March Madness: Dark Tower NCAA Tournament Challenge

[NeedfulKings]

I'm creating a thread we can reuse in coming years - new link below. Selection Show will be March 17. Brackets will lock March 21st at the start of the first game (excluding the "First Four").

As with previous years, first and second place trophies are at stake. Click this link here:

https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2024/group?id=1b6165ae-5c7e-3e69-b3de-d6cb45369bb1

You can create an entry and rejoin Palaver Gunslingers now - button that says Create a Bracket Now! You can do everything but fill in the bracket, so remember to come back after the matchups are set!

If you're new to the group Palaver Gunslingers, the password to join is roland.

GET IN THE GAME!

[Garrell]

In it as usual

[Lurker]

Clicked on rejoin and nothing happened?

[NeedfulKings]

Clicked on rejoin and nothing happened?

It automatically rejoined me. I might have hit "next" on that part. It's like a 4-step process - name the entry, join group, invite friends, fill in bracket.

[Lurker]

I get this when I click on the link -
https://i.ibb.co/bKnhnch/Men-s-Tournament-Challenge-1.png (https://ibb.co/Nyzhzch)

click on group directory - goes to this page
https://i.ibb.co/YkFKRK6/Men-s-Tournament-Challenge-page-2.jpg

click on rejoin and goes back to this page
https://i.ibb.co/bKnhnch/Men-s-Tournament-Challenge-1.png (https://ibb.co/Nyzhzch)

Tried with Edge Explorer Google Chrome...

[NeedfulKings]

Did you hit the big blue button that says Create a Bracket Now? That is what took me into the 4-part setup sequence.

[Lurker]

Um, no.

Did now and it worked! I would have never thought to try filling in a bracket before trying to join. Thanks!

[NeedfulKings]

Um, no.

Did now and it worked! I would have never thought to try filling in a bracket before trying to join. Thanks!

Good exercise - it's not intuitive that you can create a bracket, but not create a bracket, so I added instructions to the first post. :) Thanks for helping and for joining!

[NeedfulKings]

Brackets are LIVE! Get in the game!!! https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/group?groupID=14700

[Merlin1958]

Monday, morning. I'm exhausted!!! lol

[RUBE]

I don't know if I am going to do a bracket this year. I am really pissed about their selection process at the moment.

[ajw2910]

I’m in

[Merlin1958]

Done!! Go Zags!!!

[Randall Flagg]

I think I got my picks in.

[NeedfulKings]

I think I got my picks in.

Yeah, me too. My fate is doom. Or my doom is fate? Either way, go team!!!! :)

[NeedfulKings]

I don't know if I am going to do a bracket this year. I am really pissed about their selection process at the moment.

My beef with selection is the First Four. It should only be teams vying for a 16-seed. Having 2 teams playing for an 11 or 12 seed tells me that ALL of those teams would be in the Dance if the First Four didn't exist. Either stop the play-in games or make them all 16s.

[Merlin1958]

And, Michigan draws first blood!!!!! Yes!!!!



My bracket is still perfect!!! lol lol

[Randall Flagg]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

[Merlin1958]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

"Goofy shit" for a goofy motherfucker!!! LOL At least nothing involved a "vagina". lol


2-0!!! Woo Hoo!!! lol lol Fucking, Memphis better not fuck up!! lol :panic::panic::panic:

[NeedfulKings]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

I'm fine honoring this pick for the sake of the contest. Any objections? https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/entry?entryID=61903210

[BedOfRoses]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

I'm fine honoring this pick for the sake of the contest. Any objections? https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/entry?entryID=61903210


No objections and glad to see you in the contest! :thumbsup:

[Merlin1958]

IOWA, first to fall!!! lol :pullhair::pullhair:

[Merlin1958]

Is it me, or does, Gonzaga seem to have an endless stream of talented, 7 ft tall Caucasian guys? Sometimes 2 at a time!!! lol It's like they have a patent or something!! lol lol



Is this thing on????? :wtf:

This an audience or an oil painting???? :wtf:

I'll be here all weekend...................................:emot-flame:

[Merlin1958]

Well, we had some excitement today, huh?

