University of Kentucky vs. North Carolina

Today is a very big game for the Men's Basketball team. Mike and I are huge fans of the Wildcats. We attempt to watch every game that we can get on TV and Mike will even watch some of them on the computer. Mike attended the University of Kentucky for two years. Myself, I never attended UK other than Prestonsburg Community College which was an extention school. When I was just a young kid we would go to Prestonsburg High School gymnasium and get the player's signatures and take pictures with them. I remember the first time I met Sam Bowie and I was amazed that anyone could be so tall. My whole family is kind of obsessed with UK basketball for some odd reason. It is kind of fun to have that in common. Many conversations about the defense/offense of such and such.

March madness comes along and we like the entire state of Kentucky is nervous for our boys and what they can/should/want to accomplish this year. Of course every year we should win the tournament and that is just what most people believe. Mike will pick them to win his bracket almost every year. I try to be a little more objective and sometimes pick another team. Mostly, because we have a fun bracket group called the WHAP (can't really explain the meaning online but if you call me I will explain) with a few close friends including my sister who will usually pick Kentucky to win. This fun bracket has been going on for over ten years and we have a blast with it. No money, right now we don't have a trophy. Just plain bragging rights.

This year I picked Kansas to win the Championship and they just lost to VCU (I don't know who they are). I am rooting for Kentucky all the way even when it hurts my bracket. Kentucky had an awesome victory against Ohio State and today they face North Carolina. In my eyes they have accomplished more than I expected and I appreciate the effort of the returning players Harrellson, Liggins and Miller. Our freshmen have amazing talent and they are playing with so much heart. Earlier this season we thought this was going to be a rebuilding year. Now I believe this team can win it all. But I am sure North Carolina is going to have something to say about that. If UK wins today they will have another hungry team to face in the Final Four. So that is not an easy task ahead.

I am excited and I will be happy for them either way. I would love to see this team win because of all of the nice guys on the team. A piece of me would love for Calipari to win with a group of players that he does not consider top notch. It might show him that heart can be an important part of success. Recruiting isn't the only way to win Championships. This year is really showing that with Butler, VCU and UK still in the tournament. In fact there are no number one seeds left in the tournament at this time. I love this tournament because you either win or you go home. I am praying that UK gets to play another game!