Kemba Walker 2011 Highlights

In Kemba We Trust

4 Tickets to Houston Please.

3-4-8-11. Huskies-Wildcats-Bulldogs-Rams. Connecticut-Kentucky-Butler-VCU. Calhoun-Calipari-Stevens-Smart. Walker-Knight-Howard-Rodriguez. No matter the way you look at it, this is NOT the Final Four than anyone predicted. Well everyone except for the 2 people on ESPN's Tournament Bracket Challenge who have these teams. I would like to speak with them and find how they picked those 4. The final test before heading to Houston wasn't easy for any of these teams, but they prevailed and deservingly got their tickets booked for the trip of a lifetime.

#8 Butler vs. #2 Florida 74-71 (F/OT)

Thanks to the man pictured above, Shelvin Mack, 26 point game the Butler Bulldogs are back in familiar territory. They are the first team since UNLV in 1990-91 to make it to back to back Final Fours from a Mid Major conference (Horizon League). They have fought and scrapped their way back to this point and they have the most experience of the other 3 candidates. 5 of their players returned from last year's squad so they know the intensity and the pressure to play at this level (UConn is a distant 2nd experience wise with only 2, Kemba Walker and Donell Beverly). This Butler team has won against the likes of Old Dominion, a team no one thought they could even get past, the #1 seed PITT on a last second foul by Robinson, the Wisconsin Badgers who possibly played worse than their loss against Penn State in the Big Ten championship, and the Florida Gators who seemed to have everything pointed in their favor going into that game. Head Coach Brad Stevens and his Bulldogs are in a position this year unlike last year, they aren't the underdogs, they actually are among the favorites in this group of 4. Will they prevail this year, maybe on a buzzer beater that instead of last year bounces off the rim, finds nothing but net?

#5 Arizona vs. #3 Connecticut 63-65

This game was probably the toughest match-up between the 8 teams. Both programs have been exceptional in the final stretches of the season, Arizona surging to what some people thought was going to be a serious National Championship contender and UConn on a current win streak of 8 in a row. Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams were the players to watch, the stars who were leading their teams to victories that people thought weren't possible. Both coming off big wins against Duke and San Diego State, the game was going to come down to the wire. Arizona got off to a hot start but once Williams picked up his 3rd foul in the 1st half, it was UConn's turn taking an 18-7 run, which ultimately won them the game. For the Huskies it wasn't the fire of Walker than won them the game, it was the quiet freshman Jeremy Lamb who seemingly couldn't miss a shot. A few unbelievable 3's, some base line jumpers and big steal for a dunk added up to his 19 points. Kemba knew he wasn't playing well and told Calhoun "Lets give it to Jeremy, he's on fire" and he couldn't have been more right. With 1:43 left Walker made a fade away jumper to but the Huskies up by 5 but Arizona followed suit and brought it within 3. The final possession belonged to the Wildcats. Williams went up for a 3, missed. Rebounded by Arizona, kicked out to Hune with 3 seconds left. Miss. Huddled under the basket both the Huskies and Wildcats went up for the ball, but it was too late. Game over. UConn wins. The last times UConn has made it to the final four they have come out of the West playing in Anaheim. There is something they love about that region. Can they finally come out on top after 7 years without a championship? All signs point to yes right now. Walker is on a mission to end his career on top and he's not stopping until he does.

#11 VCU vs. #1 Kansas 71-61

The Cinderella story isn't over yet. Since 2006 it's always been "Who is going to be this year's George Mason?" after this tournament it's going to be "Who is going to be this year's VCU?" This incredible run has been nothing short of... well... incredible. Critics, announcers, and fans alike thought they were done with Kansas. Of course the players on Kansas even thought they were going to win. They were so confident even that one of the Morris twins told Joey Rodriguez at the pregame captains meeting "The run ends here." Rodriguez thought otherwise; "We'll see". The game started off in the Jayhawks favor as expected, but then the VCU spark was ignited and they went on a run to put them 18 up over Kansas. Was this really going to happen? At the start of the 2nd half the Rams still lead by 14, but Kansas proved why they were a #1 seed. They brought the score to 46-44 but then a 9-2 run by VCU punched the 3rd ticket to Houston. That was it. All the #1 seeds are gone before the Final Four for only the 3rd time in NCAA history. Going from barely on the bubble, to the first four, to the final four. Can they do the impossible and win it all? At this point I'm not counting any team out. Yes they may have the least experience playing at this level but the Rams have proved that they aren't to be underestimated anymore.

#4 Kentucky vs. #2 UNC 76-59

The final spot in Houston was up for grabs. Historic NCAA teams going up against each other, it was bound to be a blood fest. Going into this game both teams had 105 NCAA tournament wins. Who was going to take the lead? Roy Williams vs. John Calipari. Wildcats vs. Tar Heels. The game remained close until the Wildcats took a commanding 11 point lead but only went into the half up by 6. 20 more minutes. Who would last? Kentucky relied once again on the shoulders of freshman Brandon Knight who throughout the tournament has been beyond clutch. The Tar Heels made a surge in the 2nd half to what it seemed like would be yet another NCAA victory. The Wildcats held off UNC for their 106 NCAA tournament victory, one more than UNC. Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes put all they could on the court with 21 and 18 points respectively but it wasn't enough for the phenomenal rebounding of Kentucky's Harrelson. By the end of the game it seemed to be a somewhat new rivalry has been created. The NCAA tournament will do that to you. Can Kentucky keep this hot streak going and hold up the trophy in one week?

