Mecca of College Basketball

Strictly geographically speaking, Cincinnati could rightfully call themselves the center of the Universe when it comes to basketball. Problem is, we all know most of the basketball lore from Cincy is via an Indianapolis-native briefly providing his talents in the late 50s. The same man who the NCAA later named their Player of the Year trophy after: Oscar Robertson.
Besides that, there's not much to say about Tri-State Hoops being the capital. Much of the collegiate success over recent decades have spread out to neighboring schools Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Louisville, Michigan State... the list goes far beyond just bluebloods and powerhouses - Dayton was a top-5 school just as March Madness was about to begin, until the damn panic shut it down. Creighton was contending for a top-10 spot. Iowa & Illinois were ranked in the top-10. 

I might be so bold as to say that in any given year, at least half the ranked teams are from the Midwest. Yep, that includes NET, RPI, Sagarin, and KenPom rankings. 

So I thought, let's put together a crude lil map and then check every now and then to see how well the prediction holds up.

2021 Update: Naturally, the NCAA chose Indianapolis, and Indiana to host the entire Men's Basketball tournament this March with most games (including all elite8+ games) within covered-walking distance of Circle Center in the Circle City, just south of Carmel aka Roundabout City, which is quick drive to anywhere else around Indy, thanks to Interstate-465 highway, a circle around the city known for driving in circles (ovals). Get it yet? 🎯 

Dancing with Hoosiers

After two unsuccessful tries, Randy Wittman's son Ryan has finally put Cornell into the next round. Ben Allen helped St Marys shock everyone by beating Villanova to advance to the 3rd round. North Carolina and Tyler Zeller have advanced to the NIT's Elite 8. The Butler Bulldogs took care of UTEP and Murray State, and are now halfway home. Who can forget Ohio's Armon Bassett's amazing March performance? Like Allen, Meezy played for Kelvin Sampson a couple years ago, as did Jordan Crawford - probably best known as that kid that dunked over LeBron James, now has Xavier looking to make another Regional Finals appearance.

Purdue Boilermakers have shushed all doubters by advancing to their 2nd consecutive Sweet Sixteen.
Ohio State and Michigan St are also representing the BigTen, with Northern Iowa/Tennessee standing in the way of a trip to Indy. However, not all is bright in the Schrockstar Galaxy of Stars: Notre Dame lost in the first round to Old Dominion; IUPUI lost the league championship to Oakland; and Indiana, Ball State, Evansville, Indiana State, Valparaiso and Vincenses were not even invited.

The Road to Indianapolis

Back in October, I gave you a Tri-State Hoops Preview highlighting Butler, Kentucky, Michigan State, Purdue and other area teams showing real promise to play in the Final Four. Now that the Tournament has arrived, we have a clearer view of possible Regional Finalists. If all #1s and #2s advance to the Elite 8 that would be boring - so I have Xavier upsetting Kansas State in Salt Lake City. What can I say? I'm a risk-taker!

Here's a map of those eight perceived finalists

Indy Hoops recap

Wednesday: J-O made a guest appearance at Conseco Fieldhouse, this time as a member of the Miami Heat. D-Wade's game-winning 3-pointer as time expired bounced in, and then out. Pacers continue to believe they can make a playoff spot...
Thursday: Duke and Purdue both lose, coach Billy Gillispie fired from UK. Is it my birthday?
Friday: While at my gf's parents' crib - amidst heavy drinking and charades - I observed Louisville trounce Arizona and Michigan State come back from 13-down to dethrone defending champion Kansas
Saturday: Indiana crowns 4 State champions today in High School Boys Basketball - including future IU PG and Mr Basketball Jordan Hulls leading an undefeated Bloomington South squad vs Ft. Wayne Snider; Pacers battle the Chicago Bulls at United Center - and it looks like Brandon Rush likes his new role as a starter, scoring 18 in the 1st Q; 'Nova takes on Pitt and Mizzou plays UConn
Sunday: Michigan State and Louisville go head-to-head at da 'Luc for a berth to the Final Four in Detroit; Tyler Hansbrough battles Blake Griffin for the #1 overall pick in the NBA draft. And finally, will Agent Zero make his '08-09 debut in Indy?