Where the hell is St. Peter's and who let them in? lol lol

[Merlin1958]

And so, day 2 is firmly underway!!!! Here we go again!!!


Feel like I'm talking to myself here......................................... lol

[Garrell]

I am listening…

[Merlin1958]

I am listening…

LOL Mostly blow outs so far today. There's plenty of ball to come though. :dance:

[Merlin1958]

Purdue's Edey looks like the 7'4" bastard child of Quentin Tarantino & Oren-Ishi!! LOL


So, nobody has a theory regarding, Gonzaga and 7ft tall white guys? lol



Side note: So far the best "March Madness" commercial belongs to, AT&T and Coach K, IMHO. lol

[Merlin1958]

Yale and Purdue are duking it out a bit on TBS I think.

It's bad enough without them throwing in duplicate "-1" channels on Directv. lol

[Merlin1958]

So, anyone else glued to their couch or favorite seat at the Pub? lol

Not many surprises so far except for perhaps, Miami. Knew I shoulda gone ACC on that pick!!! lol

Curious about that, Va. Tech game. Should be interesting. VT was hotter than hell at the end there. Good chance for an upset IMHO

[Merlin1958]

Has, Bill waded in regarding the Boss' entry yet? Be a shame if he was locked out. Must be someway we can recognize his lame ass bracket!! :lol1:


Trojan's are mounting a comeback!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Well, we had some excitement today, huh?

Where the hell is St. Peter's and who let them in? lol lol

I always heard St. Peter was at the pearly gates and is the one who lets people in! :)

[NeedfulKings]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

I'm fine honoring this pick for the sake of the contest. Any objections? https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/entry?entryID=61903210


Has, Bill waded in regarding the Boss' entry yet? Be a shame if he was locked out. Must be someway we can recognize his lame ass bracket!! :lol1:



I did in post #20. I tried to PM his as well, but his messaging is closed. I'm tracking the big guy!!!!

[Merlin1958]

Something is goofy. I have zero picks as dt,org1, but my bracket as dt.org2 is complete, but isn't listed amongst the group.

I'm fine honoring this pick for the sake of the contest. Any objections? https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/entry?entryID=61903210


Has, Bill waded in regarding the Boss' entry yet? Be a shame if he was locked out. Must be someway we can recognize his lame ass bracket!! :lol1:



I did in post #20. I tried to PM his as well, but his messaging is closed. I'm tracking the big guy!!!!

Oh, cool. Way to go, Bill.



How bad is he doing? lol


VT game is a tight affair just as I thought it would be. Typical March basketball so far.

[Merlin1958]

Can USC pull one outta their "Arse" with 31 secs to go??????? Down by 4?????

Correction: 32.6 secs and now down by 1 pt. :sharepopcorn:




NOPE!!! lol But damn if they didn't tie it up first before losing to 2 FT's lol

[Merlin1958]

Well, onto my next potential pitfall, ND/Ala. Normally I root for, ND but they really didn't show me much during the season other than a few flashes. Shows what I freaking know, right? lol ND up by 5 beginning of 2nd half. LOL



Somebody is saving this running commentary, right? I'll need it as a resume when I try and replace, Kenny Smith. LOL Am I the only one that hates that guy? He always looks pissed off and gives, Chuck such a hard time. Maybe it's just me, but it feels disrespectful. Not for nothing but he wasn't anywhere near the player, Barkley was in his day, IMHO :emot-flame:


EDIT: You gotta be one tough bastard growing up with a last name of "Mutts"!! lol VT is hanging in there sofar in 2nd half.

[NeedfulKings]

Well, onto my next potential pitfall, ND/Ala. Normally I root for, ND but they really didn't show me much during the season other than a few flashes. Shows what I freaking know, right? lol ND up by 5 beginning of 2nd half. LOL


I know we have several Tide fans as well as Golden Domers. Trying to avoid going to confession and being dealt a number of Our Fathers, I picked ND.