So there we have it, the 2011 Final Four. Saturday #11 VCU will play #8 Butler in the first game and #4 Kentucky will play #3 Connecticut in the second. Will this finally be the year a Cinderella team wins the Big Dance? Will the storied program in Kentucky return to the top? Does Kemba Walker have what it takes to carry his team to the Championship? Can Butler make one more buzzer beater to win it all this year? Will VCU be the first team to take home the National Championship after starting from the play in game? In one week we'll have our answer. 40 minutes stands between these 4 teams and their goal to get to the championship. 80 minutes will stand between 2 of these teams before they can cut down the net. Like the rest of this tournament, nothing is impossible. Nothing.

The Sweet down to The Elite

We went from 64 to 32 to 16 in one weekend. As many as 16 games per day so with only 4 games Thursday and Friday it was depressing to go through Mon-Wed with no basketball whatsoever. No matter what channel you were watching or where you were, once 12/11c came around, there was basketball on somewhere. Well at least on TBS/ESPN/CBS/TruTv. Once we got through those opening rounds, we weeded out the teams that weren't worthy, the ones who didn't show up to play and the ones who maybe were wrongfully booted from the tournament. Down to the Sweet 16 teams returned back to their respective campuses for a day or two before heading back into battle. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday seemed to take forever... and finally Thursday was upon us.

#3 UConn vs. #2 San Diego St 74-67

San Diego State had a very big advantage over UConn in this game. Not only were they a bigger team with a dominant front court under the basket, but they were playing in Anaheim, CA. A mere 100 miles from campus. Meanwhile the Huskies had to travel nearly 2,800 miles across the country from Storrs, CT. But that's how UConn likes it. The West region has been very good to UConn in the past, however in playing teams in their home state UConn was 0-7. Was it time to steer the boat in the other direction? Indeed it was. A close game through much of the first half kept everyone on their toes until Kemba Walker came a live and UConn closed on a 19-5 run. Coming back out in the 2nd half, San Diego State wasn't going to go down easily. That is until Jeremy Lamb decided it was time to break out. Combined Walker and Lamb scored 60 of the teams 74 points (Walker: 36 pts, Lamb: 24 pts). This UConn team is on a mission to get to Houston and bring the trophy back to Storrs. They're not going to let anything get in their way. When Walker is on fire, the rest of the team feeds off of him. Right now, there is no stopping this train. U! C! O! N! N! UCONN! UCONN! UCONN!

#3 BYU vs. #2 Florida 83-74 (F/OT)

Florida/BYU First Round 2010... BYU sent the Gators home with a 99-92 2OT victory. Florida was back this year and out for blood. They weren't going down easily. The entire game was a battle. Jimmer Fredette didn't disappoint anyone with his 32 point showing, but it wasn't enough. Tied at 36 at the half it was anyone's game. Bucket after bucket dropped for each team. With less than a minute left BYU was sent to the line. Making the first of 2 free throws game was tied at 68. Regulation over. Into OT we go. Florida came out swinging and never let up. They weren't going to have a repeat of last year. There was nothing the Cougars could do. They were out played 15-6 in OT. Fredette's phenomenal season is now over. Florida advances to play Butler on Saturday.

#5 Arizona vs. #1 Duke 93-77

Were we going to see another #1 seed go down Thursday? It was possible, especially after Duke's narrow escape from Michigan in the round of 32 but many believed Duke was better, more experienced, and would come out on top. If you picked Duke, you thought wrong. Arizona went into halftime 6 points down. 20 minutes is a lot of basketball to play but Duke is one of the best 2nd half teams in the country. Arizona had an uphill climb if they wanted to win. Not only did they climb, they destroyed the Blue Devil's mountain. The Wildcat's 55 point 2nd half might be one of the best 2nd half performances in college basketball history. They seemingly did nothing wrong behind the lead of Derrick Williams. Once they started climbing, Duke wasn't going to catch up. As the minutes ticked down, Duke found themselves in unfamiliar NCAA territory, on the losing side. Defending champions were gone and another #1 is sent home empty handed. Who's next? The Wildcats face the Huskies on Saturday.

#8 Butler vs. #4 Wisconsin 61-54

4 words can sum up this game for Wisconsin: Too little too late. Jordan Taylor dropped a few 3 pointers and got the Badger bench pumped up in the last minutes, but there wasn't enough time. Wisconsin was down by as much as 20 at one point, and Butler seemed as though they weren't letting up anytime soon. Nothing seemed to be going right for the Badgers last night, they weren't making shots, making stupid errors and all around just playing sloppy basketball. But that's what this tournament is about, it's not the regular season. If you don't show up for 40 minutes, or even just a few minutes, you might be gone. So with that, Butler continues their march to the Final Four, while Duke was stopped short. Could this be Butler's year to win it all?

#11 Marquette vs. #2 UNC 81-63

Well that was completely un-entertaining. Nothing about this game made me want to keep watching. UNC showed that they are clearly the superior team without question. They were exceptional. Despite Marquette's fighting in the 2nd half, there is only so far you can go after you've already dug yourself into that deep of a hole. With less than 2 minutes to play "Blue Steel" comes in. UNC rolls their way once again to the Elite 8. Hats off to Marquette though for not giving up, they still came out to play in the 2nd half. Mad props.

