NRG Stadium Sucks the Energy out of Basketball

VERY interesting given that the Final Four will be at NRG stadium next year.

Watching the Elite Eight there a few years back, I can attest, it's a horrible venue to watch basketball, and, putting myself in players' shoes, I would hate to play there.

The backdrop is all black, but it's shades of black based on shadows and curtains, which makes it hard to tell how far away is the basket. There is also a ledge around the raised court that just screams accident to someone sliding off the sides.

See Ken Pomeroy's data on three pointers.

Never Bet Against Michigan State

If the tournament this year has taught me anything, it's reminded me to NEVER bet against Michigan State, and that truly anything can happen.

Yet again, Tom Izzo has taken a Michigan State team with a middling record, and had them peak at the right time - "overperforming" in the tournament and making the Sweet 16 for something like 7 out of 8 years.

This will be Michigan State's fourth straight appearance in the Sweet 16 and its 11th since 2000.

 To see the second point, one needs look no further than #5 Utah. If Utah makes the finals (granted, that's a long shot), and Michigan State defeats Oklahoma, then my son, currently DEAD LAST in our 16-bracket pool, will win the whole thing - even if Kentucky wins the tournament (whom over half of pools picked to do so). Crazy.

So, watch the games tonight. A loss by Gonzaga or Duke weeds a lot of brackets out. Fun times.

March Madness Underway

Congrats to all who joined the pool this year. Looks like we will be down from last year - some attrition due to babies born recently, etc., but well over $100 will be raised regardless. And that's wonderful.

The first round (I don't count the First Four as a separate round) has proven NOT to disappoint. Gone our the "traditional" 5-12 upsets and now we have 4-13 upsets! Hopefully, that killed my bracket just as much as anyone else. And the ONE guy who actually got the entire first round correct.... crazy! (not in our pool)

Here is the current leaderboard:

As always, your's truly is NOT on the list. But, most of the 16 brackets in the pool are very close together - anything can happen over the next few days - especially if the officials keep blowing calls at the end of games or giving technicals to coaches for no reason.

I also enjoy seeing the variety of charities chosen this year. Every year I learn about wonderful groups doing good work that's woefully unrecognized. Polaris and Camp Spike and Wave are only two examples this year.

If you haven't chosen a charity, pick one now and change the name of your bracket (or tell me). Watch the games. May the best bracket win!

March Madness Charity Pool 2015 is Here!!

Play. Win. Give.


It's that time again!! Come join the annual March Madness charity pool where people choose a charity to play for and the winning charity gets the pot. Some of you remember playing last year (Congratulations, Baton Rouge Child Advocacy Center).


No knowledge necessary. You can donate online or come visit me in Houston. I'd love to have y'all join, have some fun, and help out a worthy cause.

If you'd like to join, this is what to do:1. Go to http://games.espn.go.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2015/en/ and join/login

2. Create a bracket (named for your charity).

3. Join the group "TBE Play For A Cause 2015"
4. Donate $10 per bracket via the paypal link at http://thebleedingear.blogspot.com/p/tbe-play-for-cause.html or somehow send it to me.
5. Selection Sunday is March 15, 2015
6. Fill out the bracket between March 16-18, 2015.
6. Watch the games starting March 19, 2015 and root for your teams!


The winner's charity gets all the cash, and you are entered into ESPN's $10,000 prize pool also!!


Let's have some fun, and help others in the process.