The Last Dance for Most...

I'll be the first to admit it-I hate basketball. Wait, let me clarify that-I hate pro-basketball. I think the NBA is filled with a bunch of spoiled, rich degenerates who get away with everything.

A truly classless bunch no doubt. Unlike what many people think, money and notoriety don't buy class.

However, I do like college basketball, especially during March.

I actually enjoy watching the games. Why? Because these kids have heart and play each game like it could very well be their last college game, and organized basketball game, ever. For many of these kids, these games are their last ones. Most will go onto live non-NBA lives and I've noticed that the NCAA has been airing ads touting that a large percentage of college athletes will go onto careers outside of sports. These ads are very airy-fairy with plenty of dissolves, fades and a soothing voice-over while showing footage of smiling, former college athletes in their new, non-athletic careers. These ads play more like feminine hygiene commercials. (Note to self: buy Midol during the next Target run.)

The NCAA's message just doesn't seem strong enough or even loud enough and it should be stapled to the uniforms of all high school proteges and shouted from gymnasium bleachers in every high school throughout the country. And, most importantly, parents of these proteges should be required to attend meetings explaining the chances of making it to the pros are next to nil and to encourage getting good grades instead. If they don't attend, their kids don't play. Simple as that.

Delusions of grandeur can be dangerous at any age. Sure, it's okay to dream but dreams should be well anchored to the earth. Of course, sportscasters and the media ain't helping the situation. The commentators on CBS have been stroking Joakim Noah so much, you'd think he was already playing in the NBA and could walk on water. He's a good player, but the rate he's going his arrogance level will be tapped out by the time he gets to the pros. Sure, his dad, Yannick Noah, was a sorta tennis phenom in the 70s and 80s, so arrogance is in the blood. I've always thought that Yannick was way too proud of himself for someone who has only won one slam title during his career. One has to wonder if Roger Federer purposely thrives on being humble since huge-ass egos tend to ruin careers quickly.

Arrogance ain't colorful, it's obnoxious and boring when it's constantly talked about by the media. As my parents used to say, don't encourage that kind of obnoxious behavior and it will go away when no one acknowledges it anymore. Or as in our case when we were kids, it disappeared when it got called home for dinner and nighty-night time.

I hope that the Hoyas win it all. They seem scrappy enough to knock Florida off their pedestal. It's always more satisfying when the underdog wins it all.