#12 Richmond vs. #1 Kansas 77-57

The Jayhawks and the Morris twins... did we expect anything less than a complete dominance over Richmond. While the Cinderella story for the Spiders was fun to watch leading up to this match-up, going into a game against this Kansas team, it's hard not to think it's an automatic loss. Kansas took control from tip-off and never slowed down. They're a very fast team and if they go on a run it's hard to stop them. Richmond never stood a chance.

#4 Kentucky vs #1 Ohio State 62-60

This match-up was about as close of a true "neutral" field. Both schools are similar in distance (Ohio State a little bit closer) so fans despite having to drive some ways are willing to make the trip. You could hear in the arena there seemed to me more Ohio State fans with the near constant "O-H! I-O!" chant through out the game. After a quick pull away by the Buckeyes in the opening minutes, Kentucky fought back bringing the 1st half to a close tied 30-30. Anyone's game. Starting off the 2nd half, same deal, back and forth, back and forth. D. Lighty from 3 is like a cobra striking a victim, you're doomed no matter what. Something mentally with Kentucky clicked in the 2nd half, they started making plays both offensively and defensively, making the Buckeyes really focus. Neither team let up. It was going to come down to the end. Big night from non-star players were going to be deciding factors as players like JD Sullinger seemed to start to crack. 2 minutes, Kentucky down by 1. This is why we love NCAA basketball. Under a minute, Kentucky up by 1. Up by 3. Diebler for 3. Tied. Up 2. And that's the game. Kentucky wins. Down goes another #1.

#11 VCU vs. #10 Florida State 72-71 (F/OT)

Now this was a match-up that few people could have predicted. #11 play in seeded team VCU against the #10 Florida St Seminoles in the Sweet 16? It wasn't surprising to see these teams go point for point in the first half. They were very evenly matched teams, it was going to come down to who could play the whole 40 minutes. Going into the half, VCU seemed to be in control. Despite going into the half down, FSU came out ready for another 20 minutes and quickly took control of the game and the lead. But VCU ain't going down w/o a fight. They're run in this tournament will be talked about for years. Just over 4:00 left FSU has pulled within 3. Is the Cinderella story over for VCU? Will the more experienced Seminoles come out on top? I said it would come down to who would play for 40 minutes. Well with :20 they're tied at 65. And we're going into OT. Unlike the Florida/BYU OT this one isn't over in the first 2 minutes. with 1:30 left VCU is only up by 1 70-69. Here come the Seminoles but VCU wasn't going to let it happen. Buzzer beater lifted the Rams over the Seminoles continuing them on their incredible run starting from the play in game. Can they beat Kansas? Anything is possible at this point in the tournament.

With the Elite 8 finally set to go tomorrow, it's going to be a battle for blood. Some teams with nothing to lose while others have everything to prove. This tournament has proved that seeds don't always matter, it's about what teams show up for the whole 40 minutes. Like VCU who had to play just to GET IN to the tournament and here they are on their way to the Elite 8. Who will be in Houston next weekend? It's up to each coach, each player, each team to decide their destiny. How will your team (if they're still standing) fare?

On the front porch w/ JJ Grey

I'd like to think of myself as a beginning concert aficionado. I am most definitely an expert when it comes to Dave Matthews Band concerts, after 32 shows, I better be a freaking expert. I've become more known with the Ben Folds and John Mayer music scene and I plan to expand that the more they come to the midwest (hint hint). Then there are a few random shows I've been to: Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Jessica Simpson (yes I'm embarrassed to admit it), Stone Temple Pilots, OAR, Reel Big Fish, Alicia Keys, David Gray, Destiny's Child, the Roots, Jimmy Buffett and Kansas. Many of those artists I'd love to see again, but only when the time is right, I won't be going out of my way to get to their show anytime soon.

JJ Grey on the other hand... he is quickly becoming a musician I'd travel across the country to see. Last night I ventured down to Evanston, IL (northern suburb of Chicago) to see JJ in a small club known as S.P.A.C.E. The smallest venue I'd been to before last night was the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee, which holds a couple thousand. Last night there was no more than 200 people. I felt like I was in an art gallery rather than a concert "venue". Back in 2007, I saw Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds in an acoustic show at UMASS but it was no where near the same feel as last night because that show was in the schools basketball arena with at least 7,000+ people. Not saying the show wasn't amazing, but it didn't feel like the right venue for an acoustic show. Last night (I was late and missed the opener) was much more intimate. We sat in regular chairs, drinks were brought to your seats, and you could actually see JJ himself, hard not to when you're sitting no more than 20 ft away.

Taking the stage around 9:30 I felt like a kid waiting to open presents on Christmas with butterflies in my stomach, the same feeling I get when I'm at a DMB show. I knew I was in for a treat. Seeing two bottles of Corona and a glass of whiskey, I knew he was ready for a good night. He sat down, said hello, and started the show with one of my favorite songs "Hide and Seek". I didn't know what to expect as this was only my 2nd acoustic and 2nd JJ Grey show. From the first notes I was blown away. The man's voice and guitar takes somewhere in the south, during the summer, beer (or liquor) in hand, sitting on a porch, sun, sunglasses, beach, water, the works. You can't help but feel at home when he's singing. Continuing on with the show he sang "Beautiful World" and "Better Days". To me what makes the show incredible is that it's not flashy, there is no light show, no fancy graphics. Just the man, his guitar, harmonicas, a few drinks and a microphone. Yet you are mesmerized for 2 hours while he sings. That to me is the real tell of a good performer.

