And they did

The Gators won (by 9 points- I was close) and I'm very happy with the outcome. Congrats to Fiesta Jon Eichelberger for winning it all in the SPOTD Tournament of Champions. He joins past winner Justin Palmer in that exalted group of B-ball pickers. Walmir DaCosta came in a very close second, losing based on Jon's better performance in the Sweet 16 round.

This year's Florida team is a perfect example of what is right about college sports. College sports will always mean more to me than pro sports because it is as much about glory and emotion as anything else. Cory Brewer, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, left a chance for riches and risked another year. It paid off for him an his teammates. I agree with this writer who called them too tough to hate.

Their success is due in large measure to their coach, who said:

I sit up here very, very humbled because I think I was fortunate enough over the last two years to coach a group of guys that has to go down in history as one of the greatest teams of all time. I'm not saying they were the most talented. I'm not saying they were flawless. But when you talk about the word 'team' … they have got to go down and be considered, in my opinion, one of the best teams to ever play.

I have to agree. Although four of the five starters are juniors, they will likely declare their intention to go to the NBA. I don't blame them. I don't think anyone in Gainesville was all that surprised that they decided to stay another year.

There is much talk of Billy Donovan and the chance to go to coach at Kentucky. He doesn't seem inclined to go, and I really, really don't think he will, but he is sure to benefit financially from the Gator's success, and that is how it is done today. The bottom line is that Kentucky has nothing to offer him but tradition, something Florida has started establishing in impressive fashion.

As Joakim Noah said, "Money doesn't always buy happiness."


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As a bonus, here is the link for a new Alanis Morrisette video. It's actually a cover of My Humps, sung by Fergie and the Black-Eyed Peas. I warn you that it may contain some objectionable content (just look at the song's title) but it provides a perfect examination of how inane that song really is. Just close your eyes and listen to the lyrics. Well done Alanis.