Dave's 6th Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 more random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1.HEADBANGER – During the game against SU, Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin slam dunked and, at the same time, slammed his head against the backboard. Big deal. I did that once. Except it wasn’t on a 10-foot hoop. It was a 7 feet. Oh, and my head didn’t exactly hit the backboard. It hit the net.

2.ENTERPRISE – I have now seen that commercial for Enterprise Car-Rental a hundred times. You know, the one where the woman is holding two teddies and says, “Red or black?” The guy slyly responds, “Both.” Both? Apparently one is for him.

So when you add in the Taco Bell’s cross-dressing spot, that makes two advertisements focusing on transvestites. I’d really prefer to see something that better appeals to my blue blooded American values – like some hot lesbian action.

3.WHO’S ON FIRST – Last night while watching the Tourney I was unwillingly forced to participate in an Abbot and Costello skit with my wife. Below is a excerpt:

Wife: Greg Gumble just said we’re going back to Vernon Raff. What happened?
Me: What do you mean. Vern and Raff are right there.
Wife: Where? I don’t see him.
Me: Who?
Wife: Vernon Raff.
Me: I told you Vern and Raff are right there.
Wife: Why wont you just tell me where he is?
Me; He who?!! And don’t say . . .
Wife & Me (simultaneously): Vernon/Vern and Raff
Me: They are right there!!
Wife: Can’t you be nicer? Maybe next game let me know who’s Clark and who’s Kellogg.

"FREE" POOL INFO -

As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and the donations, stands at $2,713.24

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,700.24
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $321 each
“Wild Card” (person with highest score who did not win a group) - $321
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. If any more $ comes in (and more is expected) I’ll continue to adjust the breakdown accordingly.

THE 8 POSSIBLE SCENARIOS

UCONN beats UNC
1st place - Sara Barend (Group1) - 176
Group winner - Scott DeTraglia (GroupA)- 155
Group Winner - Michale Camoscio (Group1A)- 159
Best of Rest - Erica Laird (Group1) - 159

UCONN beats Vill
1st place - William Sullivan (Group1A) - 166
Group Winner - Sara Barend (Group1) - 160
Group Wunner - Scott DeTraglia (GroupA) - 139
Best Of Rest - Craig Teal (Group1) - 152

NORTH CAROLINA beats Uconn
1st Place - Tammy Bamrungsuk (GroupA)- 162
Group Winner - Rick Heatquist (Group1) - 156
Group Winner - Robin Hughes (Group1A) - 160
Best Of Rest - Marianna Toma (Group1A) - 158

NORTH CAROLINA beats Michigan St.
1st Place - Linda Harkins (Group1A) - 147
Group Winner - Tina Hurley (Group1) - 141
Group Winner - Tammy Bamrungsuk (GroupA) - 146
Best of Rest - Robin Hughes (Group1A) - 144

VILLANOVA beats Michigan State
1st Place - Mike Lawrence (Group1) - 128
Group Winner - Amanda DiFiore (Group1A) - 123
Group Winner - Darin Schmidt (GroupA) - 103
Best Of Rest - Nora Broseau (Group1) - 118

VILLANOVA beats UConn
1st Place - Mike Lawrence (Group1) - 144
Group Winner - Tammy Bamrungsuk (GroupA) - 114
Group Winner - Amanda DiFiore (Group1A) - 139
Best of Rest (tie)- Nora Brssseau (Group1) - 134
Best of Rest (tie) - Bill Sullivan (Group1A) - 134

MICHIGAN STATE beats UNC
1st Place - Sara Barend (Group1) - 128
Group winner - Tammy Bamrungsuk (GroupA) - 114
Group Winner - Michael Camosico (Group1A) - 117
Best of Rest - Linda Harkins (Group1A) - 115

MICHIGAN STATE beats Villanova
1st Place - Bill Sullivan (Group1A) - 118
Group Winner - Jeannie Basile (Group1) - 113
Group Winner - Darin Schmidt (GroupA) - 103
Best of Rest - Sara Barend (Group1) - 112

PLEASE let me know if you find a mistake or have any questions with the above.

Take it easy,
Dave

Dave's 5th Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 more random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1.MEMPHIS STINKS – Yup, I had the Tigers winning it all and I’m officially eliminated from winning my pool. No joke here, just my pain. Sadly my pain is extremely humorous to most of my friends.

