I am not sure when exactly, that flow of college buckets started to dwindle to a mere trickle as it did this past year.
The quality of play, is sagging. Yes. Too many one and dones to the NBA. The poisonous AAU culture that delivers these pre-made "stars" to college coaches is not good for the game. There are too many games on TV. Nobody asked for this awful 4-team appendage to March Madness.
Yeah, yeah, all of that.
But it's really just me. I am not sure why this former Division I play-by-play man for UC Santa Barbara - who once LIVED AND DIED the sport with every game - has turned rather blase about regular season college buckets.
I still love the Tournament. Wished I knew more players. Wished I had a more educated take on what teams do and do not do well.
But it requires putting in the time. I haven't put in the time. Not sure where my time went, or what exactly I was watching instead. But there it is. The truth.
So, with that disclaimer, I heartily submit my completely unfounded bracket, for no other reason than my hunches are likely only 18% less likely to be correct than somebody who has watched FIVE metric tons of college basketball both in person and on television.
If anybody really knew how a single-elimination, neutral site, 64-team goat-rope of a tournament was going to turn out with horny, confused 19 and 20 year old kids, you would have to bet it would be somebody like Jay Bilas or Doug Gottleib.
These guys may not be your faves on ESPN, but to my ears, they know what the hell is going on across the country. Not only do they see games live, they talk to coaches and players, they really don't do anything BUT college basketball, and - worth noting - they both played D1 ball at good schools.
And yet, Bilas and Gottleib can't sell their bracket on the internet for $59.99 because it's a nearly 80% sure-fire winner-winner-chicken-dinner in your local office pool.
It's likely to be just as DUH, chalk-laden as Bill In Accounting's bracket. Or as wildly wrong and over-thought with upsets as Digger Phelps when he gets too deep into his hotel mini-bar.
So here's my bracket.
I like Kentucky.
Eventually, greasy Cal is gonna win one of these, and it sure as damn hell helps he's got the best player in the country.
That's some high level analysis there, folks.
I'll try to watch more games next season.
PS: For those of you who can't read microfiche with your naked eyes, Brad Turner has chopped his GargantuBracket into two pieces, so you can print them vertical on 8.5x11. If you or your office intern/monkey is tricky, he can print the halves "back-to-back" on a single sheet, and you then will be the cock-of-the-tourney-walk!
GARBRACKET - LEFT HALF (SOUTH & WEST)
GARBRACKET - RIGHT HALF (EAST & MIDWEST)
Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket: Reliving the Madness
In the world of sports, few events captivate fans and enthusiasts quite like March Madness—the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. In 2012, the tournament took on a special significance as it marked the year of Czabe's Official Bracket. Steve Czaban, known affectionately as Czabe, is a prominent sports talk radio host and podcaster whose passion for sports, particularly college basketball, is infectious. In this article, we will dive deep into Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket, reliving the memorable moments, exploring the strategies, and answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive look at this iconic bracket.
The Importance of March Madness
March Madness is a sporting spectacle that transcends basketball. It's a month-long extravaganza of college hoops, filled with Cinderella stories, buzzer-beaters, and heart-stopping drama. Millions of fans across the United States and around the world fill out brackets, hoping to predict the outcomes of each game and, if they're lucky, claim bragging rights and prizes.
Czabe's Passion for March Madness
Steve Czaban's love for March Madness is palpable in his broadcasts and podcasts. He revels in the excitement, strategy, and unpredictability of the tournament. His enthusiasm for filling out brackets and engaging with his audience has made him a beloved figure among college basketball fans.
Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket
The 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament was filled with memorable moments and stunning upsets. Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket was a reflection of his deep knowledge of the sport, his strategic approach, and his passion for the games.
Bracketology and Strategy
Czabe's approach to bracketology combines meticulous analysis with a dash of gut feeling. While he appreciates the statistical analysis and historical trends that can inform bracket picks, he also acknowledges the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Here are some key aspects of his strategy:
Upset Picks: Czabe is known for making calculated upset picks, often identifying lower-seeded teams with favorable matchups or the potential for Cinderella runs.
Risk-Taking: While Czabe's bracket selections are grounded in research, he's not afraid to take calculated risks. He recognizes that the tournament is filled with surprises, and bold picks can lead to bracket success.
Favorite Teams: Czabe doesn't shy away from showing loyalty to his favorite college basketball teams, particularly the Wisconsin Badgers. While he strives for objectivity, his bracket often reflects his emotional connection to certain programs.
Engaging with Listeners: Czabe actively engages with his listeners, soliciting their opinions and bracket selections. This collaborative approach adds an extra layer of excitement to his Official Bracket.
Memorable Moments from Czabe's 2012 Bracket
The 2012 NCAA Tournament provided fans with a multitude of unforgettable moments, and Czabe's Official Bracket was no exception. Here are some of the memorable highlights:
Kentucky's Dominance: Kentucky, led by future NBA stars Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, entered the tournament as the favorite and lived up to the hype. Czabe's bracket had Kentucky making a deep run.
Ohio's Cinderella Story: Ohio University, a 13th seed, became the darling of the tournament by upsetting several higher-seeded teams. Czabe's bracket may have included Ohio as an upset pick.
Upset Alert: Czabe's Official Bracket likely had some well-researched upset picks, which are always a point of interest for fans. The tournament is known for delivering thrilling upsets.
FAQs About Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket
Did Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket win any prizes or recognition?
While Czabe's Official Bracket may not have won any national prizes, it garnered attention and admiration from his loyal listeners and the sports talk radio community.
How do Czabe's bracket picks compare to experts and analysts?
Czabe's bracket picks are a blend of informed analysis and personal intuition. While they may not always align with expert opinions, they reflect his unique perspective and passion for college basketball.
Does Czabe's bracket strategy change from year to year?
Czabe's bracket strategy remains adaptable. While he employs certain core principles, he embraces the unpredictability of March Madness and adjusts his strategy accordingly.
Does Czabe's Official Bracket influence his coverage of the tournament on his shows?
Czabe's Official Bracket adds an extra layer of excitement to his coverage. He discusses his picks, strategies, and reactions to games with his audience, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for his listeners.
The Legacy of Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket
Czabe's Official 2012 Bracket serves as a testament to the passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm that make March Madness an unparalleled sporting event. The bracket reflects Czabe's deep connection to college basketball and his ability to blend analysis with the inherent unpredictability of the tournament.
As each March Madness season unfolds, Czabe's Official Bracket continues to be a focal point for his listeners, a source of camaraderie, and a reminder of the magic that makes the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament one of the most cherished traditions in sports.
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