That said, my fears only get me to the second round. Even the big guy upstairs would be hesitant to take an 11-seed into the 3rd round. ;)

[Merlin1958]

Well, onto my next potential pitfall, ND/Ala. Normally I root for, ND but they really didn't show me much during the season other than a few flashes. Shows what I freaking know, right? lol ND up by 5 beginning of 2nd half. LOL


I know we have several Tide fans as well as Golden Domers. Trying to avoid going to confession and being dealt a number of Our Fathers, I picked ND.

That said, my fears only get me to the second round. Even the big guy upstairs would be hesitant to take an 11-seed into the 3rd round. ;)

I hear that, my brother!! lol

[Garrell]

Too much to overcome with Shackleford’s injury.
Mason Gillis on Purdue is a family friend.

[Merlin1958]

"Cockburn"??? Really??? I'm not saying a word..................................:wtf::wtf:

[Merlin1958]

Too much to overcome with Shackleford’s injury.
Mason Gillis on Purdue is a family friend.

Cool. They looked great today!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Too much to overcome with Shackleford’s injury.
Mason Gillis on Purdue is a family friend.

With Kentucky out of the way, Purdue should be favored to duke it out with Baylor in the Elite Eight.

We had a family member in the tourney way back when Rick Majerus took the mighty St. Louis Billikens to the Dance in 2012. Very exciting moment!

[Merlin1958]

Well, DUKE cruised to victory. Man, still can't wrap my head around no Coach K next year.

Who's taking over? Gonna cuta dent in recruiting I would imagine.

Take care, Coach K. You were DA MAN!!!!

[Merlin1958]

Illinois better sacrifice a goat to the basketball Gods for that win!!! :shoot:

[Merlin1958]

Phew, heckuva couple days and damn if I ain't in it so far. Now comes the rounds that separate the men from the boys!!!




Go Zags!!!!!!!!

[Garrell]

I seem to be done already.

[NeedfulKings]

If Baylor loses this game, which it looks like they will, my bracket is toast.

[Merlin1958]

I seem to be done already.

Man, ANYTHING can and may happen in this thing. lol

Well, Baylor showing some signs of life after that bullshit flagrant on Manek of N.C. Regardless, I think we can stick a fork in, Baylor saving a bonafide miracle. lol Tar Heels are straight up "schoolin'" the bears!!!

UNC first into "Sweet Sixteen"!!!

[Randall Flagg]

I have Baylor in my final 4, so if they lose, things look grim.

[Merlin1958]

If Baylor loses this game, which it looks like they will, my bracket is toast.

I have them going to the Elite Eight but that's it. Fuck me if they haven't cut it to 9 with 4:45 to go!! lol

Can they actually pull out a win after being fown so big? lol Like I said "Anything can happen" and often does!! lol

[Merlin1958]

:wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf:


Fucking O/T!!!! LOL What were they down by 25? lol Talk about folding like a cheap suit!!!

Hubie must be having N.Y. Knick flashbacks!!! lol

Fouls could be at the root of this thing in the end!! UNC by 2 with 2 mins left!! That's why they call it "Madness". lol

[Merlin1958]

Well, Baylor gave 'em a scare but came up short in the end. Sorry guys!!!

[Merlin1958]

Well, Boss here is, Kansas Jayhawks!!! Go Hawks!!!


I need a Kansas win. I got them going to the final four!!! :scared::scared:

[NeedfulKings]

Well, Baylor gave 'em a scare but came up short in the end. Sorry guys!!!

In no universe, regardless of hindsight, would I not have wanted Baylor to foul with the score tied and 11 seconds remaining. Give NC the free throws and put the chance to retie or win on your offense.

[Merlin1958]

Well, Baylor gave 'em a scare but came up short in the end. Sorry guys!!!

In no universe, regardless of hindsight, would I not have wanted Baylor to foul with the score tied and 11 seconds remaining. Give NC the free throws and put the chance to retie or win on your offense.