2.SCARY MOVIES – So I’m watching the games with my 6-year old and a commercial comes on for the movie “The Haunting in Connecticut.” Maybe I’m getting a tad conservative in my old age, but I’m not sure my little one needed to see that kid puking demons. Can’t they show something a bit more ”family friendly” - like shots of the scantily clad cheerleaders?

3.BINGHAMTON – Last week’s column was a letter to Binghamton Coach Kevin Broadus. He actually checked it out and emailed me with a “LOL”. You know what that means. Broadus is a really nice guy? No. I've discoverd a sure fire way to increase the hits on this site - just write letters to the other 342 coaches.

“FREE” NCAA POOL INFO

STANDINGS:
Top 2 in each group after Round 3/Day2 by Winner (Group name/champ-runner up-rest of final 4)

LOUSIVILLE
1.Dave Ison (Group1A/Louis-UNC-Vill-Memphis) - 79
1.Bruce Nickles (GroupA/LOUIS-Unc-Uconn-Pitt) - 79
1.Joe Carbone (GroupA/LOUIS-UNC-Pitt-Memphis) - 79
4.Tom Scanlan (Group1 Louis-NC-Missouir - Pitt) - 78
5.Tony Schwagerl (Group1/Louis - Pitt-Conn - Okla) - 77
6.Jeff Wald (Group1A/(Louis-NC-Conn-Pitt) - 74

UCONN
1.Sara Barend (Group1/UCONN- UNC-Mich.St.- Vill) - 80
2.Mark Loncar (Group1A/Conn-okla-Louis-Vlll) - 78
3.Michael Camosico (Conn-NC-MichSt.-Pitt) - 77
4.John Cusanno (GroupA/Conn-NC-Luis-Pitt) - 74
5.Craig Teal (Group1/ Conn-UNC-Louis-Pitt) - 74
6.Molly McQueen (GroupA/UCONN-UNC-Pitt- WF) - 68

NORTH CAROLINA
1.Robin Hughes (Group1A/(UNC-Uconn-Louis-Pitt) - 80
2.Tina Hurley (Group1/UNC-Louis-Pitt-UConn)-77
2.Jean Orjeula (Group1A/UNC-Louis-Memphis - Villanova) - 77
4.Ernie Barton (GroupA/UNC-Memphis-Louis-Pitt) - 76
5.Dennis Thorne (Group1/NC-Louis-Conn-Pitt) - 76
6.John Krotzer (GroupA/ NC-Louis- Conn-Pitt) - 74

PITTSBURGH
1.Tara Kenyon (GroupA/PITT-Louis-Uconn-UNC) - 81
2.Eileen Meskill (Group 1A/Pitt-Louis-Memp-NC) - 76
3.Keith Mangas (Group1A/Pitt-Louis-Conn-Nc) - 74
4.Brendan Moynihan (Group1/Pitt-Louis-Conn-UNC) - 72
4.Jason Shelly (GroupA/Pitt-Louis-Memp-Okla0 - 72
4.Ken Capprell (Group1/PITT-UConn-Louis-SU) - 72

OKLAHOMA
1.Jennifer Maiona (Group1/OKLA-Lois-Pitt - Missouri) - 82
2.Wing Wong (GroupA/Okla-Conn-Mst-pitt) - 77
3.Trent Mitchell - (Group1-Okla-Louis-Conn-Pitt) - 74
4.Kevin Laha - (Group1A/ Okla-Louis-Pitt-memp) - 63
(Only people with Oklahoma winning it all)

VILLANOVA
1.Mike Lawrence (Group1/Vill-Conn-Louis-Okla) - 64
2.Amanda DiFiore (Group1A/Vill/Conn-KU-Su) - 59
3.Nora Brosseau (Group1/Vill-Conn-Louis- Ill) -54
(Only people with Villanova)

MICHIGAN STATE
1.Jeannie Basile (Group1/Mst-Pitt-Memp-Okla) - 57
(nobody else has Mich St.)

MISSOURI
Nobody has Missourt winning it all.


There are 58 entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1.

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,643.24

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,672
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $307.08 each
“Wild Card” (person with highest score who did not win a group) - $307.08
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. If any more $ comes in I’ll continue to adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Take it easy,
Dave

Rant 18: Letter to Binghamton Coach Broadus

Dear Binghamton Bearcats Coach Kevin Broadus,

Congratulations on a fantastic season. Everyone was rooting for your Bearcats to upset Duke. Well, except there’s this friend of a friend of a friend named Big Louie who knows “a guy”. He was all too happy to collect my money after the loss.

