Dedicated to the premise that life would be better if we all took ourselves a little less seriously.
Friday, March 20, 2026
NCAA Tournament Open Thread
Back in the day, I used to routinely take off work on the first Friday of the NCAA Tournament and head to a bar (Grevey's in Falls Church more than a few times) to watch hoops from noon to midnight. I miss those days. In memoriam, here's some Madness.
I used to take both days off would usually get together with some friends on this particular Friday. Those days are long gone, that said I don’t see me doing too much work today.
OBX Dave- did you happen to catch the clip from Martelli Jr’s presser where he gave a shout out to the VCU student reporters for making the trip for the game(s)? Pretty cool stuff.
Mark, I did not. Though I often watch games with sound down and rarely catch pressers unless somebody goes off script.
Martelli the Elder was a terrific coach and atypical hoops lifer: erudite, well-read, conversant in lotsa areas. If Junior inherited even part of that, he'll do well.
Meanwhile, very much enjoy watching Avila. He's gonna make a bunch of money and become a cult hero in Germany or Hungary.
i am, as most know, not a very organized person. got my car inspected today. it was due in december. felt pretty good about myself until i looked my registration. which expired in october. i don't really know why i should be allowed to adult.
I think Martelli the elder is sometimes a guest on a local sports talk show here called "Greg Roberts Live". I don't listen often, but have heard the old coach on there and he's quite interesting.
Dan Patrick had some clips of High Point student broadcast from yesterday's upset win over Wisconsin. Good, wholesome stuff.
Rootsy, counterpoint to High Point's most excellent performance is that school is evidently Liberty U. Lite. Lot of slick, packaged proseletyzing. "Prepare students for life" with bunch of off-script stuff. There was informative piece on Defector website today, and Wall Street Journal recent piece on school practices and vibe. I'll hold my nose if they continue to make 3s and blast thru tournament.
High Point U advertises as "The Premier Life Skills University" -- billboards all over central NC. And people LOVE it! Kids, parents, etc. Interesting. Especially in the midst of the Triangle there. And now all these other towns/cities just exploding. My parents live in Elon/Burlington, and the whole area is nuts. Cookie-cutter housing-developments by D.R. Horton and Dan Ryan with homes selling for 1/2 million $$$. In Elon, Burlington, and Mebane, NC! Tourney games yesterday sure were fun! And local CNU makes the Final 4 in D-III in Indiana. Mark Weiser's son is on that team (some of you may know that or don't but know Mark). Coach K there is a really terrific guy. We're cheering them on!
Speaking of captains. My very short daughter was named captain of her middle school volleyball team today. Just gonna walk around the house calling her “Cap” all the time now.
I used to take both days off would usually get together with some friends on this particular Friday. Those days are long gone, that said I don’t see me doing too much work today.
ReplyDeleteOBX Dave- did you happen to catch the clip from Martelli Jr’s presser where he gave a shout out to the VCU student reporters for making the trip for the game(s)? Pretty cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteI miss those Fridays...
ReplyDeleteRIP Walker, Texas Ranger
ReplyDeletesay it ain't so
ReplyDeleteMark, I did not. Though I often watch games with sound down and rarely catch pressers unless somebody goes off script.
ReplyDeleteMartelli the Elder was a terrific coach and atypical hoops lifer: erudite, well-read, conversant in lotsa areas. If Junior inherited even part of that, he'll do well.
Meanwhile, very much enjoy watching Avila. He's gonna make a bunch of money and become a cult hero in Germany or Hungary.
i am, as most know, not a very organized person. got my car inspected today. it was due in december. felt pretty good about myself until i looked my registration. which expired in october. i don't really know why i should be allowed to adult.
ReplyDeleteI think Martelli the elder is sometimes a guest on a local sports talk show here called "Greg Roberts Live". I don't listen often, but have heard the old coach on there and he's quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteDan Patrick had some clips of High Point student broadcast from yesterday's upset win over Wisconsin. Good, wholesome stuff.
Rootsy, counterpoint to High Point's most excellent performance is that school is evidently Liberty U. Lite. Lot of slick, packaged proseletyzing. "Prepare students for life" with bunch of off-script stuff. There was informative piece on Defector website today, and Wall Street Journal recent piece on school practices and vibe. I'll hold my nose if they continue to make 3s and blast thru tournament.
ReplyDeleteHigh Point U advertises as "The Premier Life Skills University" -- billboards all over central NC. And people LOVE it! Kids, parents, etc. Interesting. Especially in the midst of the Triangle there. And now all these other towns/cities just exploding. My parents live in Elon/Burlington, and the whole area is nuts. Cookie-cutter housing-developments by D.R. Horton and Dan Ryan with homes selling for 1/2 million $$$. In Elon, Burlington, and Mebane, NC! Tourney games yesterday sure were fun! And local CNU makes the Final 4 in D-III in Indiana. Mark Weiser's son is on that team (some of you may know that or don't but know Mark). Coach K there is a really terrific guy. We're cheering them on!
ReplyDeletethe fact that my freshman roomie mark weiser has an athletic kid makes me happy. been following the captains’ run. let’s hope they keep it rolling.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of captains. My very short daughter was named captain of her middle school volleyball team today. Just gonna walk around the house calling her “Cap” all the time now.
ReplyDeleteNice, Mark
ReplyDeleteRob, you bought yourself 3 extra months for your next inspection. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWhy is is that American sports put the home team underneath but euro sports have them listed up top?
ReplyDeleteWeird.