I hear you my brother from another mother. Man, I just sincerely LUV this event!!! The athletics, the spectacle, the drama and the suspense??? The first 2 rounds are simply the BEST!!!! And as a bonus my brackets are actually in the game for now!!!
More beer and wings........................STAT!!!!!! :lol1::lol1:

[Randall Flagg]

Kansas

[Merlin1958]

Ok so, the KAN game got a little exciting at the end there but, the Jayhawks prevailed!!! Thank TPTB!!! lol

Onto MICH/TENN........................................GO VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!! :onfire::clap::clap::onfire:


:sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepo pcorn::sharepopcorn:

[Merlin1958]

Still no thoughts or theories regarding the Great Gonzaga Mystery/Conundrum?????? LOL

I'm telling you it's like every year for the past 20+ years the Zags have at least 1 (alot of times 2) talented, 7ft tall, athletic white guys. Not always NBA material but notable NCAA careers. Where does he get them? What's his angle as a small university in the pacific northwest that's draws these guys? Inquiring minds want to know (If anybody out there really knows). Thanks!!!

[Merlin1958]

MICH?TENN is like a tennis match, back n forth with the lead or the tie!! Looks like whomever has the ball last will win it!!



Go Volunteers!!!!!!



EDIT: Fulkerson with a HUGE block!!!!! TENN down by 4 with 2:01 to go!!!!! :pullhair::pullhair::pullhair:

[Merlin1958]

TENN!!!!!!!!!


Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!!!! lol lol That one gonna hurt!!! lol

[Randall Flagg]

Gonzaga is a Catholic institution located in the pacific northwest region of the USA. There is your answer.

[Merlin1958]

Gonzaga is a Catholic institution located in the pacific northwest region of the USA. There is your answer.

So the Pope sends them there? lol j/k :wtf:



Full disclosure: I'm a Presbyterian and likely on the road to hell, but my wife and kids are all card carrying Catholics from, St. Raymonds in the Diocese of Rockville Ctr, N.Y.!!! Pizza on, Friday's!!!! lol lol

[Merlin1958]

Man, I'm sorry. The, Zags are freaking KILLING me!!!! Up by 5 with 41 secs left. Another one goes to the wire!!! What a round!!! lol :pullhair:

[Merlin1958]

Okay, boys and girls, last day of the first weekend of the most insane sports competition tournament in the world!!! Are we ready?

Chips? - Check
Dip? - Check
Ice Cold Beverage - Check
Most comfortable spot on the couch/favorite chair? - Check
Device to display brackets? - Check
Aspirin/Tylenol? - Check
Cigarettes/Cigar/pipe? - Check
Standing delivery order for your favorite wings? - Check
Copiousstock pile of "Wet Wipes"? Check
Pepto Bismol? - Check
Portable Defibrillator? - Check



Let's Go Boys!!! Go Zags!!!!!




:sharepopcorn::wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf::sharepopco rn:

[Merlin1958]

Okay c'mon!! Illinois big named "COCKBURN". No body has a sophmoric or sarcastic remark about this kids unfortunate name? lol Announcers have steadfastly changed his name in the commentary to "COBURN". lol All the graphics and the back of his jersey remain, "COCKBURN"

Wonder if his, Dad assumed the name AFTER having his way (Biblically speaking) with his, Mother during conception. As in, "Damn Honey, now my "COCKBURN" something awful"!!! LOL

In all fairness though he's a talented big who came up huge for them the other day.

C'mon guys, no reason this can't be a little fun and silly you know!!! lol lol

[Merlin1958]

How about voting for your favorite "March Madness" commercial? I thought the "Capital One" spots were a little on the silly side this year and not as good as previous years. Much to my surprise I have to go with the "AT&T/Coack K" spots, "I can't work the month of March". LOL Anyone else have some thoughts? lol

Side Note: Amazing to me that the hottest topic during the first 2 rounds is the incident where the Cheerleader was hoisted to the shoulders of another cheerleader in order to retrieve a ball stuck behind the backboard. lol lol

[Merlin1958]

I'm curious. Is "Da'Monte Williams" related to "Del Monte Vegetables"? LOL

Is "Kofi Cockburn" a statement or a question? or is it an unfortunate translation issue? LOL


I just crack myself up!!! LOL



So the BIG question, after who will win the Big Dance, WHO will replace, Coach K @ Duke??????