Something that's great about this type of show, is not just the music. Of course that's what initially makes you want to buy the ticket. But last night I was just as entertained by the stories that JJ told the crowd, who seemingly held onto every word like he were Socrates and you were one of his philosophy students. Despite what I like the call the "Drunk Housewives of Chicago" who seemingly were trying to steal the spotlight from him, his interactions with the crowd were fun. Looking to the ladies saying "It sounds like a bad 79's porno over there" makes you laugh because they think it's a compliment, when no, we're all just laughing at you. Now these ladies were almost asked by many people around us to STFU, but we refrained after JJ explained "It's like we're all down in Jacksonville, my home town, on the front porch. We can do just about anything except for fighting". Hearing where the inspiration for the songs is almost as good as the songs themselves. Just to hear him say things like "now I'm shitfaced" as he finishes his glass of whiskey makes it worth it. Makes him normal, human. You get a sense of vulnerability when he speaks about writing "The Sweetest Thing" for his daughter. My favorite story of the night came before his steamy, raunchy, dirty song "Slow, Hot and Sweaty" I'm sure you can figure out just what the song is about. He explained the first time that his mother, father, and grandmother heard the song. The embarrassment of his mother telling him "I hope you're happy, you just wrote the filthiest song I've ever heard without using a cuss word"and yet the hilarity in looking at his father shaking his head silently saying "you're on your own son". But it didn't end there, looking next to him was his grandmother, expecting the worst, yet there she was, rocking out, thinking of the days when she got slow hot and sweaty.

I've seen some amazing musicians in the concerts I have attended, but for some reason JJ has got something different. It might be that this is the first southern rock/bluegrass/memphis blues kind of musician I've really listened to so I'm still learning the style, but his skills on the guitar really amazed me. Didn't need a drum, because you could hear his boot hitting the stage as he kept the beat. Almost feel it in your chest. Watching his fingers work the strings of the guitar is incredible, especially when he records a loop of a few measures to play as background then goes into a solo. Astounding. Even if it wasn't the type of show to stand up and dance like a fool around the stage, you can't help but tap your foot and bob your head as he plays. It's infectious, makes you want more.


With all this being said, if you haven't listened to JJ Grey (and MOFRO) I suggest you do so immediately. I was hooked from the first song back in October and I can't wait to get to see them more. If you find him/them playing at a venue nearby, go. Don't think twice, go. You'll regret it if you don't, I promise. If you don't enjoy yourself, I will give you your money back personally (and I will determine if your reasons are worthy of the money).

Onwards to the Sweet 16...

What a weekend... let me say it again... what a weekend. Going into the first rounds I felt pretty confident about my bracket, I had a good amount of upsets and a few of the clear top teams to make it through this weekend. Some match ups went the way most of the sports world predicted however some upsets, no one really saw coming. Once one upset occurred it seemed like all the other teams saw the light and realized it was their time to shine. Let's go day by day and recap just exactly what happened. Despite what the NCAA and the rest of the t.v stations are saying the first 4 play in games ARE NOT round 1. If there were a full field of games those days then yes, that's round 1 but 4 games does not constitute as round 1 of tournament play. Therefore we begin with Thursday.

Round of 64 Day 1: Thursday 3/17

A common theme of the first 16 games seemed to be "Winning by less that 3 points." 5 of the games were decided within the last minute of regulation. The biggest upset of the day came when Morehead St defeated Louisville 62-61 with a late 3 pointer. Very few people expected Louisville to make it to the championship but to lose in the 1st round, that was a shocker to say the least. The 8/9 match-up of Butler and Old Dominion provided entertainment to say the least with Howard last second layup to win. The Princeton Tigers fought ti'll the end against Kentucky and the Temple Owls flew over the Penn State Nittany Lions in the final seconds of a buzzer beater. UCLA somehow managed to hold off Michigan State in the final seconds to advance. While there were a handful of heart attack games the rest were what was expected. UConn dominated Bucknell, Pitt cruised past UNC Asheville as did San Diego St and Florida over Northern Colorado and U.C Santa Barbara respectively. But the big upsets, other than Morehead St came from Gonzaga over the injured St. John's and Richmond over Vanderbilt.

Round of 64 Day 2: Friday 3/18

Nothing short of exciting from the 2nd day of 16 games. More upsets, more heartbreaks and more domination. Continuing the fall of the Big East, Villanova lost to George Mason and Georgetown lost to VCU, but Syracuse and Notre Dame won as well as Marquette with the upset over Xavier. Top teams Duke, UNC, Ohio State, Kansas and Purdue proved why they were in the tournament. However, Texas narrowly escaped Oakland 85-81 as well as Washington edging out Georgia 68-65. The 30 point domination of Michigan over Tennessee was a shocker but then again Bruce Pearl decided to provide enough distraction for the team to lose their focus on what was important, winning. Arizona narrowly escaped Memphis while Florida State upset the Aggies from Texas A&M. All in all a good day in baseketball. And so we move on to the weekend.