Now it’s time to recruit for next season and I'd like to help. You should take a look at this Rochester all-star who received an offer from my beloved St. Bonaventure Bonnies. He turned them down and joined the Army. Rumor has it that while touring the campus he looked at the women and thought, “Yikes. I might as well be in the Army.”

After his stint, he played JuCo ball then transferred to the University of Buffalo. All signs pointed to that being his break out year. The signs were off a bit. He didn’t break out. He broke his leg.

He then finished two years of courses in 2 semesters, graduated, and moved to – brace yourself- Binghamton. That’s right this guy’s in your backyard. And he’s been there for a while. A long while. See, he’s 70 years old. Actually, on Monday he’ll be 71. He’s also my dad.

His name is Harold Barend. People call him “Golden Balls”. And by “people” I mean himself and his urologist.

You can feel free to call him whatever you want. But I’d suggest you call him soon. Tomorrow I’m sending a similar letter to Boeheim.

Here’s how he can help:

Foul Shooting – Though your squad had a stellar season, its free throw shooting was a mere 66%. Add my dad and that goes up substantially. His personal best is 19 in a row. Nothing to brag about? Let me clarify. That’s 19 in a row - with his eyes closed. Yeah, my dad was “money” before Vince Vaughn was sperm.

3-Point Shooting – Michael Jordan once said that if there was one person whom he would want to take a shot with the game on the line it would be Steve Kerr. Michael Jordan never met my dad.

I remember a game of 2 on 2 - me and my dad versus a guy named Kurt and his brother. Kurt was that rare person who was both a dick and an ass.

Game was up to 7 with winners’ outs. Dad drained 6 in a row behind the line. I did my part by grabbing 6 rebounds. Well, that’s if you consider a rebound catching the ball as it goes through the net.

Dick-ass and his brother then decided to double-team my dad. A move that they might have wanted to consider about 4 points earlier. Dad makes a bounce pass through the legs of Dick-ass. But the ball connected with a couple of other balls – those belonging to Dick-ass. With all 3 balls in his hands, he said, “You’re done now!” That would have come off a lot tougher if he didn’t sound like Michael Jackson.

Dad grabbed the ball right out of the hands of Dick-ass. He threw it, no, not to me, but directly at the forehead of the brother. Ball bounces right back to dad as bro is staggered. (Just to be clear, the ball my dad grabbed was the non-swollen one.)

Then the pass comes to me. Easy lay-up. Which I missed. I managed to grab the rebound and promptly threw it, no, not in the hoop, but back to my dad who drained another 20 footer. I guess that final play proves that although I may have none of my dad’s athletic ability, I did inherit something from him - intelligence.

Hook Shots – That’s right, the old man still shoots the hook. Question; Who the hell throws the hook shot any more? Answer: That’s a stupid question. Better Question: Who the hell can defend a hook shot any more? Answer: Pretty much nobody. It’s essentially indefensible. I’m not sure, but I’d say being unstoppable would make one a pretty good offensive weapon.

Impeccable Defense – In the hundreds of games of basketball I’ve played with my dad, he’s never committed a foul. Just ask him. Somehow he manages to avoid fouling while simultaneously causing his opponents black eyes, bloody noses and severe groin pain.

I recall one time he “charged” into me so hard that he knocked me off the driveway, and onto our fence. Lucky for me, the fence was not “picket” style. After coming to, I grabbed the ball – and just tossed it to him. Obvious blocking foul on me.

A buddy of mine was once convinced that my dad had fouled him. He had pretty strong evidence too - in my dad’s hand was a piece of his shirt. The call - foul on my friend for throwing a moving pick. “If you weren’t moving I wouldn’t have ripped your shirt.” You just can’t argue with that logic.

Toughness – You don’t get much tougher than a cancer survivor and my dad kicked that disease’s butt. Somewhat appropriate given that it tried to nip him in the prostate. He also claims that he beat Anthrax. Yeah, there’s not really any medical proof of that. And, honestly, my sisters and I would prefer he keep that alleged conquest to himself.


Now, if this story about a guy in his 70s trying to play college ball seems familiar then you might be thinking of Ken Mink. This past year he was on the team at Roane State Junior College – until he flunked out. That’s not going to happen with Golden Balls. We’re talking about a guy who spends an hour a day memorizing the dictionary. No, he’s not one of those dorks who does that just to act pretentious. He does it to better his game – his Scrabble game. Yeah, he’s one of “those” dorks.