I've heard, Jay Wright (from, Villanova(?), is a leading candidate. Anyone else heard any rumblings?

[Merlin1958]

Well, the COUGARS, turned up the flame at the end and prevailed over, Illinois!!!! Another one bites the dust!! lol Fortunately, I had, Houston winning!!!

Next up, Villanova/Ohio State. With all the "Friday, Fish Eating Folks" in my house I had no choice but to go with, Villanova in this contest.


Side Note: I bet, Kofi's, "Cock" is "Burning" over the loss to Houston. What do you think? lol lol

All joking aside, Kofi was a force in the post for, Illinois. They probably should have tried harder to go to him in the paint. Not only would he have scored more often than not but, he would have drawn a lot of fouls that could have impacted, Houston over the course of the game. Always smart, right and insightful when coaching from the couch!!!! LOL LOL I'm a regular, "Coach K" from my armchair!!! I kid you not!!! lol lol

[Lurker]

Okay c'mon!! Illinois big named "COCKBURN". No body has a sophmoric or sarcastic remark about this kids unfortunate name? lol Announcers have steadfastly changed his name in the commentary to "COBURN". lol All the graphics and the back of his jersey remain, "COCKBURN"

Wonder if his, Dad assumed the name AFTER having his way (Biblically speaking) with his, Mother during conception. As in, "Damn Honey, now my "COCKBURN" something awful"!!! LOL

In all fairness though he's a talented big who came up huge for them the other day.

C'mon guys, no reason this can't be a little fun and silly you know!!! lol lol

Dissing someones's name isn't fun or silly.

[Merlin1958]

Okay c'mon!! Illinois big named "COCKBURN". No body has a sophmoric or sarcastic remark about this kids unfortunate name? lol Announcers have steadfastly changed his name in the commentary to "COBURN". lol All the graphics and the back of his jersey remain, "COCKBURN"

Wonder if his, Dad assumed the name AFTER having his way (Biblically speaking) with his, Mother during conception. As in, "Damn Honey, now my "COCKBURN" something awful"!!! LOL

In all fairness though he's a talented big who came up huge for them the other day.

C'mon guys, no reason this can't be a little fun and silly you know!!! lol lol

Dissing someones's name isn't fun or silly.

Oh please!!! His name is "Cockburn"!!! I'm sure he has endured a joke or two in his day and persevered. otherwise, he would have changed it and maybe he should. The TV Commentators changed it for him during the games!! LOL

People need to lighten up and not take everything so seriously. No matter what you may say it's a funny name no two ways around it. Try and enjoy life and the little things and save the PC stuff for where it really counts. Of course, that's just my apparently singular opinion. I will likely be "cancelled" now!!! lol lol lol

If I do get "Cancelled" it would really make my "Cockburn"!!!!! lol lol lol

[Merlin1958]

Duke vs MSU!! Coach K's last tournament!! This should be a classic!!



GO BLUE DEVILS!!!!!!!!!



:sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepo pcorn:

[Merlin1958]

Hmmm, I believe they just said, John Scheyer will be taking over for, Coach K. Interesting choice. That could work out well for him. I sure hope so anyway!! lol

[NeedfulKings]

Duke vs MSU!! Coach K's last tournament!! This should be a classic!!



GO BLUE DEVILS!!!!!!!!!



:sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepopcorn::sharepo pcorn:

I had to look it up - he's been coaching the Devils since 1980 (I was in the 8th grade). 42 years, 5 national titles, 12 Final Fours, 15 ACC tournament championships, and 13 ACC regular season titles. Wow.

[Lurker]

Well, I said what I wanted to say - but seriously Bill. PMing me to just put you on some ignore list 'cause you don't like being called out? Clearly, the bully is upset. Well, when you post crude sexual crap - I'm calling it. Don't like it? Toughsies. Write whatever you want - but this my final comment.