Round of 32 Day 1: Saturday 3/19

First games of the day almost seem like nothing compared to the excitement of the last 4 games. Kentucky while trailing most the game came through to beat West Virginia, Florida escaped UCLA, Richmond ended the Cinderella story of Morehead St, and San Diego St survived Temple in Double OT. All pretty standard, but then came the prime time games. Then came Butler/Pitt, many of which expected a Pitt dominance. You thought wrong. The Bulldogs fought until the end keeping the game from going into OT. Matt Howard rebounded the ball with .8 left on the clock and would take the final heave down the court hoping for a miracle. As he throws up the ball he's fouled by Robinson as he admits "it was all my fault" The ball more than likely was going nowhere near the rim forcing overtime but instead sending one of Butler's best to the free throw line to potentially win the game. Makes the first, misses the 2nd but with .8 on the clock not even the best players could make a shot like that happen. With that our first #1 seed is gone. BYU cruised past Gonzaga and Connecticut lead by who else, Kemba Walker, showed why they deserve to be in this tournament ousting Cincinnati in the last 1:35 of regulation. And then the Badgers can thank Jordan Taylor for blocking Kansas State's last 3 point attempt to tie the game to force overtime.

Round of 32 Day 2: Sunday 3/20

The final day of the opening rounds came upon us and it seemed like an eternity before it was over for some teams at least. #1 seed Duke got a scare from Michigan a game in which everyone expected to be a blowout and #2 UNC barely escaped Isiah Thomas and the Washington Huskies on what many are arguing was the officials fault for not blowing the whistle or reviewing the play clock at the end of the game as well as not calling the goal tending on Thomas' last shot, while it was only a 2, it's the principal of the matter. Ohio State and Kansas sent George Mason and Illinois home packing. However, the rest of the games weren't so easy. Arizona squeaked by Texas as they seemed to completely deteriorate at the end allowing the Cats to capitalize and win 70-69. 11th Big East ranked Marquette took control of the game at the end to close the chapter on Syracuse 66-62. A game most thought was pretty much given to the Orange. No we're not done yet. Cinderella team VCU, who had to play in one of the 4 games just to make it to the tournament was up against Purdue. It's about to strike midnight, oh wait, not just yet. Not only did VCU beat Purdue, they dominated the entire game. Never letting up keeping their game plan and making baskets. Say goodbye to another top team. But it didn't stop there, 10 seeded Florida State man handled 2 seed Notre Dame, a team many thought was headed to the Elite 8 at least.

Thus concludes the opening weekend of the 2011 tournament. We have an 8/4 (Butler/Wisconsin) 11/2 (Marquette/UNC), 12/1 (Richmond/Kansas) and an 11/10 (VCU/Florida St). This is why they call it March Madness. If the top teams always won and there were no upsets it wouldn't be as exciting. No one expected to see a double digit team guaranteed to the elite 8 but either VCU or Florida St will be there. Despite the dismal showing of the 11 Big East teams, 2 remain: UConn and Marquette. No they're not the 1 and 2 teams from the big east, not even in the top 5. They are the 9th and 11th teams from that conference. UConn has won 7 in a row, they're not ready to lose just yet. Marquette has got nothing everything to gain but nothing to lose. If they lose to UNC, it's expected, if they win, it's just yet another bracket buster. Some of the top favorites in Kansas, Duke, Ohio St, UNC, and Kansas are still in the running, but this year more than ever, no one is safe. The only team who seems to be on an unstoppable track is Ohio State, but even their team is vulnerable. Teams now have 3-4 days to travel to their designated regional locations, practice, devise game plans and prepare for the biggest games of the season. You lose, you go home. You win, you advance. It's not just about the skill anymore, it's about who wants it more. Which team can show up and play better for a minimum of 160 more minutes. Who wants to hold that trophy in Houston on April 4th.

Time to Dance... Leave it on the floor

So it begins, what some sports fans call the best time of the year. Starting last week with Championship Week in college bball. A week this year that did not disappoint. Upsets, historic runs, buzzer beaters, overtime heartbreaks, the works. You name it, it happened. After teams finished their conference tournaments they awaited their fates on Selection Sunday. Waiting just to see where they're going to start their journey to the big stage. Despite a few disses from the selection committee, the new field of 68 was set and ready for the next 3 weeks.

For the first time in tournament history there were 4 play in games. Teams battled not to advance in tournament, but rather for a chance just to play. Not only play but potentially play against some of the best teams in the 64 team field. With those games finished we can look to the tournament. First round play begins today with 16 games. 16 2 hour games of pure bliss, that is unless the team(s) you're rooting for fail to do what is necessary to win. Players and coaches have been preparing themselves this entire season just for this month. It's what every team strives for and once you're there, there's no looking back. All you can do is put everything you got on the floor and hope it's enough to move onto the next round.

There are some interesting match ups in these first rounds, with some people talking about some serious potential upsets. Not only are these games about who has more talent, physically, but about who mentally can hang with the big dogs. There are teams who you can almost always count for at least a win or two in the tournament (Washington, Gonzaga, Xavier) because they know how to play on this level. They may not be the best team in the field but matched against another team with similar or better skill, these experienced teams still have the advantage. It's a different kind of game, different atmosphere and if you haven't played in it before, it can sometimes make the best of you. Not say that young inexperienced teams cant succeed in the tournament because they absolutely can, but in this kind of tournament, experience often trumps skills.

