Around the NCAA with the G-Man:

I have just enough time between unpacking, packing and preparing for the first weekend of the NCAA tournament to reflect on a great weekend in Greensboro. What a tournament final between Boston College and Duke! I know there were a lot of people anticipating Duke-UNC III, but the Eagles made a glorious run through their first ACC Tournament. Their version of the flex offense is truly unique and it works because they may be one of the best passing teams in the country. They utilize the three point shot, but play for two point baskets. It took all Duke had to come out with a two point victory. Redick and Williams were special, but it was the youngsters, Paulus and McRoberts, who came of age and made plays. Their contributions will be vital if Duke is to go on and win a national championship.

There were a few disappointments over the four days of action. N.C. State continues to struggle, having now lost four in a row. It was an uninspiring loss to Wake Forest that sent State home early. The perplexing thing is that now is the time when Herb Sendek’s teams start to gel. This group has much work to do if it is going to survive the first weekend of the NCAAs.

Maryland and Florida St. both had their NCAA hopes in their hands and let a berth slip away. One win by FSU and two by Maryland would have given the ACC six bids. Hopefully this will be a wake-up call to the members of the league to be more aggressive in scheduling better non- conference opponents.