[NeedfulKings]

Well, I said what I wanted to say - but seriously Bill. PMing me to just put you on some ignore list 'cause you don't like being called out? Clearly, the bully is upset. Well, when you post crude sexual crap - I'm calling it. Don't like it? Toughsies. Write whatever you want - but this my final comment.

Not this Bill. I'm not sure what transpired, but I would hope that when addressing other members, there is nothing but trust and respect. If not, please reach out to a site administrator.

[Lurker]

Wylde Bill as he signed himself - Merlin. Sorry.

NeedfulKings has always been a total gentleman.

[fernandito]

Yooooo that AZ v TCU game last night was wild!

[Garrell]

Down goes the Zags…

[Joe315]

Down goes the Zags…

And the wildcats

[Randall Flagg]

Well it's Kansas or bust for me. 3 of my final 4 are out.

[ajw2910]

National Peacock Day!!! Love watching these guys getting to the elite 8. They have been on a terrific run!! Rooting for them to get to the Final 4.

Now to watch my St. Bonaventure team in the NIT final 4 on Tuesday. Go Bonnies!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Well it's Kansas or bust for me. 3 of my final 4 are out.

Yep. You and I would be gunslinging for the top spot - go Jayhawks!


National Peacock Day!!! Love watching these guys getting to the elite 8. They have been on a terrific run!! Rooting for them to get to the Final 4.

Now to watch my St. Bonaventure team in the NIT final 4 on Tuesday. Go Bonnies!!!

I think everyone loves a Cinderella story and Saint Pete's giving us a show. The way they've played, they can be a Final Four team!

[Garrell]

Go Villanova…

[NeedfulKings]

Go Villanova…

Yep. Last fan standing! :)

[Merlin1958]

I tell ya, man the tournament never disappoints!!! Cinderella's, Goliath's going down, buzzer beaters, etc. etc. It's just got it all!! Well, looks like I'm done but bou it has been great and we will be with the Elite eight tomorrow. I usually root for Duke and Coach K but I didn't think they had it in them this year. So far, I have been proven wrong, happily. Wouldn't it be awesome if, Coach K went home with a championship? lol So, I'm saying............................................ .



Go Blue Devils!!!!!


It could come down to a classic match-up between UNC and Duke in the final four!!! Perhaps, Villanova on the other side? That would be fitting as well. Gonna be a March Madness to remember whatever transpires!!


We'll remember it until next March anyway!!! lol lol

[divemaster]

I came in last. :(

[Merlin1958]

Duke vs UNC!!!!

Classic match-up!! Helluva way for Coach K to say good-bye!!!

[NeedfulKings]

With Kansas making the finals and nobody else's team getting in, the final game is moot. Two players picked Kansas to win:

First Place goes to ME - Needfulkings, with a current point total of 820 (max 1140)
Second Place to Randall Flagg's rogue bracket (https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2022/en/entry?entryID=61903210) with a current point total of 720 (max 1040)

Congratulations and THANKS to all that played. NFL is right around the corner. :)

[BedOfRoses]

Congratulations to Needfulkings and Randall Flagg! It's so hard to pick the winner in this contest so great job! :dance:

[NeedfulKings]

Congratulations to Needfulkings and Randall Flagg! It's so hard to pick the winner in this contest so great job! :dance:

Thanks!

Jeanne (BedOfRoses) and I were in Kansas in 2020, just before the Covid Lockdown. It was a bittersweet trip as one of our nephews struggled with the final stages of cancer that took him from us less than 8 weeks later. Our other nephew was a student at Kansas and gave us the grand tour. It was a beautiful day to be distracted from reality. Congrats Jayhawks!

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_7632.JPG

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_7626.JPG

[Lurker]

For just a second I saw that second picture and thought Wow what a basement...

Congrats to the winners!

[CRinVA]

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Go KU - my alma mater!!!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h51be27dN8c

[NeedfulKings]

For just a second I saw that second picture and thought Wow what a basement...

Congrats to the winners!

Haha...nope, KU has their very own museum on campus. Pretty cool!


Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Go KU - my alma mater!!!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h51be27dN8c

Great video!