There is no other tournament that provides this much excitement in college fans across the country. Don't get me wrong I love the BCS and I love college football, but March Madness has a different effect on people. During BCS season you don't find random luke warm sports fans rushing to find pools to join and place bets on teams they haven't watched all season with hopes that they'll win the whole thing. People basing brackets of mascots and colors, which coach they think is cuter, flipping a coin, there is no other sporting event that does this to people. Everything about the tournament is exciting. Whether you're watching just to watch a good game, rooting for your alma mater (UCONN), praying that the team you bet on in Vegas wins it all so you come home with some $$$, it's exciting. Watching the 12 seed upset the 5 seed, even if it ruins your bracket, makes you rethink about what you're going to do the next year.

Tournament is underway, who's going to take the title this year? Can your team hang long enough to make it to the title game? Are they tough enough? Let the Madness begin... It's time to dance.

Without Music, Life is Empty

There are few things more powerful in this world than music. Music can touch one's soul in so many different ways. Whether you're just looking to dance like no one is watching, going through a dark time in life, need a smile, or just simply want to listen to something that's good to the ears. I've coined the term "eargasm" referring to a good band, voice, song, lyric, what have you as an orgasm for your ears. There are different artists for different people but everyone has those 4-5 bands that no matter what no matter when they can turn to for almost anything. I like to think that I have very good taste in music, but it's all relative and personal. If I had to group my musical preferences it would have to be rock/alternative rock but I listen to everything. Not exaggerating, everything. My iTunes ranges from Billy Joel to Justin Bieber (yes I have the fever) to Drake to the Beatles to Spice Girls. I'm currently on a quest to listen to everything in my music library, it's deeming more difficult than I thought it would be. In this quest I gave myself the daunting task of picking my top 5 bands/artists/musicians. After some careful deliberations and a few no brainers I finally got it sorted out. As I listen to The Avett Brothers "I and Love and You" I present to you, my Top 5:

First I'd like to mention the Honorable Mention, Eminem. While I think he quite possibly will be the greatest rapper of all time by the end of his career, I couldn't place him in my top 5. There is no one out there like him, no one can do what he does, and I've really come around to his lyrics. Some people say they write their best when they're angry, Marshall Mathers is no different.


5. JJ Grey (and MOFRO)

While I'm still very new to his music, I went to my first show in October of 2010 without any knowledge of the music, from the first chords I was hooked, as cheesy as it sounds. A soul/funk/blues/southern rock band from Jacksonville, FL can rock with the best of them. The band while relatively unknown has more talent than a lot of up and coming artists these days. They don't need flashy light shows or big stage set ups to impress you, their talent speaks for itself. Lead singer JJ Grey's voice is that deep rasphy blues voice that the Southern music scene breeds. His vocal range will astound and amaze you. Not to mention, he can play a mean blues guitar but more impressively his harmonica skills are exquisite. A lost art for sure in "mainstream" music nowadays, he makes you want to learn to play yourself. With cheap tickets, if they're in your area for a show, I not only say you should go, I demand that you do.

Favorite Album: Orange Blossoms
Recommended songs: Lochloosa, Slow, Hot and Sweaty, Orange Blossoms, WYLF, On Fire



4. R.E.M

No not Rapid Eye Movement, but the band R.E.M has been more than influtential to the alternative music scene for the last 20 years, they changed it. From Athens, GA Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry didn't realize what they were getting into. R.E.M is one of the first bands I can remember really listening to in part that my mother is a bigger fan than I. "Losing My Religion" was one of the first songs I ever learned all the words to and for some reason it always stuck with me. Their sound as Peter Buck said is "Minor key, mid-tempo, enigmatic, semi-folk-rock-balladish things." All members of the band (minus Berry who left the band in 2000) are credited with writing songs however when asked to name a member of the band, Stipe is often the first to come to mind. Don't blame you, he is the band's leader. His voice and the bands lyrics have been confusing from the start but that's part of the appeal. "It's just the way I sing. If I tried to control it, it would be pretty false." Simple enough. This is one band that I'm still dying to see live because I have no doubts that I will be blown away. Their most recent album "Collapse Into Now" is nothing short of genius with somewhat new sounds as well as going back to their roots.

Favorite Album: Out of Time
Recommended Songs: Losing My Religion, It's the End of the World, NightSwimming, Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight, The One I Love, UBerlin



3. Dave Matthews Band

Shocking I know, Dave Matthews Band aren't my #1 band. Yes they are clearly as some would call an obsession of mine, but they aren't anywhere close to my top 2 bands. I really started listening to DMB when I was in high school again thanks to my mother and I fell in love with the music from the moment I heard the first notes of bassist Stefan Lessard's opening to "Crush". That song is perfect in every way. It wasn't until I saw them live for the first time in 2003 that I really understood what the band is capable of. Carter Beauford's 60 piece percussion set will amaze you, Lessard's bass will engulf your chest, Boyd Tinsley's violin baffles the eyes, Dave Matthew's lyrics and voice makes you melt. In 2008, the band took a hard hit when founding member and saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away. While he was never as animated as other members of the band, without his saxophone, the band would have been incomplete. The band now with new members is still touring and selling out arenas after 20 years and will go down as one of the greatest touring acts of all time, whether you like them or not. Playing 3+ hour shows, 20 minute jams, tirelessly pouring their souls onto the stage every night, when you're there the rest of your world vanishes. You can't help but dance and let the music take you away.

