I know I work in the NBA, but I can't help it this time of year, I get caught up (and then some) in March Madness. I love it. Nothing beats the NCAA Tournament. I think it'd be awesome if the NBA ever added a separate single-elimination tourney, maybe like as a preseason event. It would be pretty money if you ask me. Of course no one is, so it will never happen.

Anyway, I thought we'd discuss the Big Dance a little today, starting with the answer to today's trivia question. It was a toughie, and we only got two right answers, but congrats to Baht W. who got tickets to tonight's game against the Sixers for knowing that five players on the rosters for Atlanta and Philly have played in a Final Four. They are:

Shelden Williams and Shavlik Randolph for Duke in 2004, Marvin Williams at UNC in 2005, Royal Ivey at Texas in 2003, and Andre Miller for Utah in 1998.

I was in the locker room after practice yesterday to get some of the players' thoughts on the tourney, seeing as so many of their schools are in the bracket. Originally, I planned on doing interviews with every player whose alma mater made it to give you some insight from them on how their teams will fare. Unfortunately, they are pretty much all unabashed homers, and apparently, the only news I can give you is that all of their teams are headed to the Final Four.

Instead, here is a short compendium of what I took away from the discussion:

Royal Ivey (Texas) - Thinks Kevin Durant can drop 50 on anyone (I don't disagree, for the record). Thinks their bracket is the toughest one in the tourney, but thinks the Horns can reach the Elite Eight at least.
Josh Childress (Stanford) - Likes Stanford's chances, but thinks their youth could be their undoing. Thinks if they can survive the first round, then they could be dangerous.
Lorenzen Wright (Memphis) - Thinks Memphis has been overlooked because they lost so many players from last season's team that reached the Elite Eight, but says they have enough talent to get pretty far.
Marvin Williams (UNC) - North Carolina can win it all because they can score really well and have a lot of different guys who can contribute offensively.
Shelden Williams (Duke) - With the way Duke plays defense, thinks they can get far. Doesn't think scoring is Duke's strong point, so they will need to defend to advance.
Joe Johnson (Arkansas) - Guarantees the Hogs will beat USC. After that, unsure of how they can do.
Salim Stoudamire (Arizona) - It all depends on Mustafa Shakur. If he plays well, they have the talent to do some damage. But if he is off, they may lose early. Likes the matchup with Florida if they get that far because they play similar tempos.

So there you have it. I don't know if that will help any of you pick your brackets, but it's at least a little food for thought. Back with more in a bit to preview tonight's game...