During the month of March, no word and its affiliates are more overused than that of "Bracketology." Sports fans everywhere this week have been reading blogs, perusing newspapers and diligently watching ESPN in an effort to get a one-up on their comrades so that they may achieve office pool immortality. It's all about picking a winning bracket, and some will stop at nothing in their quest of winning the title.
But I will never be a good bracketologist. I'm too much of a homer. And I can't pick against my heart. And I'm not a multi-task, multi-bracket kind of guy.
I pick Kansas to win every year, because that's what I want to see happen. So if historical odds ring true, Kansas will not win the title again for another 18 years. But it would be treasonous to pick another team to win--even if that's what I thought would happen. I'd rather lose with dignity than win in Benedict Arnold fashion.
This emotional roller coaster bleeds over into non-Kansas games as well. If I'd like to see Cornell beat Temple (I do) then I'll pick Cornell to beat Temple (I did--and this tip is free with the purchase of this column). Similarly, if I want to see Missouri (the lower seed) beat Clemson (the higher), I'll pick it that way--and did (another free tip).
I believe it's folly to pit a bracket against the heart. Why root for the team you think should win over the team you want to win. It's tantamount to the Biblical mandate of not acting contrary to conscience. Well actually that last statement is a little extreme. It's not that bad but it's not good. The reality of this approach, however, as it has established me as a perrinial loser in any and all Bracket Challenges in which I enter. I'm starting to get invites to participate in such challenges from all over the world. My participation in your pool ensures that you will not come in last place.
Another thing I avoid at all costs is filling out multiple brackets. I can't even keep track of one, let alone forty-five. I wonder how many possibilities there are of winning brackets in a field of 65? How many brackets would one have to complete to ensure a winner? Probably more than there are dollars in the Federal Budget Deficit, or its sister metric the National Debt.
But I don't want to be conflicted with numerous possibilites and combinations of wins and losses. I'm going to pick a bracket and stick to it. I won't look to the left or to the right.
My eyes are on the prize, and I'll sleep well keeping track of one bracket that reflects the sum total of my basketball heart, even if it means I've checked my brains at the front door.
Follow your heart young man, follow your heart. If you do you may not win $5 in the office pool, let alone the ESPN Bracket Challenge. But you will have your dignity, and you won't be conflicted between your alma mater and a number one seed.
And you'll be true to your school--just like the Beach Boys.