[Jon]

Congratulations to Needfulkings and Randall Flagg! It's so hard to pick the winner in this contest so great job! :dance:

Thanks!

Jeanne (BedOfRoses) and I were in Kansas in 2020, just before the Covid Lockdown. It was a bittersweet trip as one of our nephews struggled with the final stages of cancer that took him from us less than 8 weeks later. Our other nephew was a student at Kansas and gave us the grand tour. It was a beautiful day to be distracted from reality. Congrats Jayhawks!

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_7632.JPG

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_7626.JPG




Hmmm...no red shoes or little Toto dogs?

[Merlin1958]

Big time congrats to the winner here and to the University of Kansas for the 2022 NCAA Tournament Champion!!!

It was a great tournament once again and I'll be looking forward to next year!!

Gonna be very fucking weird without, Coach K at the helm of the Blue Devils!! Wonder how much the recruiting will fall off?????

[Randall Flagg]

Thanks Bill!


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1649787850-March%20Madness%20award.jpeg

[NeedfulKings]

Alright! Trophies abound. For historical purposes:

This is NeedfulKing's first March Madness trophy

This is Randall Flagg's fourth March Madness trophy (First Place 2013, 2019 and Second Place 2021, 2022)

[NeedfulKings]

I updated the first post with the group link and other details - brackets will lock on the 16th.

https://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2023/en/group?groupID=14700

[Randall Flagg]

Looks like I successfully joined.

[Garrell]

In it to sorta win it...

[NeedfulKings]

Looks like I successfully joined.

:dance:


In it to sorta win it...

This is a tough one - and it's like a late night infomercial from years ago: "Set it and forget it"

[Garrell]

This is going to be a wild one.

[Randall Flagg]

Selection night in a few hours.

[Garrell]

Wonder who I pick…

[Randall Flagg]

Well, let's hope this year I submitted my bracket properly.

[NeedfulKings]

This is going to be a wild one.

Always the case!!!


Well, let's hope this year I submitted my bracket properly.

I think you're fine. I had fireworks and confetti letting me know my pick was made. :)

Only NINE people in so far. Odds are nice for the 2 trophies. If you're having doubts about playing, just GET IN THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lurker]

I did mine. But that Houston guy getting hurt throws me off. Even the local news doesn't know how hurt he is. Oh, well. Good luck all.

[divemaster]

In the West and Midwest brackets, the 8 teams advancing are GONZAGA, UCLA, HOUSTON, MIAMI, XAVIER, TEXAS, ARKANSAS, and UCONN

My picks were: GONZAGA, UCLA, HOUSTON, MIAMI, XAVIER, TEXAS, ARKANSAS, and UCONN

I am a god.

[NeedfulKings]

Unless their jockey falls off, we have a two-horse race with Lurker and RUBE (divemaster is there if the jockeys do fall off!). What a dismal March Madness for the rest of us. :mad1:

[Randall Flagg]

In the West and Midwest brackets, the 8 teams advancing are GONZAGA, UCLA, HOUSTON, MIAMI, XAVIER, TEXAS, ARKANSAS, and UCONN

My picks were: GONZAGA, UCLA, HOUSTON, MIAMI, XAVIER, TEXAS, ARKANSAS, and UCONN

I am a god.

And modest too.

[RUBE]

How on Earth did UConn get this good just in time for the tournament?

[Randall Flagg]

Being an atheist, it's tough to say, but in this group it appears that "God" will win.

[NeedfulKings]

Well - this is not uncommon for the contest to end this early. We all tried our best to get into the Final Four, Finals, and eventual winner. Alas, not this year.

Congrats to divemaster and Randall Flagg - this year's 1st and 2nd place winners!!!!!!

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/1123/medium/March_Madness.jpg

[RUBE]

Congratulations guys!

Considering how the first round went for me, I am surprised to get third.

[Lurker]

Blanking Texas.

Congrats guys!!!!!!

[Garrell]

Congrats

[BedOfRoses]

So close, Lurker!

