March Madness ends tonight -- Thoughts as we move onto April

March Madness will end today, and we'll move onto the Final Four...  As I think about this year's brackets I have some thoughts I want to share...

• Dear Kansas:  I picked you to win it all.  Why?  I picked you this year, because I never pick you.  I always pick with my heart and lose, so this year I mixed it up.  Well, by now, we all know how that turned out.  Your name now appears in Red and the entire right side of my bracket looks like blood shed.  If you're going to lead most of the game, then by all means get a few defensive stops and be smart about your offense.  There's no way that Michigan should have been able to come back.  When you're winning in the tourney and I pick you to win it all,  you need to CLOSE OUT THE GAME.  Annnnnnnnnnnnnd, if you have a chance to tie it (i.e. since you're RIGHT THERE AT THE BASKET), do NOT kick the ball out for a crazy 3-point attempt.  Sometimes you need to play the additional 5 minutes to prevent your season from ending.

• Dear Ohio State:  I didn't watch your game, and from the score, it looks like you may not have even showed up for it until the 2nd half.  I'm sure there's a story regarding officiating and what not, but hearing from my fellow Ohioans about the terrible first half, made me scared about the final score.  At least the final score was respectable...  Oh well, another quartile of my bracket went to hell, but since Kansas broke it first, I can't be too upset.  Now I have Wichita State to watch.  Thanks for a great season Buckeyes, but losing to Wichita State?!?!  Oh well.  That's the tourney...
• Dear Florida Gulf Coast University:  I was hoping you'd beat Florida.  Even though you didn't pull off the upset, I'm still impressed and your school is now on my radar.  Seemingly, out of no where, you graced my TV with 3 pointers, and tremendous inside shots/dunks because you actually did something I rarely see nowadays.  You all were smart enough to follow your shots and rebound.  Brilliant.  Every year, I try to go to Vegas for part of the tournament and my friends from Portland, OR were all over your squad this year.  Why?  Coach Andy Enfield's wife, Amanda (i.e. a former model).  My friends are obsessed with her!  I'm not one to go against the guys in my group, so "For Love of Amanda" we rooted for you until you finally lost. 
• Dear Indiana (Tom Crean): Please pool together some money and drive Tom Crean to get his hair cut.  Alternatively, you guys should just shave his head.  Crean's hair is terrible.  How are you supposed to win a championship, when Tom Crean's hair is such a "distraction"?  Crean looks like Dwight from the TV show "The Office".
• Dear Louisville (Rick Pitino):  I always joke that you're a tough team to bet on because you never know whether Pitino wants to coach or commentate on TV.  Well, this year, I guess Pitino wants to coach.  In previous years, I would've taken you all to the Finals and named you as Champions.  As mentioned above, this year I took a different strategy.  Yeah...  Thanks...
• Dear Syracuse:  First of all I'm convinced the NCAA needs to investigate then for the crazy play and scoring associated with the game against California.  Something wasn't right.  You're the most schizophrenic team in the tournament.  I have no idea what you're going to do when you hit the court.  When you guys were blown out against Georgetown at home in the regular season, all of my friends who are Syracuse alumni, were disgusted.  Now, all of a sudden Jim Boeheim has you playing.  Well, if there's a time to peak, the time is now so I guess you win that battle.  I still don't think you can win the war though...
• Dear Duke: Keep on doing whatever you're doing.  I love it when you win.  I've been to many a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and Duke winning it all, wasn't in my bracket...  Duke basketball winning a NCAA championship is a Tarheel nightmare, but a Duke fan's dream.

THE WIRK

Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball Teams come to DC this weekend

In case you're like me and not right on top of the USA Men's Basketball schedule, I'd like to let you know that the USA Men's (i.e. and Women's) Basketball teams are coming to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.  Both teams will be playing Brazil's Olympic squads. 

Do you know who Oscar Schmidt is?  If you are a true international basketball fan, you do.  Regardless, educate yourself here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Schmidt.

I digress...  Let's get back to Team USA...

If you want a pair of front row tickets (i.e. according to Ticketmaster's website) that are in section 112 (i.e. which traditionally look at the visiting team's bench for NBA games) there are a pair for $827.65 EACH.  That's right - for you and your wife/buddy/customer/client/child/boss, etc. you'll spend close to $1,700.  Don't worry, Moneybags, a portion of you ticket price will go to USO charities.  So if you're fortunate enough to have the ticket money, a huge fan of Team USA, and can't make it to London for the festivities - get yourself to the "Phone booth" on Monday at 5:30PM for the doubleheader. 

Here's a link so you can purchase your tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1500488CE14C7042?artistid=873991&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7

If you're feeling charitable, I'm only interested in a single ticket and it's ONLY $520.90.  If you want to donate to my ticket account, feel free to Paypal me at sjwirk@gmail.com.

