Forget the First Four, the NCAA tournament gets started Thursday and is bound to please. Born and raised in the basketball state of Indiana, this is the best time of the year. Today, March Madness tips-off in four locations (Tampa, D.C., Denver, Tucson) beginning at 12:15 EST.
First of all, YOU are the director this year for the first time ever. After CBS and Turner combined to pay $10.8 billion over 15 years for the rights to broadcast the games, it’s all in your hands now. For better or worse.
The best part is that you can watch any team you want. If you’re a loyal Michigan State fan, you can choose that game. The important thing every broadcast must do is keep you up-to-date on the other games as well. That way if one game is down to the wire, then you can change the channel should you desire. The only downside is that you may miss a thrilling finish because you don’t change it. That never happened when CBS was in full control.
With the tournament set to begin, it is important to understand your channels. Prior to the tournament, I had no idea what truTV was and where it could be found. For all the Indianapolis readers, you’ll want to take a look at this channel lineup which also includes game schedules.
There are so much that go to into every event and I’ll appreciate it on television starting today. Yeah I may be one of the few that observes the signage, paper print-outs, number of media in attendance, and where the broadcasters are seated. In addition to the game, those are the things that go through my mind. Because I’ve had the the unique perspective and opportunity to do a lot behind the scenes, I pay attention to them.
Experience matters in the tournament. And I wouldn’t discount average teams with top coaches like the Spartans. Michigan State has struggled this season, way below expectations, but I believe in Tom Izzo and he always puts together a run.
I think Butler is good for a win over Old Dominion but Pittsburgh will be too challenging. I foresee Notre Dame and Purdue meeting in the sweet sixteen (which should be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse right).
And to make Thursday even better, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!
I’m enjoying the coverage thus far. Tom Crean is doing an excellent job alongside Seth Davis and Steve Smith on truTV. Let’s just hope this is the last time Crean isn’t coaching during this time of year. He has the talent coming and it is then when he can really prove his coaching abilities. It’s not a real NCAA Tournament without all the Historic teams in the field like Indiana, UCLA, Kansas, North Carolina and yes, Kentucky.
Grab a beverage, find a comfortable seat and get comfortable with the channels because this weekend the best of the tournament.