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? 🎯 

Two Mr Basketball candidates lead LC

3 years ago, the Lawrence Central basketball Bears were bounced from the opening round of the playoffs. The following year, D'Andre Davis and Nijel Pack advanced to the Sectional championship. Last year, LC posted a 22-4 overall record on their way to a Regional appearance. A loss, if you will, but still a Sectional Win. Either way you look at it is bittersweet. They're hoping to drop that bitterness when they contend for a State title in March of 2020; but right now, this dynamic duo is focused on it's annual Thanksgiving Eve matchup against Lawrence North. May the games begin. 

Speaking of rivalries, Purdue hosts Indiana at Noon in their annual Thanksgiving Saturday matchup, aka The Old Oaken Bucket game. IU who is looking for their 8th regular-season win, is hoping for a Gator Bowl invite in warm, sunny Florida this New Year... or maybe that's just me. And before you ask: Yes, I'll even take Notre Dame as a consolation prize.