Who's George Dukakis?

Is a man who died trying to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel in 1931.

Congratulations to the Florida Gators on their mid-tournament promotion.

I think a big part of why we find underdog teams getting so far in the tournament has a lot to do with the ever increasing number of college players leaving early for the NBA. Most big players go to top tier schools to get as much exposure as possible. These players are going early to enter the NBA more and more, leaving the traditional top powerhouse teams with other extremely talented, inexperienced freshman. North Carolina is the most obvious example, losing practically every member of their championship team. This year their team is pure raw talent, and when it came down to the end of their loss to George Mason, they didn't have the experience or composure to get a win. Mid-major teams are more likely to have payers who stay all four years, becoming a better cohesive team. There's a big difference between a more talented 18 year old and a seasoned 23 year old. Memphis is young, and if it's a close game at the end they may start forcing shots, leaving an opening for the "veteran" Bucknell Braves. We'll be seeing more and more of the top teams with the best talent losing to the smaller schools in the tournament in years to come.

Also, I disagree with King about Morrison. He seems slow to me. He's not big enough to play the same game he plays now in the NBA, and the NBA will always having openings for shooters. I think in time, Redick will wind up being the better pro.

Excuse me, but I think we did have a Final Four a few years ago--I don't remember exactly--that consistently entirely of the #1 seeds. So that wouldn't be unprecendented.

Nope. It has never happened.

Hey King,

Halfway through the first night of the Sweet Sixteen, and you're perfect.

I was just thinking, it's too bad there's not an Earl University with a major basketball program. The Duke - Earl scoreboard would even better than Brad - Pitt.

And think of the headlines when the Arizona and Villanova bowling teams meet.

The King of the prognosticators!

I really thought you were going to go 3 for 4.

I have to admit, I had mixed emotions about the UCLA/Gonzaga game. I tend to root for the PAC 10, especially with all the stories this year (and quite a few the last few years) about how it's a weak basketball conference. I'll even root for Washington (never an easy thing for an Oregon fan).

On the other hand, it's hard to root against the Bulldogs, and a pity for them to lose a game that it looked like they were going to win.

...you may be thinking about, I think it was 1997, when three #1s and a #4 were in the final four. I only remember this because Arizona (they were the 4) beat three #1s to win it that year. One in the 8, one in the final 4, and one in the championship.

King:

Congratulations! You nailed it with your sweet 16 predictions.

Perfect!

Buddy Cohen

Birmingham, AL.