Lately, I’ve got a kick watching Bob Knight work as an analyst for ESPN. After all, it was Knight who claimed sports reporters are one rung above the prostitution profession. Although, I’m guessing he feels differently about that statement now.

Then again, that’s typical "Knight speak" coming directly from the sports world’s biggest hypocrite. And, just to make myself clear, I’m not a fan of Bob Knight the coach or Bob Knight the low-life – Knight’s label not mine - basketball analyst for ESPN.

Of course, Knight’s statistical track record as a coach is tremendous. However, I don’t respect a man who bullies his peers and preaches a do as I say and not as I do message.

Now that's leadership

Also, it’s beyond me how a leader of young men can act like a complete jackass for three decades and not only get away with such garbage behavior but, be loved for it too. Oh, I see, win 800 games and you're golden, got it.

And, make sure not to mistake Knight as a great leader either. In fact, if you want to know whether a good coach can become a great leader just compare his behavior to Knight's.

Understand that if a particular coach has choked less than three players or failed to embarrass the university on several levels he or she cannot become a great coach.

Anyway, I hope Knight soon lands another coaching job in college basketball. At least he’ll then revert back to an irrelevant jerk opposed to an old windbag on my television set.

"Hey, stop picking on me."

As far as the tourney, I’m taking North Carolina over Memphis in the championship game. Although, I wouldn’t put money on it.

Besides, not many folks correctly pick the last two teams anyway. That’s why I focus each year on trying to correctly pick 40 games.

I’ve recorded my NCAA picks since 2001 and have only correctly picked the last two teams once (2005: North Carolina vs. Illinois). Funny enough, I incorrectly picked Illinois to defeat North Carolina in the championship game!

Speaking of which, in the same time span (2001-2007) I’ve only picked the correct champion twice. In 2001 I was spot-on with Maryland and followed it up in 2002 by selecting Duke.

Conversely, since 2002 I’ve swung and missed with Kentucky (2003), Pittsburgh (2004), Illinois (2005), UConn (2006) and Ohio State (2007) all as my picks for champions.

On the other hand, I have reached my goal of picking 40 wins four times in seven years. Not too bad.

Here’s a more detailed look at my overall NCAA Tourney record since 2001.

2001 – (42-21) .666

2004 – (41-23) .640

2005 – (40-23) .630

2003 – (39-24) .619

2002 – (39-25) .609

As you can see, last year’s picks will be tough for me to top. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at my 2008 selections. Forty plus wins here I come!

• EAST

2^nd Round: N. Carolina, Indiana, Notre Dame, Winthrop, Oklahoma, Louisville, Butler, Tennessee

Sweet 16: N. Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, Tennessee

Elite 8: N. Carolina, Tennessee

Final Four: N. Carolina

• MIDWEST

2^nd Round: Kansas, UNLV, Clemson, Vandy, USC, Wisconsin, Gonzaga, Georgetown

Sweet 16: Kansas, Vandy, USC, Georgetown

Elite 8: Kansas, Georgetown

Final Four: Georgetown

• SOUTH

2^nd Round: Memphis, Oregon, Michigan St, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Stanford, Miami, Texas

Sweet 16: Memphis, Pittsburgh, Stanford, Texas

Elite 8: Memphis, Stanford

Final Four: Memphis

• WEST

2^nd Round: UCLA, Texas A&M, W. Kentucky, U Conn, Purdue, Xavier, W. Virginia, Duke

Sweet 16: UCLA, U Conn, Xavier, Duke

Elite 8: UCLA, Xavier

Final Four: UCLA

• Overall Final Four

N. Carolina defeats Georgetown

Memphis wins against UCLA

• Championship April 7^th in San Antonio

North Carolina edges Memphis

• Let's hope two tourney teams give us another classic game like last year’s drama between Ohio State and Xavier. The OSU overtime victory was incredible considering how close the Buckeyes came to losing.

Link Party

• Let's not burn this bridge.

• This week I accidentally clicked the MLS button on the Yahoo sports page.

Coincidentally, all the individual soccer game stories shared the exact same headline… Soccer game turns into huge fan brawl!

• What’s the most hilarious book I’ve ever read? Answer: Steven Colbert’s I am American (and so can you). Highly recommended, indeed.

Purchase the hardback copy, it's a keeper

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Bugeatersteve said:

Hey Brian, Way to step up on the article, nicely written and great insight into the man, the inigma that is Mr. Robert Knight, did you get chok.. err play for the General? (no just kidding). You and I had several of the same picks, best game so far IMHO has been Western Kentucky against "the Drake". Pitt losing to Michigan State hurt me in the 8, but my final 4 of UCLA, Stanford, Georgetown and Tennessee are still all alive going into Sunday's action. I went with West Virginia over Duke because of Dukes, once again late season fade. 3 point shooting teams just seem to wear out in tournament action.

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March 24, 2008
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Bullpen Brian said:

BESteve, I agree the best game to this point was W. Ken. Drake. Thankfully, the Hilltoppers make that shot final shot to help my first round record! Also, Marquette Stanford in OT was a true nail biter. Whew, almost lost that game too. As for my march to 40...first round (25- and still have all my Final Four teams alive. Although, my Sweet 16 picks ain't looking so good. Thanks for checking out the article and I'll update it soon. Coach K forever Bob Knight never.

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March 24, 2008
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Lloyds Apple said:

	Bob Knight is an A-hole but still a great coach. I need to read the Colbert book, the dude cracks me up. Good article man, again. Props for keeping track of all your results since 2001.
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March 24, 2008
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al said:

	f*ck you. coach knight rules. i should kick your sorry non=atletic ass, you freaking journalistic prick.
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March 24, 2008
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Bugeatersteve said:

	I think that anyone who keeps track of his picks since 2001, needs in this order: 1. Girlfriend/wife 2. A blow-up doll 3. Strip clubs 4. A life. Just kidding, especially after the comment immediately preceeding mine. Dude needs to "Chill".
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March 25, 2008
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