March Madness Around NC!

March Madness, synonymous with college basketball, is around the corner!  Every year, my family- along with millions of people, tune in to watch the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament! It features the best basketball teams from around the country. For basketball fans in “My Home State “ of North Carolina, this tournament is particularly exciting, as there are several schools from the state that often make it to the tournament. We are already diving into our brackets- Here’s one you can use!

This year I am excited that many in my family- and I'm sure some of yours, will be rooting for Duke Basketball and their new Head Coach, Jon Scheyer who have earned a spot in the ‘Big Lights’!

One of the most successful basketball programs in North Carolina is the Duke Blue Devils. Duke has won five National Championships in men’s basketball and has been a dominant force in the sport for decades. Under the leadership of their legendary former coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke has produced some of the greatest players in the history of college basketball,- Some of my all time fav’s are Gene Banks, Grant Hill, Tommy Amaker, the “G-Man”- Mike Gminski,and Jay Williams!

My Alma Mater, THE University North Carolina-Chapel Hill has had much success in the NCAA tournament is the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels have won six National Championships in men’s basketball including a thrilling victory in 2017 over Gonzaga. UNC is known for it’s up-tempo style of play and has produced some of the most exciting basketball players in history including some of my favorites - Michael Jordan, Vince Carter,James Worthy, Phil Ford,Jerry Stackhouse, Kenny Smith,Eric Montross,Joel Berry II, and Armando Baycott.

My husband Bruce is a North Carolina State University grad and adores his ‘wolfpack’! They have also had success winning in 1974 and 1983 and the Wolfpack are always contenders! Some notable basketball names to come out of NC State are Julius Hodge, Vinny Del Negro, Thurl Bailey, Sidney Lowe, and Lorenzo Charles. 

Be sure to watch for your hometown teams in the first round of the tournament: 

NC State #11 v Creighton #6

Duke #5 v Oral Roberts #12