After a fifteen
year absence, the CSU Fresno (or FSU or Fresno State or FSC if you’re old
enough and can’t break the habit) Bulldogs are back in the NCAA men’s
basketball tournament. Today, it is the premier post-season tournament,
relegating the NIT to runner-up status. The Bulldogs actually won the NIT in
1983, the zenith in the men’s basketball history; the nadir being either the
year the Bulldogs won the California Penal Championship or when the women
outdrew the men at the Savemart Center.
The
tournament has turned into an industry in and of itself with filling out
tournament brackets; a challenge of one’s sports handicapping ability. Pick an
early upset correctly and you feel like Jimmy the Greek (alright, there, I’ve
dated myself.) Depending on the betting pool you enter, we are talking about either
bragging rights or serious cash. This can cause problems for rabid fans of
their college team. And, for the first time in over a decade, Bulldog fans find
themselves in the same predicament.
The
Bulldogs aren’t the worst seed, but only by a couple of spots. Do you bet with
your heart and pick the Bulldogs to win? How deep into the tournament? Or do
you face reality when given the opportunity for financial gain and bet with
your head. Maybe they win the first game… but certainly not all the way… but a
true fan has to hope… but this isn’t Fantasyland… but if you believe… Well, to
play it safe, better to buy two brackets to fill out.
There
are two larger post-tournament questions for the Bulldogs. The first, all
Fresno State fans would LOVE for the Bulldogs to win more than won game. The
Sweet Sixteen would be incredible. But for each Bulldog victory, the chances of
Coach Rodney Terry leaving the program increase. Nothing succeeds like success.
Other schools are hinting of interest just on the Bulldog’s appearance in the
tournament. Win a couple of games and schools with bigger bank accounts start
throwing numbers around that Fresno can’t match. Terry’s first tournament with the
Bulldogs could be his last.
The
larger post-tournament question is the degree of long-term interest this sparks
in FSU men’s basketball. Surely the AD’s goal is to remove the tarp, fill the
stands, and make basketball a positive income sport. Is just one appearance in
the NCAA tournament enough to make that possible, probably not, especially if
Terry leaves. Two wins and he stays? Two win, but a new coach? It’s anyone’s
guess.
But,
this IS a big deal and we should enjoy it. Whether a Fresno State alumnus or
alumna with only a causal interest in college athletics or a 30-year Red Seat
holder, here’s your chance to see your hometown school on the national stage. This
is a great opportunity for Fresno to gain some national attention without
placing last in a best list or first in a worst list.
GO
BULLDOGS!
Looks like I have another bracket
to buy.
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