Can you hear it? The cheers and the jeers, the boos and the ovation. The crowds going nuts as they root for their favorite teams and players. Yes you guessed it. Its that fabulous time of the year once again, March Madness has gracefully entered the stage once again, and all eyes will be focused on college basketball’s best. For the next 30 or so days, some will be elated, some will be crushed, some will yell for joy whilst others cover their faces in shame. I cannot think of a more exciting time in American Sports. The only other event that rivals this type of excitement in my opinion is the World Cup. I can hear the boos already. How can you compare it to the World Cup and not mention the Super bowl? Well, the Super Bowl is a fine event in its own right, but it is a one day event and its over. March Madness just like the World Cup is the culmination of heart pounding games that take place over a lengthy period of time. The intensity in those games leading up to the finals is unrivaled. Careers are made and shattered during this month of excellence. Throngs of fans live and die for this period. Its been estimated that during March, business lose about $1.5 billion due to inefficient production stemming from following the games. I hide my face in shame knowing full well I am guilty of such weak production.

As usual I will be rooting for the boys in blue. The North Carolina Tar Heels will have my loyal support from start to finish. Its been an interesting season for the Tar Heels. Early on they lost one of their finest bench players, Bobby Frasor to an unfortunate knee injury. At that point, the collective hopes of many Tar Heel fans was shaken. In comes seldom used point guard Quentin Thomas to fill in for Frasor. A few weeks later, the Heels starting point guard Tywon Lawson goes down with an ankle injury. Things were not looking good for the Carolinians, especially after loosing to Maryland and Duke. The nay sayers were having a field day. The true mark of a competitor is how you respond to adversity, and I must say the Tar Heels responded brilliantly. They went on to win the ACC tourney and also the conference title. Tyler Hansbrough was instrumental in helping UNC win both.

Speaking of Tyler Hansbrough, is there a better competitor in College basketball. Every night he goes out there and gives 150%. People say he gets unfair treatment from the refs, maybe that is true, but I bet those same people would not be complaining if he was playing on their team. He gets calls simply because he attacks the basket relentlessly. The refs are only human so its natural for them to give him the benefit of the doubt on certain possessions. I give credit to the Beasleys’ of the game, but on the college level I would take Tyler Hansbrough over any player right now.

In a few hours, the Heels will take the court. They will carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their multitude of supporters around the world. Will they deliver? Only time can tell. I know they will have my undivided attention. All opposition will feel my venomous wrath (I keed, I keed!). I am too big a basketball fan to not appreciate good basketball, regardless of who is playing. A few days ago a friend of mine suggested I root for the Memphis Tigers. Of course I rebuked her immediately, heck I am writing this note simply to show her who will be getting my support. With that said, I probably will be watching the Tigers, the Bruins, the Blue Devils and the various teams that will be dueling for that prestigious title. As I am writing right now, Western Kentucky just hit a miracle shot to beat Drake in overtime. Ladies and gentlemen, do you need any more proof as to why March is the best time of the year.