Favorite Album: Before These Crowded Streets
Recommended Songs: Crush, Idea of You, You Never Know, Say Goodbye, Fool to Think, Halloween, Last Stop, ShotGun, Break Free, Squirm, #41, Lie in our Graves



2. Queen

There has never been a voice in music like Freddie Mercury's. It was perfect. Fluid, smooth, loud, unmatched, impeccable. With a voice like that one need's a stage presence to match it, and boy did he. Openly homosexual, Mercury took stage presence to a new level channeling other British rock bands of the 70's and 80's. There are few performers who will ever be able to match what this man did on stage. While songs like "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions" will synonymously be linked with sports as will "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Wayne's World, there are more gems underneath their hits. This band is one band that I wish I could have seen in it's original form during their prime. Unfortunately, due to his lifestyle of promescuity and drugs, Mercury passed away in the 1990's. The band is still touring with new members but nothing can top what Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon did.

Favorite Album: Greatest Hits (has to be, encompasses them perfectly)
Recommended Songs: Fat Bottomed Girls, Don't Stop Me Now, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Bohemian Rhapsody




1. Led Zeppelin

1997 Led Zeppelin... there is nothing better. Jimmy Paige, John Bonham, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant. There is not a better foursome of musicians, ever. Now some may argue that I'm too young to appreciate their music, but if you can truly listen to their sound and it can effect your soul, then you appreciate it. From the release of Led Zeppelin in 1969, the world wasn't ready for what was coming. The early years they were still relatively unknown, I use that term loosely, until 1971 when all hell broke loose. Album after album released, tour after tour selling out, it was non-stop. They were revolutionizing the way people listened to music especially in the concert setting. Jimmy Paige hands on the double necked guitar will blow anyone's mind. John Bonham destroyed the drums like no one ever thought possible (except for maybe Pete Townshend). John Paul Jones bass can't be matched. And there is Robert Plant. The sex symbol frontman who's voice could melt any woman (and even man) in an arena. They changed the Rock N Roll for the better with solo after solo during their concerts, breaking barriers on stage, and writing music that no one could compete with. Breaking up in 1978 and then John Bonham's death in 1980 could have broken the band entirely. Despite rare appearances the band did continue on, but was never the same. In 2009, with Bonham's son Jason on the drums, there seemed to be a new breath of life back in the band. It's hard to argue that they aren't the best when they were honored with the "Greatest Live Act of All Time". There are few artists since Zeppelin who can't say that they aren't an influence.

Favorite Album: Zeppelin IV
Recommended Songs: Heartbreaker, Dyer Maker, Black Dog, Going to California, Stairway to Heaven, Immigrant Song

2011 Big East Champions... 5 in 5

It's not an unknown fact in this world that I am a die hard UConn Huskies fan, from the moment I stepped on the Storrs campus. In my 6 years as a UConn fan, and somewhat beyond because I've always liked Ray Allen, there have been more heartbreaks than good times. My freshman year was the year they lost to George Mason in the sweet 16 (no I don't want to talk about it). Senior year they lost to Michigan State in the Final Four. And also 3.12.2009: the epic 6 OT Big East Quarter Final vs. Syracuse. Quite possibly the most emotionally draining game I've ever watched, in college basketball at least. But this week wasn't not about heartbreaks, far from it. The Big East Conference this year is no doubt the best conference, with a current 11 teams projected to make the NCAA tournament. Despite teams like Notre Dame, Pitt and St. John's all front runners for the conference title, the championship was up for grabs. Let's start from the beginning...

Round 1: Tuesday Noon --> UConn vs. DePaul F:97-71

1 Big East win DePaul never stood a chance up against the Huskies. This game for UConn was going to be about the freshman and what they could do in this kind of arena. Despite Kemba Walker's ever dominating offense, Jeremy Lamb scored 19 pts and Shabazz Napier scored 11. Just a preview for the rest of the tournament.

Round 2: Wednesday Noon --> UConn vs. Georgetown F: 79-62

Georgetown we knew was going to put up more of a fight. They're a big team but the quickness of our young roster was no match. Once again leading the way was Kemba Walker with 28 points. That game seemed to have come and gone before anyone really knew what was going on.

Round 3: Thursday Noon --> UConn vs. Pittsburgh F: 76-74

Now here is where things started to get a little stressful. Jim Calhoun knew going into this game that Pitt was going to be tough, mentally and physically. They are a bigger team than UConn but rather than faltering, it brought out the best in the Huskies. UConn went down 20-8 in the 1st half and looked to be struggling to find their groove. Still with a lot of basketball left, no one thought it was over. Then something changed UConn hit their stride, made baskets left and right. Husky Nation knew it was going to be a game when Walker split 4 defenders to make a 2 pt basket. UConn finished the half down 1, 41-40. Pitt came out in the 2nd half, gave themselves a little cushion but the Huskies weren't going down without a fight. With :50 sec left we're tied at 74. Setting up the final play was Coombs-McDaniel with the rebound of the year. A missed lay up by Walker, brought the ball into Coombs-McDaniel's hands, rather than faltering his steps and traveling or getting fouled the TO. Despite walkers previous 4 missed lay up shots everyone knew who was getting the ball: Kemba. 18 seconds left on the clock both teams took the court, UConn could win or else we're going into OT. Kemba dribbling, guarded by McGhee, man to man, he never stood a chance. A few quick fakes, Walker had McGhee stumbling to the ground, Walker stepped back put up the shot right before the buzzer........ ITS GOOD! Another epic shot for Kemba and UConn is now in the Semi Finals. Another team bites the dust* (QueenC)

