L.A. Pride is a true sports enthusiast.  A former youth, and division II assistant basketball coach, who studied the martial arts, he enjoys and follows all sports, even hockey.  His quick wit and insight brings a fresh view to the world of sports. You may not always agree with him, but you will enjoy his highly opinionated thoughts

Is it me…

Or is March Madness the most fun you can have in front of a television?  The games are, for the most part, just pure adrenalin, upsets galore.   The college kids NEVER quit and play right to the last second.  There are no casual games in the tournament and very few real favorites in a one and done situation.  Sure some teams are seeded higher and, on paper, are the better team (right Louisville), but in this format (one and done) anything can happen.  One team gets hot, (VCU), the other cold, foul trouble, etc.  March Madness is the perfect TV show, David versus Goliath, and David is slinging a big rock this year.

And just to make it more interesting they let us predict the outcome.  Imagine any other event with 68 participants and you are asked to predict the last one standing…You wouldn’t even try.  But every year we go for it, and fill out our brackets;  Knowing that this is the year we will be successful and select the NCAA College basketball champion.  Did you pick all, or any of the upsets?   How’s your bracket looking after two rounds?  (I know, they are saying three rounds on television, but the first four games don’t count, they are play-in games.  If you have to audition to make the show, you don’t get to call it a rehearsal.)    I thought so…you have to love it though, it is a true “reality” show.  The tournament is down to the sweet sixteen.  Sixteen schools left to battle for the championship and money.  That’s right the schools make money directly from the tournament and indirectly through free publicity and increase interest in the school.  Everyone loves a winner!!!!!

Go Tar Heels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it me…

Or did we get all excited for nothing about the Knicks and Carmelo?  Carmelo is a very good player and brings a lot to the team, offensively.  Defensively he brings what the rest of the Knicks bring, NOTHING.   Coach D’Antoni ‘s system has a fundamental flaw in it; you can’t outscore everyone, all the time.  Occasionally you have to dig in and play defense.   Offense may win games, but defense wins championships.   Just ask the “original” # 6, Bill Russell, Boston Celtics.

I am sure that the Knicks will make the playoffs this year, but they are, at best, a first round playoff team.  One series and out.  (Unlike the college tournament, the pros play series, so you lose that sense of urgency with the pro game.)

Since the trade, the Knicks have been a .500 ball club and barely staying afloat.  Can we realistically expect the Knicks to beat any of the top teams in the East, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, or Miami?  (They might have a shot against Miami, depending on which LBJ shows up.)   Come on Knicks, show us something!  We want to believe in you, but you have to do your part.

Is it me…

Or did LeBron take it personally?  He has been playing much better lately and appears to be trying to show up L.A.  We’ll withhold the retraction until he does it in the playoffs.  (and you get a series to do it in, not just one game.)

Is it me…

Or did the Paterson Eastside Ghosts do us proud?  The loss to Newark Central in the Tournament of Champions was rough, but the season was full of thrills and excitement.  Thanks for a wonderful ride.   We are proud of you.

Is it me…

Or do we not care about pro hockey or baseball right now?  One is getting ready for their playoffs and the other is starting their season shortly.  Can you tell which is which?  If so you get the L. A. sport’s award.

Here is your award —->                        <– NOTHING!  This is what these two sports deserve right now for taking up news space from basketball.  March is Basketball, end of story.