-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

It is the middle of March and in most of the United States, this time of year has various meanings. For most it symbolizes that spring is near, the snow banks are melting away, and one can feel the change towards warmer weather. People are busy again, breaking out of the winter doldrums, and the clocks spring forward for 1 hour (excluding Indiana and Arizona) so people who work past 6pm can actually see sunlight when stepping out of the office and driving home from work.

For avid sports fans, the image above is the clear sign that March has arrived.

Many people partake in College Basketball pools of various kinds throughout the country, whether it is just for bragging rights in the Accounting Department or for monetary gain. Sports fans (and non-sports fans) are hooked on these brackets like no other time in “Bracket History”. The following chatter will begin in the office in under two weeks:

“Hey Joe, I took the 13 over the 4 seed in the East bracket, do you like Drexel’s chances to pull off the big upset too?”

“Billy, I think the 2 seed in the West is prime for an upset. I am taking the upstart 10th seed to upset the 2 seed and reach the Elite 8. If that 10 seed comes through for me Billy, I can win the pool! OH YEAH!!”

The Men’s NCAA Basketball tournament is a sporting event that encompasses so many things that are great about sports. There is the pure joy that the players and fans feel, as the anticipation of each game draws near, the bands are playing, the fans are on the edge of their seats watching at their homes throughout the nation. There is the David Vs Goliath angle, where upsets seem to happen at least twice a day in the first 2 rounds. There is no denying the greatness of the NCAA Tournament, but from my angle, these brackets are hurting the event as a whole.

Fans, and sporting networks such as ESPN, the world-wide leader in self promotion, have put SO much emphasis on these brackets that it takes away some juice from the regular season. Just watch the ticker on ESPN2, where they now have a Bracket Busters section, to get you ready for who can bust your bracket. Translation: Here is how ESPN will help you win the $ in your office pool and you can reign supreme for 15 seconds of fame!

To me this takes something away from the beauty that is the tournament. Many fans just emphasize this sheet, and not the great plays and great finishes to all the games. It overshadows taking a day off on a Thursday, getting comfy on the couch, and watching all the games at once CBS breaks to one 5-12 game in the East Bracket, and then to another fantastic finish in the South Region, and so on. Or going crazy about why CBS did not go to the buzzer beater finish and decided to stick with a 1-16 matchup that was basically decided, or rant about something Billy Packer said, and so forth.

As great as College Basketball can be, something needs to be done to put more of an emphasis on the regular season and more importantly the players, coaches, and schools involved in the NCAA Tournament, and NOT in whether Digger Phelps gives you the inside scoop to win your bracket.

Otherwise, you might as well just change the NCAA logo to a giant bracket and throw $10.00 into a pot and call it a day.

NOTE: In case you are wondering who wrote this: I am Brian, AKA “Sambone” and I am a contributor to Hitting Back. Many thanks for Derek for allowing me to contribute to this great site! I welcome any comments or feedback you might have about this or any future articles!