Back for the First Time

I bring em "Back to the Future" like an '85 Delorean

After a 14 month hiatus, I would like to formally announce my return to the blogosphere. I've most definitely been busy since my last post, although that doesn't explain taking 14 months off, but I'm sure my loyal readers (which are numerous by the way, last check in the tens of thousands) will forgive me. Maybe I just didn't have anything to say...?

The NCAA basketball tournament field was announced earlier today and I don't really know what to expect from the madness that starts on Thursday. I do know that, as always, it's gonna be a fun 3 weeks.

Ohio State drew into a tough region that includes consensus #1 Kansas, Big East runner-up Georgetown, ACC co-champion Maryland, Big Ten rival Michigan State and SEC threat Tenneesee. I will of course be rooting for Ohio State but it's gonna be tough for them or anyone really to get out of that region (although inevitably, one team in fact will).

The alma mater that is Arizona State University missed out on the NCAA tourny (rightly so...they literally beat no one this year that me, you and three grade schoolers couldn't have beaten) and will, for the 2nd time in the last three years, proudly enter the NIT (Not Invited Tournament) as a #1 seed. What a joke...the NIT is an incredible waste (outside of more experience for the players and a few more home games for the fans of the top seeds).

That said, in no way, shape or form does ASU's post season situation demean or devalue in the slightest the INCREDIBLE coaching job that Herb Sendek did this year for the Sun Devils. After losing 2009 Pac 10 Player of the Year and 3rd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft "Sweet Baby" James Harden, as well as 2009 Pac 10 First Team and 31st overall pick in the draft Jeff "I had Econ classes with him" Pendergraph, AND being picked to finish dead stinking last in Pac 10 this season, ASU went 22-10 overall and 12-6 in the conference, good enough for 2nd place. Herbie was rightly awarded the Pac 10 Coach of the Year award.

They approve of Herbie's coaching job this year, but NOT the NIT appearance

What's shocking is that there is in fact a 3rd post-season tourny at the Division 1 level, the "CBI". One thing I can definitely take solace in is that the University of Arizona Wildcats missed out on all three tournaments this year....maybe next year guys.

I don't have much else to say at the moment. Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things (ya know, things like writing with intelligence, writing things that are interesting and that others may actually enjoy reading, etc, etc). Hopefully soon, as in hopefully sooner than 14 months from now, I'll have something to say again.

Until next time...