For all of you that have $59, you can pick up seats to the game if you use the discount code: wizards and following the link: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=wizards&o=505&g=2197

****  I guess I've been catching too many clips of Team USA in Las Vegas, that I presumed that they'd head straight to London when they were finished training in Las Vegas.  As it turns out their stint, out West, wraps up on July 12. 

In addition, I was talking to my friend, Teri, earlier and The Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 will take place at the DC Armory July 14-15.  This was also news to me.  You can expect to find me at the DC Armory this weekend to get over my basketball drought, since the NBA Finals, and to relive some 1992 Dream Team Memories.  From what I understand there will be some select appearances by members of the Dream Team at certain events.

So, for all of you "hoop heads" in the DC/VA/MD area, it looks like you have something to do!  Go out and support Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball.

Nominated for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Men's Team were: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets).  Oh and there's another guy...  Hmmm.  What's his name?  You know - that guy who left Cleveland to win a Championship with the Miami Heat.  Yes, LeBron James. 

The men are coached by Duke University's, Coach K.

Admitedly, I'm not as familiar with the Women's team, but here are the names I recognize from the USA National Team:  Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury).  ****  No offense intended to the other women on the squad who's names I didn't include.  I think I only recognize these names from their NCAA Women's Tournament game performances.

The women are coached by UConn's own, Geno Auriemma.

Enjoy.


THE WIRK

With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...

I've written about the NBA Draft lottery before, and from what I can tell most of you have read that post today.  Here's the link, in case you have no idea what I'm talking about: http://www.thewirk.com/2010/05/iswas-nba-draft-lottery-rigged-depends.html.

Yes, I do think the NBA Draft lottery is somehow rigged.  I'm not saying it's done every year, but some years look more suspicious than others.  Don't ask me how it's done, especially since they went to the ping pong balls, but something seems awfully interesting about the Cleveland Cavaliers getting the 1st and 4th picks this year. 

It's a shame that the player talent pool is shallow this year.  As a Cavs fan and a Duke fan, I'm interested to see how Kyrie Irving does in Cleveland.  After the debacle and let down associated with last year's season, I'm looking forward to rebuilding the Cavaliers under Byron Scott.

At least Cavs fans will have something to be excited about.

Incidentally, I received an email this morning from a former customer of mine in Minneapolis.  His email read, "You got our draft pick.  Please treat it kindly."  Funny.  For the record, I think the Timberwolves are just fine with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley...

It may be a small victory, but I'll take it.  Go Cavs!  I can hear David Stern now, "With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select..."

Oh, and you have plenty of time to sign up for a Twitter account so you can follow the NBA Draft when the actual picks are made.  Trust me.  If you're a basketball fan, you'll want to follow the commentary.  It's pure comedy.

Update:  I just heard David Kahn's comments.  He's not alone in his thoughts.  We've all seen the 1985 footage.  I remember thinking the same thing for the 2003 lottery, when I saw Gordon Gund's positioning near the podium.  I didn't watch last night's draft lottery, but I'm just saying the outcome looks "interesting" after the previous, dreadful Cavs' season.


THE WIRK

Fear the Wildcats: Ohio State and Duke ~ Thanks for a good run!

Thursday night the (#1) Duke Blue Devils lost to the (#5) Arizona Wildcats.  Friday night  (#1) Ohio State University Buckeyes lost to the (#4) Kentucky Wildcats by a score of 62-60.  Both teams have exited the 2011 NCAA Tournament.  What does that mean?  It means that my brackets are OFFICIALLY busted.  In addition, I'm OFFICIALLY scared of Wildcats!!!! 

On the bright-side, at least I don't have to worry about going to any other college basketball games!  That's a lot of money saved and/or that can be put towards other stuff.  Don't get me wrong.  I'll still "watch" the games, but I really don't have a dog in the race anymore. 

I didn't watch any of the games, so I don't have anything to say as of now.  I need to take another look at the brackets to see the pairings...  Considering it's cold again where I live, I'll probably stay in all weekend and watch the games.


THE WIRK

TheWirk.com takes in Charlotte for the NCAAs ~ Well, at least her avatar did

Sarah can't be everywhere, so TheWirk.com is engaging fans and followers of the blog to create a "THE WIRK Avatar" to take to sporting events in their area and report back on the action and highlights.

Lucky fans and followers who post pictures like this of "their" THE WIRK Avatar at sporting events they attend may get a chance to meet her at a future event when she comes back around to their city.  ****  You may even get a seat upgrade, because she sometimes has extra tickets on her.



