While most of the country fills out their brackets for the NCAA tournament, I know what you’re thinking—someone needs to cover the NIT. You’re thinking, “Where can I get the insightful analysis I need in order to fill out my NIT brackets?”
 
Yep, I hear you, someone needs to cover the NIT and this year it appears that role would fall to me.
 
The reason this falls to me is because Maryland did not make the only tournament that matters. The reason Maryland didn’t make the only tournament that matters is…well, I could write for hours about this, and since I’ve already prayed “Lord, lead me not into temptation” this morning, I should refrain from any further comment. But if you happen to run into me today, please ask me why for the third time in four years we are going to the tournament no one cares about. I’ve got plenty to say. For Maryland, playing in the NIT is becoming a disturbing pattern. And did I mention no one cares about this tournament? The relatives of those playing don’t even attend these games! And Maryland is going to lose on Tuesday to Minnesota, and so my exclusive and extensive coverage of the NIT will conclude on Tuesday.
 
As for the Big Dance, there is no doubt it will be yet another memorable tournament where what happens in certain games defies explanation except that we now expect this to take place. The only thing yet to take place in the NCAA tournament is a 16 seed beating a 1 seed. Maybe this year that will happen. It will eventually (I’m saying Texas Arlington beats Memphis!).
 
I returned home last night from Orlando, having had the privilege of participating in the Ligonier conference and then speaking at Metro Life Church on Sunday, so I haven’t been able to study and finalize my brackets. I did start the process this morning with an annual tradition. I have Duke losing in every round.