Ah, March—the month that both thrills and frustrates basketball enthusiasts across the board.
Let’s start with the good: The NCAA Tournament never fails to entertain. While we may not have seen a slew of upsets or Cinderella stories this year—and I have my theories about how the transfer portal plays into this—we’ve definitely witnessed some intensely competitive games. We’ve met new tournament heroes like Derik Queen, Walter Clayton Jr., JT Toppin, and Chaz Lanier, and enjoyed nail-biting finishes.
Sure, we can critique the lengthy review process—who knows if the last two minutes of Arizona-Oregon are still playing out—and the absence of non-Flagg celebrities. Yet, the essence of March Madness remains exhilarating.
Now, onto the downside: The NBA.
And it’s not just this year; it’s an annual phenomenon.
I’m a huge NBA fan. It’s my favorite sports league without a doubt. Perhaps that’s why I tend to be a bit more critical of it compared to other leagues. It’s human nature, I suppose, to be hardest on the things we hold dear.
Exceptional NBA basketball is unbeatable. But, alas, you don’t see much of it in March.
A team might catch a little hot streak in March, but don’t read too much into it. The same goes for teams dropping a few unexpected games.
Are people worried about the Cavs? They shouldn’t bother. It’s March, after all!
What about the Portland Trailblazers? Are they the real deal? Again, it’s just March!
Many star players cleverly find ways to get extra rest or sit out a few more games to nurse injuries before heading into the crucial part of the season. Teams not in the playoff hunt might not field their best squad each night. NBA games played in March often lack flow, stakes, thrill, and momentum.
In striking contrast, college basketball at this time is all about high-stakes matchups packed with sincerity, drama, and momentum (even if the flow isn’t always there). It’s during this part of the schedule that the NBA could really benefit from reevaluating its structure, especially since it coincides with the highlight of collegiate basketball.
We can all agree the regular NBA season drags on too long. March is when the drawbacks become glaringly obvious. Selling NBA tickets at full price in March seems reckless—pursuing short-term revenues at the cost of long-term engagement.
I cannot fathom why the NBA—arguably the best professional sports league with its premier stars and its following second only to soccer—continues to operate like this.
Meanwhile, NBA fans can sit back, enjoy some college hoops, and gear up for what’s in store come mid-April. That’s when the NCAA wraps up, and the NBA Playoffs begin, promising thrilling action.
We just need to get through March.
On some side notes:
• Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for JuJu Watkins. The USC prodigy and potential face of women’s basketball recently tore her ACL and will likely miss most of the next season. Given her aggressive playing style, it’s a tough injury, but youthful resilience is on her side. I can’t wait for her sneaker release and her eventual return to the court.
• Every matchup in the Sweet 16 promises excitement. Even the lowest seed, No. 10 Arkansas, has a fair shot at challenging Texas Tech, and the slate of games is riddled with potential classics. Nearly half the teams hail from the SEC, which might continue as a trend.
• For a deep-cut draft sleeper this week, look no further than Arizona’s KJ Lewis. Though he may not boast the scoring prowess of Caleb Love or Jaden Bradley’s explosive athleticism, Lewis is a formidable defender with unexpected shot-blocking flair. His intensity makes him a prototypical 3-and-D guard, perfect for sliding into an NBA role with ease.
