Sweet 16

First two rounds in the books. Happy with the outcomes?
As I said on the show, we might not have a true Cinderella (although Arizona in my book counts) but we had some really competitive games top to bottom in the first few rounds.
Near upsets of #1 and #2 seeds, some other 5-12 upsets as well. I was most impressed with the small conference and mid major teams competing at such a high level as the top-tier talent teams in the NCAA. Great showings by North Dakota State (Summit League), Cal State Northridge (Big West), Siena (MAAC), East Tennessee State (Atlantic Sun) and Cleveland State (Horizon League). While not all these teams pulled off upsets, they certainly proved not only they belong in the NCAA tournament but that the talent level has shifted from major programs to smaller schools across the country.
Regional TV coverage, internet and radio have helped some small time programs get big time exposure, lending themselves as a better option to a blue-chip recruit who might want to stay closer to home and play college hoops or dare I say make a school selection based on academic programs?
Love the tourney, love the way it's evolving into a showcase for smaller programs to get a little national love. While major TV networks will still on focus on the Big East, Big 10, ACC and PAC 10, it's nice to see some fresh faces come March.