MARCH ON INTO APRIL MADNESS

It’s the only time I watch college basketball consistently. I can really get into it, especially last year and the year before when the Gators had such a great team. This year is really special to me because both of my alma maters were in it: Belmont, where I actually received my degrees, and Memphis, where I fiddled around for a year and a half before throwing in the towel.

Memphis has always been strong in basketball. On at least one occasion I remember BJ as a cheerleader for them going to New York to cheer for the Tigers in the NIT. Back then that tourney was a bigger deal than it is today with all the hoopla now going to the NCAA. But I am very pleased that Memphis made it to the final four.

Belmont has also had a good program, but for years they were in the NAIA conference. I actually thought they had made a mistake joining the NCAA, but hey, what do I know? Now they are playing with the big boys and holding their own.

The state of Tennessee had five teams in the big dance this year: the two I have mentioned, UT, Vandy, and Austin Peay. And I understand that MTSU barely missed the cut. So, watch out, America, we're building power houses down here.

I am proud of both of my schools for their efforts. And of course, I will be pulling for Memphis to take the title.