RixStar was hanging out with a "THE WIRK Avatar" in Charlotte for some Eastern Regional NCAA Basketball Action at TimeWarner Cable Arena.



The "Avatar" getting ready to go inside the arena

for some NCAA action



THE WIRK has been to over 70 different sporting venues.
This is inside the main entrance to the TIME WARNER
 arena where the Charlotte Bobcats play.

Duke defeated Hampton in the early afternoon session.  THE WIRK had choice 4th row seats for this first session match-up, thanks to a hook-up at Hampton University. Go RixStar!

 

Between sessions, the "Avatar" checks out some of the
other NCAA action on a TV back in the room
at the Ritz Carlton Hotel next to the arena. This is so cool.
A TV built into the mirror in the bathroom



During the session, Jim Nantz looks like he's
checking out THE WIRK's Avatar!

THE WIRK, is a Duke fan (i.e. her brother went there) but she also like UNC, unless they're playing Duke.  Go Tarheels!  In one of the night games, John Henson hits one of his 28 points in UNC's victory over Long Island Univ.

THE WIRK is all about entertainment inside and outside of your favorite sporting venues. She knows where to hang out and have fun after the games.  Here she is at the Epicenter entertainment complex across from the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. It has 3 levels of restaurants, lounges and other night spots.

At Epicenter



RixStar

-----------------------------------------

****  Note:  I was really in Cleveland, OH to watch the tournament there.  Post forthcoming once I rest!

THE WIRK

Duke beats UNC for the ACC Championship ~ GTH Carolina, GTH!!!

My brother and I, 2005 ACC Tournament

If you haven't been to an ACC Tournament and you're a fan of a team in the ACC you really need to make the trip.  I'm a Big East and ACC fan.  I grew up loving the Georgetown Hoyas, and was crushed when they were upset by Villanova in 1985.  I ended up liking Duke, and my brother ultimately went to Duke for 9 years to pursue all of his degrees.  While my brother was at Duke, I was dating and engaged to a professional basketball player who's teammate(s) went to Duke, and I would get free tickets for my brother and I through them.  I've been to Cameron Indoor Stadium numerous times, and it's amazing.


Coach K cutting down the net, ACC Tournament 2005

I've been to the ACC Tournament at least once.  I know I saw it in 2005, when it was in Washington DC.  I may have seen it another time in Greensboro, NC but I can't remember if it was the ACC Tournament or the NCAA Tournament.



Duke ~ 2005 ACC Tournament Champions

Anyway, today Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils beat the UNC Tarheels with a final score 75-58.  Duke's Nolan Smith had 20 points and 10 assists.  UNC's John Henson had 10 points and 18 rebounds in the losing effort.  I only caught the 2nd half, since I had plans earlier today but the Blue Devils prevailed.



I was out a few weeks ago with a couple of guys.  One was a retired NBA Veteran and UNC alumnus.  The other was a Duke alumnus and a current professional basketball player.  We were at a fundraiser for an NBA player's foundation and as the Blue Devil walked by the UNC guy yelled, "Go to hell, Duke.  Go to hell."  ****  For those of you familiar with the rivalry, that's not uncommon ~ but the chant is wrong.  Immediately, the Duke alumnus and I both smiled and yelled back, "Go to hell, Carolina.  Go to hell."  We all laughed, but let's not get it twisted ~ this rivalry is serious.

Check out the tourney.  If you're a fan, you owe it to yourself!

THE WIRK

Coach K wins his 880th game to surpass Dean Smith tonight

I wasn't fortunate enough to get into Duke University.  I interviewed and if I remember correctly, all I talked about was Coach K.  Tonight Mike Krzyzewski (i.e. yes, I had to google the spelling of his last name) scored his 880th career victory.  I didn't go to Duke, but my brother did.  He was there for 9 years as he pursued every degree he could before my dad said "enough already".

I've been to Cameron Indoor.  I've traveled to the NCAA tournament.  I've seen the ACC Championship, and I've been to many other venues to see Coach K do what he does best ~ COACH.

Tonight Coach K surpassed Dean Smith, who also deserves ultimate respect.  Coach K is now 2nd on the all-time career win list.  Bobby Knight is at the top of the leader board with 902.

I didn't watch the Duke game tonight against UNC Greensboro, but tonight was a great night for basketball purists everywhere. 

You may not like Duke, but you have to respect what Coach K has done in international competition and as a professional.

THE WIRK

Magic defeat the Wizards thanks to Dwight Howard's last shot

I came back to the DC area after hanging out with my family for Thanksgiving.  It was an early morning.  I was up at 4AM and slept most of the afternoon away, once I made it back.  I had a feeling my friend, Mandy would call about the Orlando Magic v Washington Wizards game tonight, so I decided to stay in town.  Sure enough a little before 6PM, my phone rang and I hauled my lifeless body to the Verizon Center for the game.

