This blog is dedicated to demonstration or desire to be a great leader, never give up, and fight for everything you love. When I started it, we were in the middle of a pandemic, and had no idea what was going to happen. Grateful to have sports back.
The opening weekend of March Madness was extra sweet this year. With the first 4 actually feeling a part of the tourney, the Friday-Monday model was a bit odd, but really was incredible, as usual. Heart, heartbreak, the love to win and the disdain for loss. Win or Go Home.
There was no shortage of parity with upsets all over the bracket. There were some new faces, some new personalities, and a shortage of many normal ones. Even without fans in full, no Duke or Kentucky for the first time in decades, and many perennial traditional “powerhouses” falling early… the opening weekend was magical. No shortage of talent at all levels of basketball in America.
Only 4/15 of my original hopefuls for a good showing in the tournament remain alive, some showed up to compete, but lost..some just didn’t even show up.
New stars were born, as they always are during opening weekend. Many of the legends who really SHOW UP for the NCAA tournament end up panning out as worthy professionals in the NBA. The whole world is watching, and only the strong survive.
Unlike 11/15 of my “warrior” list.. these guys actually came to fight, and because of that..WON. They make my top 10, no particular order, but showed incredible fight, resiliency, and leadership… All key factors to endure and overcome tryin times on or off the court.
5 Guards, 5 Bigs from teams who did enough to make it to the Sweet 16. Losers do not qualify, but I did include a few Honorable Mentions.
Winning Guards
Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse
The son of the 2-3 legend Jim Boeheim himself, Buddy shocked everyone with a virtuously unstoppable face up game and fearless trigger. He doesn’t need to do much at the defensive end, but the kid can stroke. He showed a craziness in his eye that only the great ones have, but he also had the look of a kid living his dream out, which is just always great to see.
Chris Duarte, Oregon
Duarte and his costar LJ Figueroa demonstrated why many people felt Oregon was better than their record showed. The Ducks faced injuries and COVID in the regular season, but boy do they look hot. They are fresh, and the 2 guards play in symmetry, adding up to a powerful tandem. They have a really unique game each.
Jahvon Quinerly, Alabama
Nate Oates is a wildman, and his team plays with a wild abandon. Even with the speed and strength that Alabama has, there is a smoothness to their style as well. Shackelford is a big part of that churn, but Quinerly has a richness to his vision that seems to improve those around him, and he has a contagious confidence. Love his smoothness and handle in his pass game. Jahvon Quinerly… True Point God.
Ethan Thompson, Oregon State
A shock to some, but no surprise to others, Thompson took down the Lottery Guy, and Fro-Nemesis Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma State. Upon some commercial break research, found footage of Thompson yamming on Bol Bol in a high school sectional game. I love how Ethan and his team have risen to the challenge, and the way he showed up versus Cade was unforgettable.
Quintin Grimes, Houston
Another smooth confidence guy. I’m a lover of facilitators, but I do also love a good scorer. Grimes proves time and time again he is an elite offensive threat. Houston spreads the ball around unselfishly, but somehow Grimes often ends up leading the way statistically. He has done what many have not around the country, and helped his team show up and make it this far, how far will they go? As far as he goes if you ask me..
Winning Forwards
Kevin Obanor, Oral Roberts
“Is Obanor a pro?” I asked my buddies.. I think he has what it takes. He may not be the biggest but god he has the heart. He may never become a major player in the NBA but in the NCAA Obanor and his Oral BOBS have shocked the world and advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 15 seed. Taking down OSU was 1 thing, but to follow it up with an even better 2nd round.. Awesome.
Drew Timme, Gonzaga
Timme is like an old man playing with boys at times. He has a big size, and his mustache isn’t foolish. He plays like a tough cowboy despite his large frame. I like how he rises to the moment in switches and isn’t afraid to guard a guard. He dominates the paint with technique and smarts in addition to his physical dominance. He’s a vital piece to a possible championship squad.
Justin Smith, Arkansas
Arkansas is legit, and so is Justin Smith. His numbers are among some of the highest in the tournement in points and rebounds, but I just love his nose for the ball. On the boards, he positions himself in places to clean up. On offense he cuts and moves at the right times and attacks with a guard like game. They are going to be tough to beat with athletes like Smith.
Christian Bishop, Creighton
Not a real big name, couldn’t even find a personal video from this weekend on Bishop. I saw some things I loved though. A guy who clearly has worked on his game over the years and knows his role, he comes down the pipe with some sting. If you saw Creighton play, you had to have seen one of his alley oops.. He’s got a lot in the mud the blood and the guts though, and I love guys who go to battle.
Cameron Krutwig, Loyola-Illinois
Arguably the pop culture star of the tourney, Krutwig has everything you need to be unforgettable. Mustache, check. Hairline, check. Last Name, check. GAME? CHECKMATE. Loyola-Illinois took down one of the favorites in Illinois, but Krutwig was an absolute treat to watch. The ball fakes, the bounce passes, the finishes around the rim. Sweet sweet madness. Love to see it, but the game don’t lie. Krutwig balls.
Honorable Mentions-
- Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
- Tanner/Jacob Groves, Eastern Washington
- Austin Reaves, Oklahoma
- Joseph Yasufu, Drake
- Cameron Thomas, LSU
There’s my recap of your top 10 surviving Sweet 16 Mad Men for March Madness! Stay tuned to the tryin times for more coverage of inspiring and ignition of spirit in all walks of life.
