Fire up the wayback machine... ASternWarning.com unearthed video of the 1940 NCAA Tournament final between Indiana and Kansas.
Particularly jarring -- the narrow, pre-Wilt Chamberlain "key" and the basket support that looks like it was constructed out of Tinkertoys. Shaquille O'Neal could pull that thing down by looking at it.
You could watch the NCAA Tournament on an old-school TV. But why would you?
(I watch games in regular definition because my cable provider doesn't carry the MSG Network in HD. Every time I flip to a game, it makes me feel like I've been transported back to 1982. Yet another reason to avoid watching the Knicks, I suppose.)
If you're still getting your system configured for this week's four-day hoop-a-thon, About.com's guide to Home Theater has some tips on configuring your system to maximize your viewing pleasure. Follow his advice, and soon you'll be able to see every pore on Bob Huggins' face... you'll thank me for it later.
Madness on the Go
If you insist on leaving your couch between Thursday and Sunday -- an action I cannot, in good conscience, recommend -- you might want to consider downloading one of these March Madness Apps for iPhone.
Is Nike. Team Swoosh confirmed on Twitter this morning:
@nikebasketball: NCAA Men's Tournament Breakdown - 65 teams: 49 wear Nike shoes, 3 wear Brand Jordan shoes.
The field is set, and now the real fun begins... that most sacred of springtime rituals, "The Filling of the Brackets." Here are my... educated guesses as to how the 2010 NCAA Tournament will play out. Feel free to use them in your office pool... but your mileage may vary.
Midwest Region: Top overall seed Kansas should advance -- but a tough matchup in the regional final against either Evan Turner and the Ohio State Buckeyes or Greg Monroe and the Georgetown Hoyas is a major obstacle.
West Region: The biggest challenge for Syracuse might be getting center Arinze Onuaku healthy. Without that big fella in the middle, Syracuse's chances of advancing to Indianapolis take a significant hit.
East Region: Kentucky has talent for days -- but is incredibly reliant on freshmen. Does that come back to bite John Calipari?
South Region: Duke is the headliner in what appears to be the weakest bracket. Could a sleeper emerge from the South?
Final Four Picks: Who will reach Indianapolis?