Tip off was at 7PM and I arrived at the arena 10 minutes before the hour.  Mandy had a ticket for me, but I wasn't sure where it'd be.  ****  I'm a bit of a ticket snob.  I expect a good seat when I go to a game, and I'm willing to make sure I have one.  Since I had a few minutes, I decided to scalp a ticket.  The first guy I talked to refused $50 for a ticket in section 120.  That's fine.  The next guy showed me a ticket in section 119, row E.  Face value was $125.  I offered him $50, and next thing you knew, we had a deal.

I texted Mandy that I was good and into the building I went.  Turns out that she and her friends were in section 118.  Perfect.  As I watched the 1st half, it finally hit me late in the 1st quarter that John Wall wasn't playing.  Um, yeah.  Like I said, it's been a long day.  Guess I'll have to go to another game.  ****  Oh, I know ~ I'll go and catch the new look New York Knicks (i.e. with Amare Stoudemire) when they come to town. 

Another thing I noticed was that Gilbert Arenas was playing tonight.  I can't honestly remember the last time I've seen Gilbert in uniform and playing.  He had a great game tonight.  He tallied 31 points.  On one possession Gilbert took a shot and the man on my left told his daughter, "4 years ago, he would have made that shot."  Wow.  What can I say though?  The man spoke the truth.

The game was much closer in the 2nd half, but Mandy et al and I watched the 3rd quarter from The Greene Turtle.  It was our chance to catch up, since I hadn't seen her since I was in Phoenix for the NBA Playoffs.

We went to watch the 4th quarter and the game was definitely tighter.  Incidentally, the line was Washington +7.  I told my friend, I'd take the points if I was him.  Without John Wall, and after the victory over Miami, I figured that the Magic would win, but that the game would be competitive.  Needless to say, I was correct.

After the game, we took our visitor passes and headed to the tunnel to greet the Orlando Magic.  Patrick Ewing walked by, but I've met him numerous times before so I wasn't going to bother him.  He signed a basketball for someone and whoever that person is better realize just how lucky he/she is to have a Ewing autograph.  ****  When I was in college I tried a number of times to get him to sign my Knicks pennant and was always unsuccessful.  However, since I've run into him and talked to him a number of times, I don't feel pressed to make contact again.

I saw J.J. Redick and Chris Duhon and contemplated taking a picture with them, but the more I thought about it ~ I'm "Duke'd" out after all the games I've seen.  I'm actually going to see the Duke v Butler match-up on Saturday (i.e. next week).  My brother is a Duke alumnus...  I'm good.

Alex Ovechkin was at the game sitting courtside. Coincidentally, Vince Carter was also sitting courtside on the Magic's bench, since he's injured (i.e. knee).

The rest of the Orlando Magic eventually trickled out of the locker room, and last but not least, Dwight Howard came out to the tunnel.  Finally, I took a good picture with him and that was all she wrote.

Great night out.  Magic defeated the Wizards with a score of 100-99.  Dwight Howard's put back was the difference, since the Wizards couldn't convert on their final possession.  Dwight Howard finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds.

Not a bad night at all...

THE WIRK

If Butler loses tonight, do people care about a Duke rematch on December 4?

I got a text earlier today from my friend, Trey.  He said that I must be  loving the 24 hours of college basketball on TV.  I am!  College basketball has been on my TV for hours now.  ****  I went to work and the games were still on. 

Duke is beating Miami (OH) right now and Butler is in a good one against Louisville.  I wonder if Butler is going to be able to pull off the same amazing performance it did last season.  I need to check the roster, stop typing, and watch this game. 

I've had my ticket for the #1 Duke v #18 Butler rematch, at the Izod Center, on December 4th for months now. I just checked last night and the game time is set for 3:15PM.

As someone who's always been concerned and interested in ticket prices, I anticipate ticket prices falling for the December 4th match-up if Butler loses to Louisville tonight.  Right now, #18 Butler is losing and the score is 15-26.  Hmmm, maybe I'm losing interest in the rematch...  It might be time to see what tickets are going for on Stubhub.  Maybe I'll sell mine.


THE WIRK

Duke v Butler rematch at Meadowlands on sale Monday, presale Friday

I just received an email from the Meadowlands.  They're hosting an NCAA Basketball Doubleheader on Saturday, December 4.

The matchups are:

Army vs. Penn - Noon
Duke vs. Butler - 3:30 PM

For those of you that don't remember.  Duke beat Butler in a 61-59, to win its 4th National Championship and end Butler's run through the NCAA basketball tournament.

