Beware the Ides of March Madness
The Ides of March is a day on the early Roman calendar as 15March. It was an event of religious observance but became famous and ominous as the day Julius Caesar, the greatest Roman general, was assassinated in 44 BC. Caesar was warned by a false prophet to “beware the Ides of March”.
The same prophetic warning exists today on the eve of the NCAA college basketball tournament start date — “beware those teams that come before you to stop your power to continue”.
The NCAA tournament field is ready to play in a whirlwind of activity that puts great pressure on teams and players to succeed to the next level or go home in tears. The biggest word on the lips of fans is “upset”. There is a foreboding feeling of doom and gloom hanging in the wings before tip-off. No, it is not life or death as Caesar experienced but a warning for teams to bring their best stuff or else feel the pain and ending of all your hard work and sacrifice.
Smaller teams will gain respect in a losing effort when they leave it all on the flour. Better teams need to find a way to win or face the unthinkable failure of being beat by the lesser team, a monumental upset that is part of this great tournament. One and done is the reality of your basketball life being terminated until next year or maybe forever.
All the seeded teams are aware of the beginning madness of what it means to participate. Seasonal games and season ending conference tournaments are very competitive and important to the college teams but not on the level of March Madness.
However, the March Madness tournament is the most bet of any other sporting event, even the Superbowl. The tournament is scheduled at the best time of year for an exclusive showing above any competing sports. It is the king of amateur and professional sporting events. The NBA and NHL are in the final parts of their seasons before their playoffs begin. Major League Baseball opening day is a few weeks away and spring training is a spec on the sports scene.
It is that time of year that captures the essence of college athletics.
The tournament structure and format is a classic layer of anticipation and suspense. How these college players strive for the ultimate goal is an enduring example of purpose and hard work. Even in defeat, teams show an incredible desire to achieve above all else. Competition at its best with dramatic results that surpass all expectations — madness and mayhem personified.
Here are some of the best moments in tournament history…
Each round of survival reaches an epic conclusion but still no ending in sight. Advancing to the next round is a relief but more pressure to come and possible elimination. Another battle full of stamina, strength and the will to win —– with a little luck in your corner.
Even the fans are exhausted from the excruciating play and roller coaster ride down to the last few minutes and seconds. Those crazy back and forth buckets with under ten seconds left were well displayed last year when Villanova beat North Carolina in the final second with that last three from just over mid-court was one for the ages. It just happens every year with different heroics that are beyond description. Simply amazing !
