March Madness is here again. Time for the NCAA Basketball tournament.

Selection Sunday is upon us and it will be interesting to see who will be in the big dance.

Last year I missed the beginning of March Madness, but this year I will be home for most of the first two rounds.

While in Seoul last year I was able to see the first Signs of Spring with the yellow blossoms of the Cornelian Cherry trees.

About half-way through the tournament this year I will be off to Asia again, but this time only as far as Tokyo. My last trip to Japan was in the winter, but this time I will be there during the spring when Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom.

Last year there were a lot of upsets in the tournament. In fact it was one of the Most Upsetting Tournaments in the history of March Madness.

One of the big surprises of last year will not be an underdog this year. Wichita State has had an undefeated season and will most likely be a number one seed.

Gary Thompson who played for Iowa State in the mid 50’s was the subject of a blog post last year. Iowa State has put together a great season and earned a spot in the tournament by winning the Big 12 championship.

Although I live in California, my heart is still in the Midwest when it comes to college sports. This will be a good year as six or seven teams from the Big 12 will be in the tournament.

For my other Midwest favorites, Creighton and Wichita State will both be in the tournament. Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri are on the bubble, but I hope that at least Iowa makes it in.

I am not sure yet whether I will put together a bracket this year. Do I want to agonize over all my picks, or just enjoy it when my favorite teams win.

Do you put together a bracket each year?

Steven