But say you’re on the bus cruising down beautiful Route 88 after a battle with Albany. While kicking back trying to finish a crossword, you’re stuck trying to come up with a six-letter word for the wool of the underbelly of an ox. I’m guessing your average 19 year old will be of no help. Pose that question to my dad and in a heartbeat he’ll give you, “qiviut.” Up his per-diem and he’ll give you the etymology as well.

Here’s some other positives about having my dad on your team:

1.No Drug Issues – Well, unless you count Viagra. I’m not sure if that counts as a performance enhancing drug.

2.No Over Sleeping – He’s 71. He’s up at 4am like the rest of Geritol Nation.

3.No Incessant Texting – My dad has not quite mastered texting. Heck, he still hasn’t figured out that you can talk into a cell phone without moving it down from your ear to your mouth.

4.No Mouth Guard Expense – Once again, he’s 71. Though your budget for Fix-A-Dent may go up a bit.

While you hopefully have found this entertaining, I’m guessing you’re thinking, “Come on, can your dad really still play?” Well he has a drawer full of medals and awards from the World Senior Games and the Senior Olympics. A couple years ago he won a silver at the Empire State Games. The team photo shows 6 guys smiling and 1 with a big puss – my dad. “No Gold. No Glory.”

But we’re talking Div1 here not the AARP league. No chance he can compete, right? Maybe. But all I’m asking is you see for yourself. Have him over for a little one on one against your 12th man. Oh, and if you could contact me before it starts I’d really appreciate it. I’d like to call that friend of a friend of a friend so I can win my $ back from the Duke game.

Take it easy,
Dave Barend

Postscript -
Yes, I actually did send this to Coach Broadus. I’m hoping you will further encourage him to give my dad a tryout by dropping him a line at kbroadus@binghamton.edu. Just say something like “Let Golden Balls play.” Or, if you’d just like to wish my dad a happy birthday you can do so at haroldbarend@yahoo.com.

Happy #71 Dad.

Take it easy,
Dave

“FREE” NCAA POOL INFO

Combined Standings after Round 3/Day1 (Group name/champ-runner up-rest of final 4)


1.Ernie Barton (GroupA/UNC-Memphis-Louis-Pitt) - 68
2.Jack Mangas (Group1A/UCONN-UNC-Louis-Duke) – 66
2.Jennifer Maiona (Group1/OKLA-Lois-Pitt - Missouri) - 66
4.Tina Hurley (Group1/UNC-Louis-Pitt-UConn)-65
4.Tara Kenyon (GroupA/PITT-Louis-Uconn-UNC) - 65
4.Jean Orjeula (Group1A/UNC-Louis-Memphis - Villanova) - 65
7.Sara Barend(Group1/UCONN- UNC-Mich.St.- Vill) - 64
7.Molly McQueen (GroupA/UCONN-UNC-Pitt- WF) - 64
7.Ken Capprell (Group1/PITT-UConn-Louis-SU) - 64
7.Dan Simonds (GroupA/SU-Louis-UConn - Pitt) - 64
7.Robin Hughes (Group1A/(UNC-Uconn-Louis-Pitt) - 64
12.Sally "Dave's Mom" Thorne (Group1/LOUIS-Okl-Memp-Vill) - 63
12.Bruce Nickles (GroupA/LOUIS-Unc-Uconn-Pitt) - 63
12.Joe Carbone (GroupA/LOUIS-UNC-Pitt-Memphis) - 63
12.Dave Ison (Group1A/Louis-UNC-Vill-Memphis) - 63

There are 58 entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1.

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,550

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,600
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $300 each
“Wild Card” (person with highest score who did not win a group) - $300
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. If any more $ comes in I’ll continue to adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Take it easy,
Dave

Dave's 4th Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 more random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1.MEMPHIS – I have the Tigers winning it all. So, yeah, I was on the verge of a coronary when they were down by 6 in the opener. I looked so bad that my wife had actually hit the “9” and a “1”.

Just to be clear, my wife wasn’t calling for an ambulance. She was entering the first two numbers of the password to access my life insurance policy.

2.TEXAS – Late in the game against Duke and down by 2, Texas missed a wide-open shot. The announcer then said, “You couldn’t ask for anything more.” I wonder if the Texas fans would agree with that statement.

