Font Size:

We have an annual NCAA basketball contest in our extended family and the stakes are huge:  bragging rights for an entire year.

Over the years I've fallen for the pre-tournament hype about Kansas and  I've been burned every single time.  The Jayhawks were my pick to win it all this year and they underachieved again.

Several years ago I resisted the urge to pick KU to run the brackets and chose Memphis instead.  Wouldn't you know it, those two team met in the finals and Kansas won the game.  

But it's not just that those pesky Jayhawks won the game, Memphis had victory in hand and failed miserably down the stretch at the free throw line.  The Jayhawks pulled it out with a late rally that included a most unlikely three pointer.

Consequently no family bragging rights, just another hard luck story.

Ironically with all the upsets this year, and the fact most of the brother-in-laws, nephews and my own sons picked Kansas too, I still have a chance to win.  

As we head to final four weekend I am precariously perched at the top of the standings because Duke came through for me as a final four pick.

One of my rival nephews is lurking close behind having picked Duke to reach the finals.  But If Duke loses in the semifinals against West Virginia, I gain the coveted bragging rights.  

What will happen?  I have this nagging feeling that bragging is not in my immediate future.  The "Jayhawk jinx" is probably strong enough to affect a game even when KU is on the sidelines. 

Knicely Done!