So Long and Thanks for the Memories...

So it wasn't George Mason: Part Deux.
Truth be told: nothing ever will be.

Fortunately, almost every year there's a story or two to be told that's special in its own right. As for this year, there is too much drama to imagine left to unfold.

Yet, clearly the BEST story of the first weekend of the tournament had to be the CAA Champion VCU Rams. Whether it was their defeat of the almighty Duke, behind the gutsy sophomore named Eric Maynor, or their near-miraculous comeback against Pitt led by guys named BA and Jesse (down 15 at the half and 19 in the second half)...the Rams were the surprising talk of the first weekend of the tournament more often than not.

And to think that if they hadn't somehow escaped Richmond with the CAA title, and a narrow defeat against George Mason of all people...they probably would've had their bubble burst.

So for all of you people constantly saying: "Any mid-major in America would finish dead-last in a major conference..." SHUTUP! SHUTUP now and forever.

Tell that same garbage to Wisconsin who lost to a Mountain West team called UNLV. Tell that to Notre Dame who lost to the Big South's Winthrop. Tell that to anyone who loses to 'mid-majors' like Butler and Southern Illinois. You think Michigan State, North Carolina, and UCONN think that way after George Mason's run last year? You think even Florida thought that?

How about you Dukies ask Coach K what he thinks. [That is, if he ever stops sobbing like a little girl with a skinned knee and 10 high-school All-Americans who had some bad luck.]

Sure, I attend VCU. What gave that away? Of course I am biased. But I also know a great story when I see one. Even if it's barely a weekend long...

Check out this link for a sappy, cliched, corny, and still poignant article about the Rams and their NCAA Tournament weekend. Props also go out to schools like Winthrop, Texas A&M CC, Wright State, and Davidson. Whether in victory or defeat...you helped mid-majors matter. Even if for 5 seconds for every major's 5 hours of press time.

Props to Pitt for the W. But everyone knows...you aren't nearly as welcome as we would've been to continue dancing.

It's nice when names like Fameni, Roland, Shuler and Pellot-Rosa get some press.
Not every team survives somehow with half-a-dozen
blue chip All-Americans, boosters with fat cash to pad a program,
and fat bank rolls to keep talented coaches in one place.