Tickets for the doubleheader are $78.50

Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday, June 14 at 11AM

Presale starts Friday at 10AM and ends Sunday at 10PM.  There's a promo code for the presale is: access

THE WIRK

Quick Poll: Duke or Maryland ~ Where would you go to play basketball?

So for the past 2 days or so, I've been debating back and forth with a friend over what program is better for a top college basketball prospect (i.e. assuming money is no object). I think the whole debate started after Coach K was featured on ABC News Nightline. I realize that we all have our own opinion so let's take it to the blog and involve more people, since I know how my friends think I'm curious about the public's opinion.

Money not being a concern, if you were a TOP basketball prospect, where would you go to college to try to ensure that you have the best future in the world of basketball (i.e. coaching, agents' pull, team's ability to win, basketball alumni network, etc.) ~ DUKE or MARYLAND?

Cameron Indoor Stadium

Comcast Center

THE WIRK

Coach K is not going to the NBA ~ ABC News Nightline clip

For those that continue to think that Coach K is going to leave the Duke Blue Devils and head to the NBA, please check out this clip from tonight's interview that ran on ABC News Nightline.

Coach K is not going to the NBA

For a more extensive look at the interview, check out the official link of John Berman's interview: For Duke's Coach K, Basketball Is a Family Affair. 

Duke fans rejoice.  The rest of you, please give it up.  The man is staying!  As someone who's been fortunate to go to several games at Cameron Indoor, I'm beyond thrilled.

Coach K, leading this Blue Devils team to a 2005 ACC Championship

Oh and here's one for you.  Guess who helped me get my brother and I tickets to my first Duke game at Cameron Indoor (i.e. even though my brother was a Duke University student at the time)...  Yep, it was Danny Ferry.  Talk about irony!  :)


THE WIRK

Cleveland Cavs fired Mike Brown ~ Who's the next Cavs coach?

Looks like SamAmico's tweet was on target last week.  The Cleveland Cavs have fired Mike Brown (i.e. who I will now nickname, Cleveland's "Ollie North") and they did it right before the deadline in which they would have owed the coach $4.5 million.  Mike Brown coached the Cavs for the past 5 years and won 61 (i.e. I think) games last season.  He has the highest winning percentage in Cavs history (i.e. .663 with a W-L record of: 272-138).

I'm realistic.  I'm not about to put all the blame on Mike Brown's shoulders for the Cavs poor playoff performance.  However, I do believe that he could have done more with what he had.  I've never coached a day in my life, but I know my rotation would've been different and that after 5 years, I'd have drawn up more than the "Give it to LeBron" play.  I do realize that there are some no talent assclowns on that team that need to go.  With the July 1st deadline looming and everyone watching the LeBron countdown, I'm curious who else leaves/retires/stays...

Who do you want to see Coach the Cavs?  I'll tell you right now, and I didn't need a statement from Duke to tell me it, but I really don't believe Coach K will leave Duke ~ regardless of the Danny Ferry and LeBron James connection. 

Do you see Calipari leading the Cavs?  What about if Stan Van Gundy gets fired?  Voice your thoughts.  I'm interested in knowing what you think...

Oh, and if you read the following article on NBA.com, you can't help but notice the following sentence, "Ferry, too, has an unsure future in Cleveland as his contract is set to expire next month."  Interesting...

Lastly, I just saw this quote, "Obviously, we didn't achieve what we set out to achieve, which is to win a championship," Ilgauskas said, according to The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. "But if you're going to lay all the blame on coach Brown and think that's going to solve everything, you've got another thing coming."  Don't worry, Zydrunas.  I blame you, too.  Just kidding!  Kind of, but not really...  Haha.


THE WIRK

Tiger, Masters, Duke, Caps, Cavs, and the Caesars Tennis Classic ~ What a week!

Golf: 

As I sit and try to figure out whether I want to go to the Masters this week (practice round v tournament), I realize I don't have time on my side.  I need to make a decision.  Tiger Woods' interview is at 2, and I'm waiting patiently.  I doubt we'll hear anything of interest, but I have to cover my bases.

Basketball and Hockey (i.e. maybe):

Tonight is the National Championship game and I'm probably the only person (i.e. that's alright because I'm confident) that has a Duke victory as a forgone conclusion.  As a result, I'm entertaining the idea of going to the Caps game tonight, since it's been a while since I've been out to support them.  To address the rumors of Coach K going to coach the Nets, all I have to say is "Nope".  That's my opinion, and we'll see where my 2 cents stand up against $12-$15 million that's supposedly going to be offered.  I for one adore Coach K at Duke, and hope that he's not lured to the NBA by a few bucks.

