Four (or Five!) Reasons Why

…March Madness Is The Best Tournament Ever

1. For many, March Madness represents a final showcase for their talents to NBA scouts. Unfortunately, very few will make it to the NBA. Across the 65 teams that enter the tournament, there are about 1,000 players, only a fraction of which will be eligible for the draft. On top of that, you have to add international players. Then factor in that only 60 players are chosen in the draft. And finally, history shows that very, very few selected outside of the top ten picks stand a chance at a long-term career.

2. For those seniors that don’t get drafted, the tournament is their last chance to shine on a national stage. Of the 1,000 players in the tournament, very few will have the opportunity to compete at this level – in anything. So you know that they are putting everything they have on the line and leaving it all on the court.

3. Everyone has their favourite teams. But there’s something about college sports fans that creates “Superfans.” While it doesn’t take much to convince the average student to skip school, it is amazing at the number who will crisscross the country to see their team play. And the affiliation doesn’t stop when you graduate. In fact, some of the most ardent college supporters are alums. (Maybe that’s why NBA and NFL starting line-ups are announced with their college affiliations tacked on.)

4. Like any tournament or playoff, betting is rampant (over $10 billion changed hands last year), whether it’s with your local bookie or an office pool. What makes March Madness so enjoyable is that the bracket format, with so many teams, is so complex and somewhat unscientific. Anyone can win! Unfortunately, one wrong move and you can easily be out of contention. And it’s always fun to see someone’s allegiance (I’m talking to you, Superfans) interfere with rational selection. It’s as if selecting against “your team” is sacrilege.

5. Every year, there is a Cinderella story. They may not make to the end, but they sure do create havoc and excitement along the way.