Here is an absolutely fantastic article by AskMikeandScott about conference expansion. We obviously had to feature this, and is the perfect example of how FanPosts can be used to convey excellent ideas and opinions on our website. Kudos to aMaS, and I hope he will continue to write articles like this in the future!

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."[1]

The rapidly evolving conference affiliation story has been in the headlines again this week. But there seems to be

something brewing under this cauldron of shifting conferences. When the water is done boiling, it is becoming

apparent that there will be 4 Super Conferences containing 16 teams each. Who the final teams are, who’s on the

bubble and who’s out will be debated. However, the cynical mind believes there is something more sinister going

on – the exit of 64 schools from the NCAA or the negotiation of the NCAA "Super Division 1." [2]

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Last year, we thought we'd help out the blizzard of NCAA Tourney coverage by discussing and providing a game sheet for Bill Raftery Bingo. We're moving it back up to the top of the FanPosts so you can readily find it and play along at home.

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Sources out of Big Blue Land are reporting that Gillispie has been fired, done deal. See this site for headline, log in required for more information.

Speculation out of Kentucky has been that Travis Ford should come home to revitalize the Wildcat program. He turned Oklahoma State into a NCAA 1st round winning team that gave Pitt all it could handle in the 2d round last Sunday. Another site says to hire Ford (or Pelfrey) would be malpractice. Gillispie was 40-27 in two years at UK. That just doesn't get in done in Lexington. Big Blue Nation unrealistically expects errr demands to compete for the Final 4 every year. Tubby's exit was because he couldn't quite meet those expectations of the rabid fans. All he did was take Minnesota to the Tourney. That also has to grate on the Wildcat Faithful. The fact that The Ville is a Final 4 contender and Rick Pitino is coaching them adds additional and intense pressure for any coach at UK.

Starting tomorrow is wall-to-wall NCAA hoops action for the next four days. At least for part of those 4 days, you can curl into your snuggie, open a refreshing beverage of choice, and listen to the sonorous commentary of Bill Raftery. The Raf has a dazzling array of catch phrases that rival the "master" Dickie V, but Raf's tend to have more flair. To help you through CBS coverage of March Madness during Raf's games, you can play Rafferty Bingo.

You can determine various ways to play -- for bottle caps, pennies or other valuable prizes. Others of college age my find more creative options for this game.

Let us know what some of your favorite ways to watch the game are or might be. Or let us know if you need a glossary for the phrases above.

The ACC is unlike any other tournament I have been too (except for maybe the NCAA Tournament.) The reasons why are not necessarily the obvious (great teams and great players,) it’s the little things. Here’s a few. If you attended this year add some of your favorites.

Star Sightings. Because of the history of the ACC, you have 12 schools now that have lots of individual history and players. One thing you find at the tournament is “star sightings.”  There’s the obvious stars in the stands. Yesterday, TO was in the house as was Frank Beamer and Doug Flutie, and so was Matty “Ice” Ryan. But, it’s running into the basketball history and “stars” everywhere. Like at the hotel, during the dinner break, running into the whole Duke team and having to see Wojo. He’s not very tall. Then this morning while working on the computer, Oliver Purnell was near me having his coffee. Mike Gminiski walked by where I was working. He was dressed way down from the suspenders dapper look of TV. On my way back to the room, I had to stomach seeing Wojo again. I went out to the ATM machine at Peachtree Center Mall and had the pleasure of exchanging pleasantries with Bob Ryan of ESPN and Boston Globe fame. I said “Good morning Mr. Ryan.” He responded “good morning.” Entering the arena, I was behind Al Wood, NC guard-forward 1978-81, and his family, including UNC women's hoops players and his daughters Martina Wood and Candace Wood. People around me (lots of Baby Blue), started buzzing. But, these diehard UNC fans could not come up with the name. One guy said,  “hey there’s … oh what is his name?” I quietly helped him out “Al Wood”, I whispered. He was appreciative. You can do this all without a media pass.

Women Rule the World. Here’s another reason why the ACC tournament is fun. ACC fans I sat near during 4 sessions know their conference. Moreover, more women attend this event than the NCAA subregionals. And, ACC women know their ACC hoops!! I've known this for years, but the depth of knowledge can be impressive. One female fan next to me knew the name of the ref in the UNC/Va Tech game who was blowing calls in NC’s favor. She then without blinking returned to her novel. She also had the obligatory comments about Psycho T flailing and faking contact to go to the line. The NCAAs on the other hand is a “fraternity” event, 90% guys with their brackets and newspapers. They buy their blocks of tickets and plan for months for the event. The ACC is more couples.

They learn it early. UNC/Duke rivalry starts early. During timeouts, the cameras scan the crowd. During the evening session on Friday, they showed an “8-year old” showing off his Duke shirt. Another 8 year old jumps in front pointing at his UNC hat.  Nonetheless, as much as UNC is disliked, Duke is hated more. Shirt seen on Carolina fan – “Duke S_cks.” Shirt on Maryland fan – “Duke S_cks.”

More Cowbell. Having been to as many college tourneys as I have, you start to appreciate the artistic part of the programs – halftimes and time outs. That’s when the bands, cheerleaders, mascots and dance squads have their time to shine. Awards for this year – best band was BC. The cowbell/cymbal player was going crazy. They played “Livin’ On a Prayer” just before Al Skinner overcoached the last minute. You can never have enough cowbell. Best mascot, hate to admit it, but the Blue Devil was the best during the first two days (and he only had one game). He was doing cartwheels and flips during one time out. With a mascot head on, that is skill! Best dance squad – FSU. They remind you of the old Metro Conference days. The squads would all perform on Championship Saturday. The Ville, Memphis and FSU were perennial top squads. FSU was a member from 1976-1991. Runner up was Virginia, although they did all their routines in their corner.