because real fans don't need brackets or wagers to enjoy the tournament.

Yes, I entered a few bracket contests this year but nothing I truly care about or have any money on.  And you know what?  It's made watching the Tournament that much more enjoyable.  I've got nothing riding on the games so I can root for the underdogs (which this year has been a rewarding experience).  I can enjoy the big plays and excitement of the games without worrying that my National Champion (Kansas) and Final Four pick (Villanova) got knocked out in the second round.  The true beauty of the Tournament has come shining through and that, of course, is David knocking off Goliath.  All season the big conference teams avoid playing dangerous mid-major squads (or, best case scenario, they force them to play on their home turf), subsequently hurting the smaller school's chances at pulling off an upset and improving their RPI ratings.  Well, once the Tournament kicks off they can run no more.  Finally it is a level playing field and the Davids of the college hoops world get a fair shot at the big money Goliaths.  And this year they've been making the most of that shot.  If you only cared about your bracket or bet you made on a game, more than likely you wouldn't be able to fully enjoy all of these upsets by cheering for the underdog.

I understand that the NCAA Tournament wouldn't be nearly as big a deal as it currently is without gambling and bracket contests. Those things bring in the casual fan - the secretary in your office, your grandma, people who normally don't give a damn about college basketball.  But, if you are a real fan of the game, release yourself from the shackles of your bracket and enjoy the true beauty and excitement of March Madness.