Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Big East Tournament

by Frank Carpano

I am an unabashed lover of the Big East Basketball Tournament. In it’s more than 2 decades here at New York’s Madison Square Garden, I have missed maybe twice.

It’s a combination of things that has captured my affection. There is New York City, New York. The city so nice they named it twice. It’s the best and worst of everything. I love the energy of this city and the endless options for things to do. There are Sporting events, museums, Broadway showws, and great restaurants. But clearly on this week, my focus is on college basketball. Madison Square Garden is another reason to love this event. It is the most famous basketball arena in the world. Known not only for the pro basketball and hockey that is played here regularly, but also for the legendary boxing and concerts that have been staged here.

For the kids on the Big East teams who grew up in the Metro New York area, this is the holy temple of basketball.

Since I watch more Big East Conference college basketball games than any other conference, I am more familiar with the players and coaches. Good are the legends like Louie Carnesecca and John Thompson, but hall of famers Jim Calhoun and Jim Boeheim are still working the sidelines. And Rick Pitino coached teama are always a lot of fun to watch.

And this tournament is famous for it’s legendary games. There is one almost every year. And with the way league play went during the regular season, I think we can expect more of the same this year.