On another note related to basketball, I have to say something about the Cavs v Celtics game I watched yesterday afternoon.  The Celtics held on to win, but they almost gave the game away (i.e. they squandered a 22 point lead).  If I was Doc Rivers I'd be very, very scared.  I wish LeBron would've went for the tie.  He went 0-9 in 3 point shooting.  I was more than ready for overtime.  However, my vote doesn't count.  Regardless, I'm still praying for a Cavs Championship this year.  I believe, and I cannot wait for the NBA Playoffs schedule to be announced.

Lastly, it's no secret that I couldn't wait for Zydrunas to return to the Cavs.  As such, check out the Fresh Brewed Tees - Cavz: Better with Z T-shirt.  It's a great shirt and at only $20, just buy it!  $1 from each sale goes to support the Cleveland City Mission.

Fresh Brewed Tees ~ So good, I bought two!

Tennis:

I'm still intrigued by the Caesars Tennis Classic being held this Saturday, in Atlantic City.  Venus Williams is hosting the event.  Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, James Blake, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, and Marat Safin are slated to play.  For a person who used to follow the ATP Tour when names like Chang, Sampras, Agassi, Becker, Edberg, etc. dominated ~ this event is a fantastic idea!  Ticketmaster is offering a Buy One, Get One Free promotion (i.e. use promo code: BOGO).

I'm including some pictures of the pictures I've taken from my days of tournaments past.  The quality isn't that great, because I haven't scanned these pictures yet.  However, you get the point. 

Ivan Lendl

with Nick Bollettieri

Agassi

A young Pete Sampras

My favorite, Stefan Edberg

Boris "Boom Boom" Becker

That's all for now.

THE WIRK

Cinderella's going to the Ball, but I believe Duke will win on Monday

OK - so I went .500 last night.  I was probably the only person (i.e. aside from Magic Johnson, the actual Michigan State coaches, players, staff, and entire state of Michigan) who wanted the Spartans to win.  In the final seconds of the game, I think I actually jinxed them by calling my brother during a commercial break.  I called to ask him to score me a ticket to the finals if Michigan State won, because I'd fly to Indianapolis for a Michigan State v Duke final.  I was going to use Monday night as my chance to finally meet Magic Johnson.  How did I intend to do that?  Not sure really, but trust me ~ I'd find a way to get a quick picture.  With the game down to wire and Butler's players doing their best Charles Smith impressions (i.e. Knicks fans, you know what I'm talking about), I EAGERLY ANTICIPATED that Michigan State would drive the lane STRONGLY and score 2 points and win.  I figured there'd be a firesale of tickets if Butler had lost and I could benefit from the heartache and disgust of all the townies who supported their home team.  Instead, I watched the Spartan end his drive a little early and pull up too soon for a shot.  It looked like he was trying to draw contact, but SHOULD'VE taken another step or two and been more aggressive.  Oh well... 

**** Incidentally, I just checked my Twitter account and according to SethDavisHoops:  I asked Gordon Hayward if he fouled Draymond Green on that last play: "Dude I got his whole hand." Oh well X 2.

"I couldn't care less anymore" was the text I sent my brother when Butler beat Michigan State 52-50.  I figured Magic would hop the first plane back to the West coast, and I wasn't about to haul myself back to Indianapolis to see a Butler v Duke final.

Yes, I anticipated Duke would win on Saturday night.  It was a "given" in my book.  I took in the games at a friend's house and I was the only person rooting for Michigan State and Duke the entire night.  That's fine.  I'm strong in my convictions.

For the 2nd half of the game, we left my friend's house and I casually watched the game on the TV at our local hang out spot.  I didn't see Butler's collision with Zoubek.  I did see Butler on the court in severe pain and Coach Huggins trying to console him.  I saw the image on TV (i.e. without the sound and tried to keep up with the captioning) and immediately was taken aback by how close Huggins' face was to Butler.  Yeah, I said it.  You have to admit it looked creepy.  I read this morning that it was Butler's knee that was injured.  I hope he's alright ~ you never want to see anyone get hurt...  BUT that's sports and the show will go on.

Lastly, I checked my email about an hour ago and my brother informed me that he met and had his picture taken with Rollie Massimino yesterday.  Seriously?!?!  Does he not know me at all?  Now I'm all riled up again about 1985.  What a kick in the face!  Looks like it's time to light another candle for Ewing at my 1985 Georgetown shrine...  Serenity now.

As Dorothy, said "There's no place like home."  So, go ahead, Cinderella, enjoy the ball...  BUT, I still predict Duke will win on Monday.


THE WIRK

My cousin's wedding kept me away, but it's Game ON now for hockey and basketball

OK - so it's been a while since I posted, but it's only because I've been completely consumed with family stuff.  My cousin, Nick, got maried in NJ over the weekend, and between the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and travel time ~ I've basically managed to miss EVERYTHING in the world of sports.

