You want to be cool?

A young fan named, DeLaney, was invited onto the stage to recite the lyrics of the song "M.A.A.D city" with Kendrick Lamar. This was one of Kendrick's hottest songs in 2012 being number 75 out of 100 on the Billboard hot 100. I was appalled how she goes on to sing the lyrics and repeat the N-word several times. You could also hear several fans in disgust hearing the word as they tried to vibe with the music. I don't understand how she could feel so comfortable in that very moment in front of a huge crowd with numerous black people in the audience to repeat that. All I could do is cringe listening to her repeat the word and it's not the first time I've heard someone white say the N-word, unfortunately. The song shortly began and Kendrick immediately stopped the concert, confronted her, and kicks her off the stage. I believe it was the right thing to do. It just displays the lack of respect, especially because she goes on to say "am I not cool enough for you bro". I don't see how that is considered "cool". My parents taught me right from wrong early on so we need to stop excusing this ignorance. If I was Kendrick's security I would of launched her into the crowd, kidding. 

Hears N-word once.. twice... Three times  

Is all publicity good publicity?

 J Cole couldn't have said it any better than he did during his interview with Angie Martinez at Salaam's house. He mentions if you can’t put down the drink, the smoke, or walk away from social media than it has control over you. Show yourself you're in control otherwise, expect to be controlled by outside forces. Cole also explains how people go about relationships the wrong way. Today people express that they "need" one another without having enough self-love. Focus on yourself, watch who you surround yourself with, and be real with yourself. People worship celebrities and put their faith in them, but don't even know what that person is entirely about. Lastly, some food for thought, J Cole says, "Why would I praise you (celebrities) and idolize you if you are the exact same as me?" He predicts that in the future celebrities will be non-existent. 

Virginia .. you stink!

Why did the Virgina Cavaliers even show up to the tournament? I never even heard of UMBC until last night, looked like a couple of midgets just running around at first. Those boys can hoop and they weren't scared. Jarius Lyles was in his bag the whole night, I don't see why he wouldn't get drafted if he can continue to perform at a high level. Lyles had 28 and led his team to a twenty point victory over Virginia. Also, this was the first time ever that a 16-seed beat a 1-seed. That's not supposed to happen for example, you'll never see an ant defeat a lion. Virgina is the donkey of the day, and thanks to them there are no more perfect brackets. 

The Pac-12 was a huge disappoinment

People that support the "conference of champions" shouldn’t be mad at the fact that 3 teams got in when they all performed at low levels. USC barely escaped a loss in the first round of the NIT. Also, it felt like USC didn't even want to play to begin the game. Arizona was a huge disappointment they played soft as Charmin tissue paper, and lost by 21 to a tough Buffalo team. Buffalo took the heart out of Arizona and was the more aggressive team. It was apparent that Arizona wasn't focused, because in interviews after the game two players declared for the draft showing they were more focused on that. I'll take Bagley over Ayton any day of the week. Syracuse beat Arizona State by four in a game Syracuse trailed majority of the time. A lot of people argued that Arizona State shouldn't have been in the tourney in the first place. Arizona State needs to recruit better, they don't have a four men decent enough to hit a free throw line jumper to break down the 2-3 zone. UCLA lost to St. Bonaventure by 7 in their play-in game. Maybe if UCLA had Liangelo ball they would’ve won the game, and I'm not convinced Steve Alford can coach. I wish I would lose to a team referred to as  "The Bonnies". The Pac-12 conference had nothing to show for in the tournament all the teams should of just stayed at home.

Speak on it

It's safe to say that there is no clear favorite to win this year's NCAA tournament, you never know how players are going to perform as a whole. One could argue the committee made various mistakes when it came to finalizing the bracket such as making Arizona a four seed and leaving USC, which was the second best team in the PAC 12, out of the tournament. I think we need a new committee just like we need a new president. It was a surprise to see Oklahoma in the tournament, but we all knew the NCAA was going to make sure Trae Young aka Trae Curry was going to be in the big dance averaging 27.4 PPG along with 8.8 apg. I asked some of my friends who they thought some of the favorites were and their responses were Virgina, Duke, and Michigan State.

Virginia plays at a pace that many people don't find very entertaining but they have been successful with the grandpa pace. I've probably fallen asleep during five of the Virginia games I've watched. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if they can continue to hold teams under 50 points in the tournament.

Duke is the most talented team from top to bottom but they can't put forty minutes of playing hard togther as a unit. They want to play like pretty boys and it makes me want to throw up. Grayson Allen needs to play like the POY candidate he is, and Bagley just needs to keep producing. It'd be nice to see Duval actually contribute and make some shots. 

Coach Izzo has a very tough gritty team in Michigan state. Miles Bridges leading the way and if Winston can perform they will be a scary team. Look out for Michigan state they are very battle tested.

Kansas is a team to really beware of they have two tough veterans and their young guys play like Veterans too. Malik Newman is playing his best basketball, and conference player of the year Devonte Graham will lead the way.