Congrats to the winners! It was a tough contest this year for sure! :nana:

[divemaster]

Thanks! What a crazy tournament. Final Four with a 4 seed, two 5s and a 9. None of the "top teams" even made the final weekend. Some wild games, too.

[NeedfulKings]

Quite a delay, but trophies are in! We've had a few family matters that slowed things down, and our usual supplier moved warehouses, but never seemed to restock. So, we have a new supplier and I expect these will start going out next week. Thanks for the patience and congrats to the winners!

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/996/medium/IMG_2294.jpg

[divemaster]

Those look awesome! Can't wait!. Thanks again for running these tourneys.

[Randall Flagg]

The trophies look great.
Thanks for all you do to make the tournaments a success.

[NeedfulKings]

I'll update the first post with this year's link. Brackets should be live in about 5 days. GET IN THE GAME!!!!

https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2024/group?id=1b6165ae-5c7e-3e69-b3de-d6cb45369bb1

[Garrell]

Joined!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[divemaster]

It's hard to get excited when neither of my teams are likely to make the tourny, but I'm in regardless. Maybe magic will happen in the conference tournaments.

[NeedfulKings]

Trust me - my team is NEVER in the tourney, so I just adopt as I go. :) It will be fun to watch some upsets, as usual.

[divemaster]

It's hard to get excited when neither of my teams are likely to make the tourny, but I'm in regardless. Maybe magic will happen in the conference tournaments.

Well, magic did not happen. Both my teams lost first game. Talk about a buzzkill. Didn't even have a chance to hold on to a sliver of hope.

I'll play the contest for sure, but not likely to actually watch any of the games. Just not motivated. :(

[Randall Flagg]

I believe I've entered. Looking forward to the fun. I know very little about Collegiate basketball, but in the past I was lucky.

[Garrell]

In it to win it…maybe.
And bracket is filled!

[NeedfulKings]

I believe I've entered. Looking forward to the fun. I know very little about Collegiate basketball, but in the past I was lucky.

Same here. Well, except for the "lucky" part. :)


In it to win it…maybe.
And bracket is filled!

Me too. Countdown to implosion in 3....2.....1.............

[Randall Flagg]

I believe I've entered my picks.

[RUBE]

Made my picks in about 5 minutes so it's probably not going to go well.

[Lurker]

I thought it would be simple - pick local team that has been all over news all season as gonna win it, plus I have a piece of paper from them. OH but then UH lost their shorts in the last game by 30 points or so. Poof!

[NeedfulKings]

Picking is always tough! Hence, the madness part.

I show games staring around 12:30 EST - brackets will lock then!

If you want to get in the game, you have a 2 in 10 chance of taking a trophy home!

[Garrell]

1 in 9, one belongs to me:excited:

[ajw2910]

Did my picks not go thru? Tony67hunting

[RUBE]

It doesn't appear so.

[NeedfulKings]

What a drag! ESPN has a lot going for it, but every year they tinker with shit and make it less intuitive. I’m not sure what happened. Sorry!

[NeedfulKings]

I can't recall a time in recent contest history that everyone still has their team in the Elite Eight.

[RUBE]

I may have my champion still around but the rest of my bracket is screwed. Guess I put way too much faith in the Big East.

[Randall Flagg]

Well, I'm down to UConn. My final 4 is busted.
Seeing as how several others have UConn, they have a better chance to accrue points. Of course if UConn doesn't win it all, we have a few others in the game.

[Lurker]

I can take a shower, get dressed, go to dinner and come home and the last minute of a basketball game will still be being played.

[Garrell]

Only 3 of us left to win:excited:

[NeedfulKings]

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Madness!

1st Place - Garrell
2nd Place - Lurker

This is Garrell's third 1st Place win! This is Lurker's second 2nd place trophy.

Great job!

[Garrell]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lurker]

Wow. I am surprised. After a horrible first round I figured I might be in runninng for last...

Congrats to Garrell and all who played. Thanks NeedfulKings, you were great show runner!

[Randall Flagg]

Congrats to Garrell. He certainly knows his college sports very well.

[Garrell]

I live college sports!!!!!!!!!!