Welcome to the family, Ging

Friday, I was invited to San Antonio to go see the Cleveland Cavaliers v San Antonio Spurs game with friends as part of one of my best friend's birthday festivities.  I couldn't make the trip because I wanted to attend a rehearsal dinner in NJ.  I've seen the Spurs play at home back in Jan 2009 (i.e. work had brought me out there for meetings).  I hope my friends had a blast on Friday. Unfortunately, the Cavs lost to the Spurs 102-97.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUBS!

Silvia and Doug (aka Chubs), San Antonio ~ Jan 2009

 Spurs game w/a fellow sportsfan, while in San Antonio ~ Jan 2009

One of the decorated "outhouses" on display in front of the Spurs' arena ~ Jan 2009

Saturday there were college basketball games, and I think I saw about 2 minutes of the last one ~ but I cannot tell you what I saw because I was so disinterested. 

No sports this Saturday, I'm watching a wedding

On Sunday afternoon when I was driving home from Jersey, I learned that Duke had beaten Baylor (i.e. thanks to a text message from my brother).  Other than that, I have no idea what happened in the world of sports.  I do know, that the  Duke v WVU game is the 2nd game of Saturday's final four match-up, and I want to go to Indianapolis to see it.  I looked at flights and right now, that's my only "hiccup".  I've been to the Final Four and seen Lucas Oil Stadium, so I can't figure out if I'm really interested or just being restless.  It would be fun to see some of my family friends though, and I do like Indy, so...

I ended up meeting some friends Sunday night and a few of the Capitals were out (i.e. Green, Knuble, Perrault, and Backstrom).  Unfortunately, they'd lost to Calgary earlier in the day.  The Caps posed for pictures and may have been out to support a fundraiser to support The Arlington Food Assistance Center.

In a perfect world, this will be my sports schedule for the week:
Tuesday - Ottawa Senators v Washington Caps, in DC or Oklahoma City Thunder v Philadelphia Sixers, in Philly
Wednesday - Milwaukee Bucks v Cleveland Cavs, in Cleveland
Saturday - NCAA Final Four games, in Indianapolis

How much of this schedule will actually be realized is still up in the air.  Then again, anything is possible. Everything will most likely be a last minute decision.  I'm exhausted from last week's adventures and I'm trying to pick and choose my adventures carefully since I'm not sure yet, how much I owe the tax man this year.  ****Mental note, I must call my accountant tomorrow. 

I'm racking my brain for sports topics that are relevant and interesting and I'm drawing a complete blank, so until next time...

I don't want to put up wedding pics, since that's not really the function of this blog, so here's a pic of me with Penny Hardaway (i.e. Anfernee Hardaway, a Memphis alumnus) at the Final Four in 2008.  Part of the fun of being at events like the Final Four is running into NBA players who are out there supporting their alma maters.  With Duke, Michigan State, Butler, and WVU in the running this year ~ there should be a good number of former players in the crowd, so if you're a basketball fan, keep your eyes open.

Penny Hardaway was in San Antonio rooting for his Tigers ~ Feb 2008

****  Updated November 23, 2010:  Someone keeps doing a Google search on "Penny Hardaway girlfriend" and this post and image come up in the search.  For the record ~ No, I am not and was never his girlfriend.  I just ran into the guy in San Antonio.

THE WIRK

Conference tourneys aren't the end all, but they are important

I was watching Around the Horn today, and I must disagree with some of the sentiment regarding the conference tournaments importance.  I listened to a few of the viewpoints and I have to say, I don't agree.  I think the Conference tournaments are important.  Are they extremely important?  Will I become ill and be forced to miss work so I can watch?  NO to both questions.  However, I will tune in and watch a few of the games in various conferences (i.e. that pique my curiosity), and I will definitely check the scores.  Why?  Because now is the time for people to dial in and start getting a sense as to who's peaking and who's fizzling.

I don't have to remind you that it's almost time for us to start completing our brackets, do I?  In a world of where everyone and their mother decides that they want their shot at the money in the bracket pool, people have to make intelligent decisions.  Sure there are the people that pick based on mascot, location, alma mater, seeds, coaches etc.  Another factor that needs to be considered is the strength of the conference.  I don't see anything distinctive or unique in many of the conferences that makes me want to take note.  Yes, it's no secret I think that the ACC is weak.  Further, even though I'm from the Midwest, I can't seem to get interested in the Big 10.  The SEC isn't my cup of tea, as all of the teams seems to blend in my brain.  Plus, I've already been there and done that when "Big Baby" Davis was playing for LSU, and it took me days to get the song, "Eye of the Tiger" out of my head.  What?  You like that song.  Well, I did also ~ UNTIL, I heard it a bajillion times played by school band in the span of only a few days. 

