Blog Archives
A Sister’s Charming Act
In every NCAA tournament, there’s at least one lower-seeded team–a Cinderella–that captures the heart and imagination of the nation whilst we watch our brackets crumble under the pressure of shocking upsets. Normally, this Cinderella of sorts solely references a men’s basketball team. However, this year, March Madness may finally have a true Cinderella in 98-year-old Sister Jean…
Good News: The Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago narrowly defeated the Nevada Wolfpack 69-68 tonight to reach the Elite Eight.
Better News: Cinderella’s slipper heartwarming and quick-witted spirit will continue to be in the international spotlight, befitting the uniquely-special character of college sports during this time of year.
#1: This Isn’t Lil’ News
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway has officially been named the head basketball coach of the University of Memphis.
This announcement comes after Tubby Smith was fired from this position a week ago. With this hiring, Penny has now made the coaching leap from the prestigious AAU and high school sidelines to the college game to great fanfare. The people of Memphis and its basketball team seem excited for his triumphant return (Penny played two seasons at Memphis when university was called Memphis State from ’91-’93).
“Hardaway was introduced at a Tuesday news conference that was open to the public, leading to a pep-rally atmosphere.”
–Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider
And one well-known former competitor had some very nice things to say about one of Orlando’s famous Magic men.
FYI – Penny Hardaway is my favorite basketball player of all-time. And it still feels very wrong that he never won an NBA title. Add onto that list his unfortunate string of injuries. Despite all of that, in his prime, Penny was one of the best players on court at any given moment. But more than that, he’s proven during his post-NBA career that he’s an even better man off the court.
Memphis signed a winner in Penny Hardaway in ways that aren’t singularly measured on the hardwood, but equally away from it.
P.S. It would be fun to see Chris Rock reprise his role as Lil’ Penny in some way…
Redefining the Sweet 16
It was destined to happen one day. My timeline was within the next 10-15 years. But it happened a little earlier than that…
For the first time in NCAA college basketball tournament history, a #16-seed has upset a #1-seed!
The UMBC Retrievers (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) not only defeated but dominated the overall #1-seed UVA Cavaliers 74-54 in Charlotte, North Carolina just moments ago. While UVA would’ve won 99 games out of 100 against UMBC, the Retrievers secured that one win at the most important time on the biggest stage to make college basketball history. Perhaps it’s fitting this game happened on March 16. As in march on, 16…march on.
And the college basketball Retrievers Underdogs for the ages will do just that in this tournament fittingly called March Madness.
I Wish This Buffet(t) Deal Was in My Hometown
Bracket filled-out? Check. Doing well so far on Day 1? Check. Currently working for Warren Buffet? No…
“In an interview with CNBC last month, Buffett said any employee who accurately predicts all Sweet 16 teams will receive $1 million per year for the rest of his or her life.”
–“Warren Buffett’s NCAA tournament bracket challenge: Perfection earns $1 million a year for life” by Tom Schad, USA Today
“The Oracle of Omaha” is clearly in the spirit of the “one shining moment” in March Madness. This isn’t the first time the 87-year-old has made a similar wager for his employees. And not only is it amazingly generous to award $1 million/year for the rest of your life (damn!), but to award a perfect Sweet 16 is the stunning part of this spectacular monetary equation. Not a perfect bracket or a perfect Final Four, but a perfect Sweet 16. That’s not a slam dunk by any means, yet it is possible with a little bit of luck.
It’s not a chocolate factory, but it’s still pretty good.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 