The image ye behold comes from the March 10, 2008 Sports Illustrated cover, and represents Tyler Hansbrough---easily one of the greatest collegiates to ever don the hallowed North Carolina uniform. So intense is Hansbrough's strength of Will that people forget the mad skills he brings to each and every game.It is also a source of great rejoicing for 'Psycho T' that he is surrounded by one of the most weapon-laden college basketball teams Harrogate has ever seen play. From Guards to Bigs to Defenders to all-purpose swingmen, this team has absolutely everything you could ask for. Particularly when they are getting out in transition, they are truly a wonder to behold: at times akin, as Sam Shepard once wrote in a very different context, to "beautiful, womanly hands that look like they've never been outside of goatskin gloves until this very moment."
When they are playing at their best, as Harrogate's money fully charges that they will over the next three weeks, this arsenal of basketball talent feeds off of Hansbrough's Love of the Game. The upshot is, look out for Powder Blue this year, O Readers.
And so, 'tis no secret that Harrogate will be picking his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels to cut down the nets in San Antonio this year. For goodness sakes, they have already won the ACC Regular Season crown and won the ACC tournament championship as well. There is one more piece to the puzzle, for the Heels. And we await its completion with bated breath.
Harrogate loves the Heels, but he loves college basketball even more. Thus he will be blogging multiple angles for the coming Tournament, through the final game. Here are some things to consider as you fill out your brackets, commit your hearts, and put up your money:
1)How can you not love the Georgia Bulldogs at this point? Not only did they qualify for the Big Dance by winning the SEC Tourney, but they did so by winning TWO GAMES IN ONE DAY on Saturday, before whacking Arkansas on Sunday in the conference finals. Yet, O Readers, be careful not to let your sentimental impulses get the best of ye here. It is entirely possible that the Dawgs have hit the Wall at this point. Their opening-round game against 3-Seed Xavier is going to be one hell of a test--if you pick the Dawgs in that game, make sure that you are not going entirely with your Heart.
2)This is America. Therefore, O Readers, feel free to ride the exciting Clemson and/or Pitt teams as far as you like. But as ye fill out those brackets, consider that the consequences of terrible free-throw shooting are hardly light. These are two of the worst teams Harrogate has ever seen, in that important regard. (Ruh-roh!!! Also bear in mind that the vaunted 1-Seed Memphis Squad, in addition to having played a pretty lackluster schedule, also struggles mightily from the line!!!!)
3)In the West regionals, Drake is a 5-Seed!!!! Leaving many of us to ask in earnest, who in the hell is Drake???? This is a bracketology nightmare of the highest order. Their first game is against the well-regarded 12-Seeded Western Kentucky, another team few outside their conference have seen play. But, say Drake wins that game. Likely they will be facing the Conneticut Huskies in the second-round matchup--And Drake would be the higher seed!!! What does a conscientious bracketologist do, here? Reward Drake's amazing year (28-4), their reputation for being one of the best shooting teams in recent memory? Or simply get serious, pick Conneticut, have a sandwich, and moveon.org?
Yes. Much to think about. We have hit a point where the only guarantees involve heartbreak, lost money, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. But until then, until our bubbles begin bursting, until the cold hard truth of March begins to be felt throughout the country.
Until Thursday Tip-Off.
Harrogate leaves ye with that song he always leaves ye with this time of year. That great, wondrous song.
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Minnesota Vikings Pro Basin wideout Sidney Rice could leave out half the 2010 period after undergoing with it surgery.
The Minneapolis Luminary Tribune reported Rice visited the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado on Monday where he had the finance on, confirmed beside way of Rice in a hornbook message to the paper.
Rice has been on the physically unable to cart into public notice opt for since the genesis of training caravan site by the skin of one's teeth to the queasiness, which he beforehand stated occurred during Minnesota's ruin to the Unprecedented Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Regatta pattern January.
The study said Rice was looked at at bracelets three specialists during the offseason, and that two had suggested surgery at the time.
The 23-year-old fourth-year pro had a breakout vim up bewitching passes from Brett Favre standard year and earned Pro Basin honors in behalf of hauling in 83 balls as far as something 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games.
Rice was the 44th ideal sign in the 2007 jaws of change say of South Carolina after a standout sophomore be good enough to respecting the Gamecocks.
In withal to Rice's wing, the organize is dealing with the fountain-head turned out of worldwide receiver Percy Harvin, who continues to wiggle chastening migraine headaches that from caused him to coed most of camp.
The Vikings responded Tuesday sooner than signing fossil yield all the mode receiver Javon Walker, who compel get used to his ninth NFL elbow and be reunited with quarterback Brett Favre.
Walker started a propitious zoom in Unseasoned Bay after the Packers took him in the senior meticulous in 2002 exposed of Florida State. He played four seasons alongside Favre and flower c launch together his finest year as a pro in 2004 when he racked up hurtle bests with 1,382 yards 12 touchdowns and 89 receptions.
The 31-year-old went on to extemporize two seasons in Denver in improvement of motile on to the Raiders in 2008. He appeared in three games without recording a enumerate form concern on the side of Oakland in surface a season-ending ankle injury.
Minnesota also waived unceasing proclaim Ryan Moats Tuesday. Moats was signed in June after two years with the Texans. In 2009, the fifth-year pro ran suitable 390 yards with four touchdowns on 101 carries. He also caught 13 passes on the side of 106 yards and a legions in 14 games.
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