Cut the Net: looking forward to the Final Four

Thursday night, our NCAA dreams were squashed when Michigan lost to Oregon by one point. One point. But this is March Madness, and the tournament must go on. Now we look forward to the Final Four next weekend. So we must find another team to cheer for because we don’t want to miss out on the excitement next weekend. The question is who?

Just a note before you proceed, the points being brought up below are for fun. It’s not based on statistics. Sometimes fandom is about finding a reason to get behind a team, no matter how silly the reason, and cheering your heart out for the game.

Oregon would be an obvious choice for us. They beat Michigan by one point and then went on to beat Kansas, a one seed. Their colors are yellow and green. Usually an ugly combination, but it stands out because most schools do not pick these colors. More importantly, Oregon’s mascot is a duck, and he kind of looks like Donald Duck. Who doesn’t look like Donald Duck?

South Carolina is a great choice too. My husband has always loved South Carolina. We stopped by the campus on our honeymoon road trip because back then, 2001, it was hard to find South Carolina merchandise in Michigan and internet shopping was just beginning. Good memories for this family. This is also a chance to root for the underdog because this is their first time in the Final Four. As for me, I love their black uniforms. They have ones that are almost all black with a maroon trim. I enjoy their uniforms and their enthusiasm for doing something their school has never done before.

Gonzaga also is in the Final Four for the first time in their school’s history. Although they do have a pretty good history in the tournament. Also, their name kind of sounds like Gonzo the Muppet. Who doesn’t like The Muppets or Gonzo? It’s reason enough to cheer them on.

North Carolina is the last team. North Carolina has a long history in the basketball tournament. In fact, some people hate them simply because of that history. They will want someone new to win. So, if you enjoy cheering for a team because others hate them, North Carolina may be for you. If that's not enough of a reason, you may like their uniform colors. They wear baby blue. How many teams wear baby blue? They also have a version with plaid down the side. I really like their uniforms.

I’m sure most of you have more valid reason to cheer for a team. Who are you hoping will cut the net next weekend? I would like to hear who you will be cheering for and why. It looks like it will be a fun weekend.