Passion for one sport has withstood the test of time...

One month out of the year is dedicated to uniting the country and its due to one collegiate sport...basketball. Coach K reminded us to stay focus on the madness and the triumphs because it is simply "To damn good". The emotional highs from buzzer beaters and the collapses are all a part of the game. It brought the game full circle and showed the sports world, the Cleveland Cavaliers versus Golden State Warriors finals match-up can't touch the 30 second 12 point comebacks and the half court buzzer beaters.  

College basketball is about more then lay-ups and half court shots it requires a level head. Emotions run high on the part of the players as well as the spectators and fans...From personal experience, the city of Syracuse is brought together by the game of college basketball. The tears of sadness and the stunning buzzer beaters are the heartbeat of this city. Students and residents scampering into the streets to celebrate the Men's and Women's teams run to the Elite 8 have been the highlight of my weekend thus far. After all, despite the times and the losses of businesses to this city the passion and excitement for Syracuse basketball has not wavered. .. If it wasn't for 'Cuse basketball I'm not sure Syracuse would still be a city in Central New York.

 While the fans are emotionally invested in the sport, the players understandably are also battling their own personal victories and slumps over the course of the ball game...

Emotions run high on the part of the fans as well as the players, after all the players live and breathe the emotional roller coaster throughout the course of the game. Just imagine the mindset of the UNI players as they watched their 12 point lead dwindle to zero over the final 38 seconds against the Aggies. The UNI players couldn't comprehend what they were watching. The last time they saw a team making a miraculous comeback they were on the receiving end. Then imagine after a gruesome loss having to face your critics explaining arguably one of the worst collapses in sports history. The heavy flow of tears down your face as you try to hold it together knowing you could have done more to prevent this outcome, but you were just living in the moment.

While UNI players rattled with their emotions after a heartbreaking loss, the Miami Hurricanes were ousted out of the tournament in a different type of heartbreaking way.

It wasn't a buzzer-beater or a 12 point comeback in the final 30 seconds of regulation it was a cold hearted beat down to put it lightly. The first weekend intelligibly was filled with blowouts but by the round of 16 you expect your sanity to return. Villanova had other plans. The Hurricane's did not score the first 3 1/2 minutes of their sweet 16 match-up against Villanova. The tone for this game was set from the opening tip which was won by Villanova. Kris Jenkins toyed with the Hurricane defense from three and his shot making ability just trickled down to his teammates. And well... the Hurricanes didn't have an answer.


College basketball has connected teams, families and even cities. It's amazing how one game can draw so many emotions negative and positive. This year's tournament has been a little different than in years past. Not because of its lack of connectivity but because there isn't an overarching dominant team. You could make the case for Oklahoma, Kansas and even Virginia but the problem is we truly don't know. The dominant programs like Kentucky , Duke and to a certain degree Kansas haven't had a strong showing in the tournament.

Well...I mind as well...  rock back and forth in my rocking chair and patiently wait for the final four teams to stamp their ticket to Houston.