We’re five minutes into the second half of the UCLA-Memphis game and the Tigers lead 48-41. Some highlights: Memphis freshman guard Derrick Rose is something. You see him on television, but it doesn’t do him justice. He’s so quick and so smart and he is unselfish. If I had the first pick in the NBA draft, I would at least give a thought to picking Rose. Also, the UCLA dance team is a highlight, if you know what I mean. It’s the one dance team that catches virtually everybody’s attention during their routines, if you know what I mean. And their routines are very good, if you know what I mean. I’m particularly fond of No. 21 on the dance squad, but since they’re all wearing UCLA jersey No. 21 during the second half, you know what I mean.
It’s funny, we just got our wireless connection up and running and some people were beginning to panic. The most panicky member of the media I saw was New York Daily News columnist Mike Lupica, who was cussing and fuming before the Memphis-UCLA game about the lack of connectivity. Lupica is one of those media big-ego guys, of which there are many at the Final Four. I have an ego, folks, but some of these people are ridiculous. I’m sure most of them are very nice people when you get them away from the people they think they need to impress.
The Alamodome is full and there are people at least 100 yards from the action, I would guess, seated in the upper deck. I wonder what they can see. I don’t wonder what they can see enough to walk all the way up there and find out. I just wonder. And I feel sorry for them. I wonder if Mike Lupica feels sorry for them? I’m guessing he doesn’t.
UCLA has cut into the Memphis lead some. From the way this game has gone, the Tigers should be leading by at least 12 or so. Right now, they’re up 52-45 with 12:26 remaining in the game. Memphis is a serious threat to win it all. I was talking to my buddy and KU beat writer Rick Plumlee. We’re both convinced, by the way, that Bill Self will be staying at Kansas and not taking the money that inevitably will be offered by Oklahoma State. But, I did throw out this what-if scenario: What if Self were to leave and the Jayhawks hired Memphis coach John Calpari, a former Kansas assistant? Would KU fans be upset? Or would they think they were getting a better coach? Just something to think about.
My St. Louis Cardinals are playing a little better than anticipated in the early going. They’re 4-1 after beating the Washington Nationals today. Should I be optimistic? I see all the flaws on this team, but I know Tony La Russa is a really good manager and I think this is going to be a better team than we anticipated. By “we” I mean “you.” “I” knew all along the Cardinals were going to be all right.
More later, provided the wireless stays up and running and Lupica doesn’t have a severe meltdown.