3.IRRELEVANCE – I flicked on ESPN and saw it was showing the NIT. Could there possibly be anything more irrelevant than the NIT? Answer: Yes – the Women’s NIT.

FREE POOL INFO

As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,239.67.

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,470
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $239.89 each
“Wild Card” (best of the rest) - $239.89
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. There are at least 10 people who are “definitely going to donate” or have said, “the check is in the mail”. If any more $ comes in I’ll continue to adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Combined Standings after day 4 (Group name/champ-runner up-rest of final 4)

1.Ernie Barton (GroupA/UNC-Memphis-Louis-Pitt) - 56
2.Joseph Scancella (GroupA/Duke-Memphis-Louis-Okla) – 54
2.John Harvey (GroupA/Pitt-Memphis-Louis-SU) - 54
2.John(Vestal)Ward (GroupA/Louis-Pitt-Memphis-UNC) - 54
2.Jack Mangas (Group1A/UConn-UNC-Louis-Duke) – 54
2.Dave”Shat”Diprosa (Group1A/UNC-UConn-Louis-Pitt) – 54
7.Tina Hurley (Group1/UNC-Louis-Pitt-UConn)-53
(There are a number of others with 53 – but Tina sits atop Group 1)

Other Non-Notables(Group-Champ-runner up-rest of final4)
A. Samara Barend (GroupA/Memphis-SU-Xavier- Louisville) - 49
B. Dave Barend (Group1/Memphis-Oklahoma-Louisville-Pitt) - 48


There are 58 entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1.

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

Take it easy,
Dave

Dave's 3rd Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 more random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1.TOO MUCH TOURNEY– I think it may be time to let my kids watch a little something other than the Tourney. Yesterday I caught my oldest daughter hitting my youngest in the head with a Barbie doll. She then looked at me and said, “Come on Dad, that was just a nickel-dimer.”

2.YOUR NON-WORK – I just read a report that “March Madness” will cause a decrease in workplace productivity estimated at $2 billion. I’m not economics expert, but I’m guessing that now probably is not the best timing for an anti-stimulus package.

3.VCU – Here’s the positive about VCU being knocked out: Larry Sanders will not make another basket. And we, in turn, will no longer have to hear to the announcers say “Hey Now!”

If you’d like to take a “shot” about anything dealing with the Tourney, just email me your submission to davebarend@yahoo.com and I’ll have it up with my next post.

FREE POOL INFO

As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,229.67.

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,466
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $237.89 each
“Wild Card” (best of the rest) - $237.89
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. There are at least 10 people who are “definitely going to donate” or have said, “the check is in the mail”. If any more $ comes in I’ll continue to adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Combined Standings after day 3 (Group name/champ-runner up-rest of final 4)

1.Ernie Barton (GroupA/UNC-Memphis—Louis-Pitt) - 42
1.Joseph Scancella (GroupA/Duke-Memphis-Louis-Okla) - 42
1.Jack Mangas (Group1A/UConn-UNC-Louis-Duke) – 42
1.Dave”Shat”Diprosa (Group1A/UNC-UConn-Louis-Pitt) – 42
5.Jillian Barend (Group1/Pitt-Louis-UConn-UNC) – 41
5.JD Heartquist (Group1/Duke-KU-Marq-Gonzaga) – 41
5.Jim Richens (Group1/Memphis-Pitt-Lousi-SU) – 41
5. Bob Scancella (GroupA/Duke-Memphis-WF-Louis) - 41
5.Michael Camoscio (Group 1A/UConn-UNC-Mich.St.-Pitt) – 41

Other Non-Notables(Group-Champ-runner up-rest of final4)
A. Samara Barend (GroupA/Memphis-SU-Xavier- Louisville) - 38
B. Dave Barend (Group1/Memphis-Oklahoma-Louisville-Pitt) - 37

There are 58 active entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1.

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

Take it easy,
Dave

Dave's 2nd Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 more random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1.SPORTS ILLUSTRATED – SI’s NCAA Tourney preview was full of helpful info. It had helpful foul shooting stats and other helpful tips on making picks. You know what would have been even more helpful? If my copy had arrived before the games started.

2.AKRON – During the Gonzaga-Akron game, the ‘Zags went on a 24-4 run. The announcer then provided the following insight, “Akron’s problem is they haven’t been able to score.” Rumor has it, that announcer is also a coroner and reaches conclusions like, “This guy’s problem is he’s not able to breathe.”

