Q & A: Let the Madness Begin

The moment all of us college basketball fans have been waiting for, is just a few days away.  The NCAA basketball tourney is my favorite event out of any sport, at any level.  It has it all – great athletes, buzzer beaters, Cinderella stories, cheerleaders, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.  What I have for you today, is an interview with my long-time buddy, Jeff Rinaldi.  Jeff and I used to bleed Carolina blue together back in high school.  Then he turned on me, and now bleeds a different shade of blue – Kentucky blue.  In all honesty, I don’t blame him.  He went on to attend the University of Kentucky, so I guess I can cut him some slack.

Back in high school a few of us used to do mock-interviews with the video camera rolling.  And let me tell you, an interview with Mr. Rinaldi is the best.  His answers were well thought out, intelligent, and best of all, hilarious!   Fifteen years later, and once again, Jeff didn’t disappoint!

DM: We go way back my friend.  I miss “jam ball” out in the driveway, as well as our basketball conversations, especially during this time of  year.  So I’m really looking forward to catching up.

Jeff Rinaldi: Danny, let me first say it is a privilege to share my thoughts/picks for the 2010 NCAA tourney.  We do go way back and I am glad to offer my thoughts on the bracket this year.  Anything for the McLartys!  An absolute gem of a family who possess some of the best basketball minds this side of the country!

DM:  (I told you he does a great interview. )  I’ve won a few of these March Madness pools over the years, but I’ll be honest with you, I’m way behind on college basketball this year.  So I thought it would be best to defer to you for advice as I know you’re passionate about your college hoops.  If I have any chance of winning a pool this year, (winning = for entertainment purposes only) it will be from complete luck, and/or the advice you are about to give me and my readers.  So, are your ready to get to it? 

JR:  I am pumped (as always) for the NCAA tourney..even more so with my UK Wildcats looking ferocious.  Not to sound too confident but this year’s bracket seems a bit more straightforward than past years.  I agree with Jay Bilas on the field being weaker although I won’t over-emphasize it like he does.  Nevertheless, we can expect some surprises in this tournament like every year, ala Cleveland State’s magic last year.  

DM: Every year it seems like at LEAST one #12 seed upsets a #5.  Does it look like that is going to happen again this year? 

JR:  Yes D.  You can count on it.  I will put my money were my mouth is and let everyone know that UTEP is going to beat Vanderbilt.  Vandy seems to lack a little confidence coming into the NCAA.  Derrick Character of UTEP is finally showing what he is capable of after leaving the Louisville program. Can’t blame him on that either.  UTEP is a dangerous team. Period.

DM:  Any #2 or #3 seeds going down in round one this year?

 JR:  I really don’t see any #2 or #3 seeds going down this year but I will give you two more lock upsets besides the UTEP two-step.  Siena over a confused Purdue team.  And Steve Fisher and San Diego State will shock the dirty Vols from Tennessee to advance.  Although I don’t have the guts to pick the upset, New Mexico could be vulnerable in that 1st round vs Montana.

DM: Which team is going to be this year’s Cinderella story?

JR: Thankfully, I don’t see a George Mason this year.  I tend to like powerhouses in the Final 4.  However, as mentioned earlier, I feel UTEP has what it takes to get to the Sweet 16.  Chicago’s own Tim Hardaway will be thrilled!  I also think Marquette is HOT and has the ingredients to surprise.  Another Chicago guy, Dwayne Wade will be “jumpin’ for joy,” as Dicky V would say.  For the record, I don’t care much for the VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index) he references.

DM: Alright, lets get to the questions that everyone is waiting for.  Give the reader’s your Final Four…

JR:  I can confidently say Kansas, Kentucky, Villanova and Syracuse in the Final 4.  Just so the readers know, I usually pull a #4 or #5 seed out to make the final 4 but I just don’t see it happening this year.  I love Georgetown but can’t see them getting past Kansas.  

DM: Who is going to play in the championship game?  And which team is cutting down the nets?

JR: Although a bit biased, no one can argue that Kentucky is full of talent.  I really believe we will cut the nets down this year despite our youth.  We all know about Patterson, Wall, and Cousins, who command respect.  However, watch out for Eric Bledsoe.  This kid is dynamite in a bottle and is crucial to UK’s success.  So, Kentucky over Kansas for the 2010 championship.

DM: With all that said, the winner of most office pools will probably go to the lady that picks her teams based on her favorite uniforms.  That’s the way it seems to work out quite often.  Well, except for the years that I walked away the title!

JR:  I understand Danny.  When Betty from accounting takes the office pool it can really be discouraging.  I like to think I take time to break down each game…really put some thought into it.  Then our gutless wonder Betty comes along and picks teams based on a state she likes and wins the dinero.  Hey Betty?!  I have been watching games all year while you have been knitting and reading. I despise Betty and her endless string of luck.  Hope she has a bad lunch.

DM:  Wow!  Let me take a moment to compose myself while I wipe these tears from my face.  Ok, I’m no longer dying from laughter… thanks for taking time for this Jeff.  I really appreciate it, and I know the readers do as well!

JR:  My pleasure.  I hope everyone reading really considers these upsets. However, I will not take blame if they don’t come through.  Nothing is better than the NCAA tourney though.  Everyone enjoy it because we deserve it.  Go Cats!

Anyone out there have any upset specials that you think Jeff left out?  How about a surprise champion?  Let us know in the comments section below.