Round 4: Friday 7:00 pm --> UConn vs. Syracuse F/OT: 76-71

Almost 2 years to the day later here we are again: UConn vs. Syracuse in the Big East Conference Tournament. Emotionally, as a Husky fan, I was not ready for another game like the 6 OT thriller. At the beginning of the first half Syracuse jumped to a 12-5 lead, but once UConn went on a 7-0 run the game never stretched more than 4-5 points on their side of the court. Down the stretch UConn was up 68-65 but with :08 seconds left Scoop Jardine made a 3 point shot to tie the game. Overtime. Unlike 2 years ago, UConn took control and never looked back. Outscoring Syracuse 8-3 in OT, the Huskies won 76-71. Beautiful. We're in the Championship game feeding off of Kemba's 33 pt performance who now with 101 points has the Big East record for points scored in a single tournament (beating the previous record holder of Devendorf from Syracuse).

Round 5: Championship Game, Saturday 9:00 pm --> UConn vs. Louisville F: 69-66

The last time UConn was in the championship game was 2004, when they won with the likes of Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor, Rudy Gay, and Hilton Armstrong. Was it possible that they could do the unthinkable? 5 games in 5 days and win them all? Teams have done 4 games in 4 days but never 5. The physical and mental endurance that a team has to go through to even make it that far is extraordinary. Leading up to Saturday, UConn looked poised to finish they're run in style. Half way through the 1st half UConn was up 27-15 and seemed to be in control when Walker picked up his 2nd personal foul. With that kind of lead, Calhoun sat him down for a while, smart, but the inexperience of the young team caught up with them and the Cardinals climbed they're way back into the game finishing the half only down by 6, 38-32. Before 5:00 passed in the 2nd half, Louisville had taken the lead. This is where UConn could have given up, let the exhaustion of playing 5 games in 5 days get the best of them, but they didn't. Playing smart deep into the 2nd half they still only had 3 teams fouls while Louisville had 10, giving the excellent free throw shooting UConn and excellent chance to score some easy points. The game became a rebounding challenge, which team could come up with the ball, but ultimately UConn won the battle on their ability to force turnovers. They never lost sight of the championship trophy, and Louisville wasn't going to stand in their way. Closing in on regulation play, UConn was up by 3 (67-64) when Walker fouled Mark Marra on his 3 point attempt (not sure of the call but oh well). Marra had to make all 3 free throws, but still gives UConn 4 seconds for a chance to throw it up to win. Tattoo clad Marra made the first... missed the 2nd... made the 3rd. UConn has the ball back, Louisville has to foul. :03 sec left Shabazz Napier goes to the line. Sinks both free throws. 69-66. One more shot for the Cardinals to tie it to go into OT. They hustle down the court, give the ball to Preston Knowles, who got off a great shot, but it wasn't enough. UConn wins. With 4 players in double digits, 3 of which are freshman, Louisville couldn't get past the Huskies. The Big East Conference Championship is now the property of The University of Connecticut.


While it's the entire team who wins the title, the MVP was no doubt Kemba Walker. Shattering the single tournament scoring record of 84, with 130, yes that's read right 130 points, Walker was unstoppable. His performances in every single game no only showed what skill he has, but also how much he's grown in the past 3 years at Connecticut. Evidence showed in plays like his drive to the basket when he split the Louisville defense but still had a tough shot. Rather than risking missing the shot which he probably would have done 2 years ago, he found Jeremy Lamb under the basket, passed and he scored. His leadership showed this week more than ever. He trusted his teammates and they trusted him in return. No other team played better than the Huskies this week. This tournament run and Kemba's games have showed that the Big East Player of the Year award needs to be awarded AFTER the tournament. Ben Hansborough, while a phenomenal player, doesn't deserve that award after what Kemba did this week. Walker told ESPN after the championship game: "Now that's it over I can definitely tell you I was tired. With about 2 minutes left I was gassed," he said with a smile that appropriately looked tired. "I just wanted to win this game so bad my heart took over." No one blames him for being exhausted, it's incredible he still put up 19 pts in the final game, but this shows how good he really is. Anyone who doubted his ability to play in the NBA is regretting that right now. He proved more than ever he can ball. If he is not the front runner for the NCAA Player of the Year award right now something is terribly wrong.

With the trophy and the team back in Storrs, with a day off today no doubt, they wait. Selection Sunday always seems to take forever. Where will they end up? What's going to be their seed. Right now they're the projected #2 seed in the East Region. Practically a home region for them. The last time UConn won the Big East Tournament, they went on the win the NCAA Tournament as well. Is it possible for them to do it again? Absolutely. If they keep playing like they did this past week, they're going to be tough to beat. No matter the outcome, this historic tournament will be talked about for years. Even if they win it all, I as well as many other Husky fans, have said that this championship run is more impressive. There is nothing like playing under the lights of Madison Square Garden for the Big East title. Right now, it's Husky Nation that everyone should be watching out for. We're taking over. I found the perfect quote to sum up this past week. From the Hartford Courant sports writer Jeff Jacobs: "Yet this much is certain: The 2010-11 Huskies have put the smile back on Calhoun's face, have put the smile back on Connecticut's face. The boys have got the joy, and it is infectious."

U! C! O! N! N! UCONN! UCONN! UCONN!