The 2010 Men’s tournament is underway in Indianapolis and there is nothing better. Conseco Fieldhouse is basketball country the next 4 days. The Big Ten and it’s faithful fans invade Indy for an eventful long weekend culminating in the end of the Big Ten season. On Sunday, the conference will no longer matter as teams will look forward to the NCAA tournament.
Indianapolis without question is the ideal host for this tournament. With such a small town feel, when the Big Ten invades the city, it becomes the main attraction. If it remained in Chicago, it would remain secondary to the Blackhawks and spring baseball. There are a wealth of hotels and fantastic restaurants all within walking distance. I’m glad that the Big Ten made a commitment to the city of Indianapolis which benefits both groups.
There are many storylines going on this weekend. First of all the Hoosiers look to close a tough season on a high note. Tom Crean and company hope to win a game or two to build on for next season. They have a solid young core that can really benefit from big time experience. They are the home town favorite so obviously they will have the most fans in attendance.
Secondary to Indiana is of course the team from up north, Purdue, who has one of the best chances to win the title. They will face the winner of the Indiana/Northwestern game and that won’t be easy. They too will have a rowdy crowd but I hope for bigger things from them. Over Christmas break, Purdue played in the annual John Wooden Classic and had maybe 6,000 fans in attendance. Purdue has just 3 losses and that’s all they attract? They can and deserve better.
Ohio State is the number one seed led by National Player of the Year candidate Evan Turner. They have the best chance to win this tournament but it will not be easy. They will have to go through Purdue or Michigan State to win it all.
This tournament brings a lot of excitement and money to the Circle City. It is the home of the 2010 Final Four and so teams like Ohio State and Purdue look to play a quality tournament, only later to return in April. Sports fans of all ages should make an effort to get down to Conseco to catch some of these games. Whether your team is out early or not, these athletic guys play at such a high-level that is even more impressive in person.