A Seriously Good Film; Early Predictions on March Madness

I finally had an opportunity to watch A Serious Man, and I have to say I was extremely impressed. This may be one of the most complex, evocative, and tonally unique films of the Coen Brothers career. In fact, I would even say that it's their best film since 1998's The Big Lebowski.

I truly hope that A Serious Man wins best original screenplay at the Academy Awards over Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, a film I have made no secret of criticizing as being disconnected, meandering, and intellectually vacant.

... Now onto basketball.

March Madness is quickly approaching and I'm going to give a preliminary rundown on the teams I like and don't heading into the tournament this year.

Like:

1. Villanova: Don't be fooled by their recent loss to UCONN, a team that increasingly looks on it's way out. This is an elite team and they play in the best conference in America. They could easily drop three of their next five to Syracuse, Pitt, and West Virginia and drop to 2 or a 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and I would still favor them over almost anyone. Remember that 2006-2007 Florida team? They faltered down the stretch of the regular season too, but they dominated in the tournament.

2. Purdue: I love what Coach Painter has done at Purdue and this is clearly the most capable team he's ever had. These boilermakers have some of the best team chemistry of anyone in the NCAA and they play tough, big-ten defense. They're still in contention for a number 1 seed, but a two seems more likely. Even so, I'm looking for them to possibly make a run to the finals.

3. Kansas: I know, they're the number 1 team. But they're number one for a reason... they're fantastic. On paper, Kansas is the most complete team in the country. With their mix of size, athleticism, and hot shooting, no one matches up with them well. Right now, they look unstoppable in their quest for a number one overall seed in the tournament.

4. Temple: This is obviously a wild card choice. Right now Temple is ranked in the top 25 but they appear to be on a bit of a skid. You might ask yourself, why should you care about a mid-major that just got waxed 71-54 by conference rival Richmond. First, although Temple may play in a mid-major conference (Atlantic 10), it's arguably the best mid-major conference in the country and will most get five to six tournament bids (will the SEC be able to say as much come selectio time?) Secondly, teams always show a little wear late in their conference schedules. What's important is that they make sure to be ready for the tournaent. If Temple plays at their best, they can potentially beat anyone in the country. Earlier in the season they lost a grind-it-out squeaker to Georgetown 46-45, the same Georgetown that's now ranked in the top ten, and they beat Villanova 74-65. This is a team that has tournament experience and I think they're finally ready to break out.