3. TACO BELL – Not sure what the advertising geniuses behind that Taco Bell commercial were thinking. Here’s my guess: “Let’s put a guy in drag and stick a bunch of our nachos under his dress. We will thereby accomplish the impossible - make our food actually seem even more disgusting.”

If you’d like to take a “shot” about anything dealing with the Tourney, just email me your submission to davebarend@yahoo.com and I’ll have it up with my next post.

FREE POOL INFO
As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,169.67.

So, at this point –
1st place = $1,430
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $229.89 each
“Wild Card” (best of the rest) - $229.89
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still do so via the Paypal link above. There are at least 10 people who are “definitely going to donate” or have said, “the check is in the mail”. If any more $ comes in I’ll adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Combined Standings - After Day 2 (Group name/champion)
1.Scott DeTraglia (GroupA/UConn) - 27
1.Bob Scancella (GroupA/Duke) - 27
1.Michael Camoscio (Group 1A/UConn) – 27
1.Linda Harkins (Group1A/UNC) – 27
5.Sam Manfer (Group1/UNC) – 26
5.Katie Maiona (Group1/Pitt) - 26
5.Ernie Barton (GroupA/UNC) - 26
5.Anoj James (GroupA/Louisville) – 26
5.Joseph Scancella (GroupA/Duke) - 26
5.Jack Mangas (Group1A/UConn) – 26
5.Dave”Shat”Diprosa (Group1A/UNC) – 26

Other Non-Notables(Group-Champ-runner up-rest of final4)
A. Samara Barend (GroupA/Memphis-SU-Xavier- Louisville) - 24
B. Dave Barend (Group1/Memphis-Oklahoma-Louisville-Pitt) - 21

There are 58 active entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1.

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

Take it easy,
Dave

Dave's 1st Ridiculous 3 Pointer

Below are 3 random and hopefully humorous comments on the Tourney. Below that is info on the "FREE" pool.

1. HOOPS ON TV - I think I’m forcing my wife to watch too much basketball. Yesterday, she said she was going out to pick up a pizza. She came back with a grocery bag then pulled out a box and said, “Surprise, It’s not delivery it’s DiGiorno.”

Of all the commercials airing during the games, why did she remember that one? I assure you that I would have been much more surprised if she showed up with a waitress from Hooters.

2. BRACKETS - I spent about 2 days just staring at an empty set of brackets. I couldn’t help myself. The symmetry was simply mesmerizing. Serene even. Kind of like Monet’s Water Lilies. Except one’s a world famous work of art and the other was ripped out of a USA Today.

3.NCAA POOL - If I come in first place in my NCAA pool I could win $1,400. You know what I'm thinking. That’s 14 Fatheads.

And One –
Bruce Nickles: The “FREE” NCAA Pool - Thank God I gave to Church of Barend. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

If you’d like to take a “shot” about anything dealing with the Tourney, just email me your submission to davebarend@yahoo.com and I’ll have it up with my next post.

FREE POOL INFO
As of now the pot, made up of all my advertising profits and donations, stands at $2,144.67.

So, at least at this point –
1st place = $1,420
2 Winners of groups (other than the first place overall) - $224.89 each
“Wild Card” (best of the rest) - $224.89
Jimmy V Foundation = $50

If you have not donated yet, you can still d so via the Paypal link above. There are at least 10 people who are “definitely going to donate” or have said, “the check is in the mail”. If any more $ comes in I’ll adjust the breakdown accordingly.

Combined Standings (Group name/champion)
1.Mike Gleeson (Group1/Pitt) 15
2.Bob Scancella (GroupA/Duke) 15
3.Wing Wong (Group A/Oklahoma) 15
4.Michael Camoscio (Group 1A/UConn) - 15
5.Brian Sprague (Group1A/Louisville) - 15
6.Jack Mangas (Group1A/UConn) – 15
7.James Stallone (Group1A/UConn) – 15
8.Suzanne Hinckley (Group1A/Louisville) – 15

Other Non-Notables(Group-Champ-runner up-rest of final4)
A. Samara Barend (GroupA/Memphis-SU-Xavier- Louisville) - 11
B. Dave Barend (Group1/Memphis-Oklahoma-Louisville-Pitt) - 14

There are 58 active entries in each group. I’m “in” all 3, but I only submitted picks in Group1. Someone else also entered, but made no picks in Group1A

If you want any additional info about anyone’s picks who is not in your group, just email me.

Take it easy,
Dave