If you're a diehard fan of a team, I recommend you go to your team's conference tourney.  Do it once.  It's an experience.  I'm a Duke fan, and I remember when the ACC tournament was at the Verizon Center.  Duke beat GA Tech and won the ACC tourney that year.  I went to almost every session of that tournament.

The opening tip, of Duke v GA Tech, 2005 ACC Tourney

Duke, 2005 ACC Tournament Champs

As each team wins and loses, it's fun to see how the dynamic and team colors of the fans around the arena change.  If you're not a major booster of your alma mater or favorite team (e.g. Iron Duke), don't worry about tickets.  You can still get into the game.  As teams lose, their fans go home.  Most of the fans that are making a quick departure out of town, have ticket books for the remaining sessions and chances are they'll sell them to you for $100-200 to cut their losses and try to get some cash back (i.e. maybe for gas money and to cushion the blow of the loss).  Wait outside the arena and hold your finger in the air with how many tickets you need and chances are you'll be able to strike a deal.

Perhaps you're already in the arena, and have a upper level seats (YUCK, EWWWWW, GROSS) and in between games.  If you're not creepy, you can politely approach someone who's on his/her way out the door and ask for his/her ticket.  BE NICE!  The person's team just lost.  Chances are you can upgrade to a lower level ticket.

Alright - enough about the ticket hustle.  I can't give away all my secrets.

Conference tourneys.  I've been to the ACC and I've been to the SEC Tourney (i.e. 2006 in Nashville, when Florida won). 

Florida's Joakim Noah and LSU's "Big Baby" Davis together on the court, 2006 SEC Tourney

This year though, the Big East is more interesting.  Yes, the Big East is strong.  Yes, we all expect many teams from the conference to get into the brackets.  It's not a secret.  However, for this fan, who has yet to watch basketball be played at the Garden (i.e. I've only been there once and it was to see the NY Rangers play the Pittsburgh Penguins), this is the year I choose to check out the action.

Below is the Big East tourney schedule (and my quick 2 cents on the games already played):

Tuesday, March 9: First Round

No. 9 USF vs. No. 16 DePaul, Noon, (ESPN2) <---DON'T CARE
No. 12 UConn vs. No. 13 St. John's, 2PM (ESPN2) <---WOW, UConn got bounced.  I love it. 
No. 10 Seton Hall vs. No. 15 Providence 7PM (ESPNU) <--DON'T CARE
No. 11 Cincinnati vs. No. 14 Rutgers, 9PM (ESPNU) <-- Yeah, Cincin won!  I support Ohio teams.

Wednesday, March 10: Second Round
No. 8 Georgetown vs. 9/16 Winner, Noon (ESPN)
No. 5 Marquette vs. 12/13 Winner, 2PM (ESPN)
No. 7 Notre Dame vs 10/15 Winner, 7PM (ESPN)
No. 6 Louisville vs. 11/14 Winner, 9PM (ESPN)

Thursday, March 11: Third Round
No. 1 Syracuse vs. Georgetown-(9/16) Winner, Noon (ESPN)
No. 4 Villanova vs. Marquette-(12/13) Winner, 2PM (ESPN)
No. 2 Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame-(10/15) Winner, 7PM (ESPN)
No. 3 West Virginia vs. Louisville-(11/14) Winner, 9PM (ESPN)

Friday, March 12: Semifinals
Semifinal 1, 7PM (ESPN)
Semifinal 2, 9PM (ESPN)

Saturday, March 12: Final
Championship Game, 9PM (ESPN)

I plan to be at the Garden on Friday night to take in the semifinals.  I would love to see 2 quality games.  I want to see more Big East action up close and personal.  I want to see the physicality of the players and see how Big East fans get down in one of the most famous, storied basketball venues.

Being from Ohio ~ with any luck, maybe the Dayton Flyers will continue to win and play in the A-10 Conference tourney in Atlantic City on Saturday, March 13.  If time is on my side, perhaps I can take in the A-10 action Semifinal Round Doubleheader, which starts at 1PM.  My only concern is that I have the Jay-Z concert later that night, and I need to make sure I'm in good position for a quality location by the stage...  That's right.  I have to keep it moving...

NY and NJ, keep an eye out for me ~ I'll be "on the move" this weekend...  I'll be the girl hustling a ticket with 1 finger in the air (i.e. and no, not that one).

That's all for now...  Oh wait... 


"It's the eye of the tiger, it's the cream of the fight.  Risin' up to the challenge of our rival".  LOL.  I couldn't resist and now I bet it's stuck in YOUR head :-P


THE WIRK