Duke basketball - always winners

Even if you don't follow sports, if you live in the U.S. you've undoubtedly heard the term "March Madness", and by now, you know that it refers to the NCAA basketball playoffs, not the crazy weather for which March is known. I have to admit to getting caught up in this annual event for the past few years. I live with a man who went to college on a basketball scholarship, despite the fact that he's only 6 feet tall, and white, and we all know white men can't jump - except that he can. Still. At age 57. But that was also back in the dark ages - before the Michaels, the Lebrons, the Shaqs, the Kobes. It was back when most college basketball teams were populated largely by skinny, white guys, barely over 6 feet tall, in short, tight shorts, Converse All-Star sneakers, and really high socks. In that setting, he did well. He couldn't even warm the bench on one of today's teams. The athletic ability of the kids today is unbelievable, both the men and the women.

But I have some issues with college basketball. It's great that sports opens doors for so many kids, provides them with an education they probably couldn't afford otherwise, and even gets some kids to consider a college education when that may have been the last thing on their minds. The thing I don't like about Division I basketball and football (they're the ones giving athletic scholarships), is that in more cases than not, education takes a back seat to the sport. Far too often, a phenomenal high school basketball player gets a scholarship to one of the college basketball powerhouses, like University of North Carolina, goes to school for one year - until he's eligible for the NBA, (they can't go right out of high school anymore), then heads off to play pro ball. Or they play for two or three years, until they get the press that makes them worth more, and then go out to play in the NBA. These kids are not getting an education. They have nothing to fall back on if they get injured. They've usually been coddled all through school because of their athletic prowess, so they have very few skills that will help them make a living doing anything other than playing basketball. It makes me sad and angry. And it's not much different for the football players. They don't usually go pro until they're at least juniors because they need to mature physically, but all too many turn pro without getting a degree. These are the guys involved in night club shootings, attempted murders, drug arrests, and all around bad behavior. It's a sad commentary on our society.

And then there's Duke. Duke basketball's Coach K - Mike Krzyzewski (pronounced shi-shev-ski for those who have no clue) - is an amazing human being. His personal story is pretty inspirational. Beyond that, he is one helluva coach. He recruits a specific type of kid - not just the McDonald's All-American. He recruits kids who want a college education, who have future plans and goals outside of basketball, who have good values and morals, and who know how to be a part of a team and are not grandstanders. His players graduate more often than not. They may not go on to be the NBA stars, the Lebron Jameses or the Kobe Bryants, but they do go on to be doctors, business leaders, coaches, and teachers when their NBA careers are over. While in the NBA, a lot of them are role players on the team - they're the guy who helps the star be the star. They make the assists, they set the pick, they play defense. In a world populated by tattooed and pierced thugs out partying when they're not playing, making headlines for negative behavior, the former Dukies are quietly raising their families, playing the game, and preparing for their futures. Not everyone can get into Duke. They have rigorous standards for acceptance, even for star athletes. And despite the scandal of the alleged rape by the lacrosse team members (don't even get me started on that whole thing), I still have the utmost respect for the school, its leadership, and especially Coach K. This has been a tough year for Duke basketball fans. The team is young. They've had a very tough year. And for the first time since 1996, they were knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the first round. Despite the loss, the kids have won. They're getting an education at one of the finest schools in the country, and have been coached by one of the finest coaches in the country - a man who coaches not only players, but men, and it's highly likely that every one of them will graduate from Duke. That adds up to a win in my book. Now, my bracket? It's not looking too good at this point, but that's another post.