An Annual Rite: Brace Yourself for the Tourney

March 11, 2007— -- Be warned, America; something is about to take over the country -- something so powerful it will bring offices to a standstill for the next 24 days. The hoopla surrounding the NCAA basketball tournament starts today, on somewhat of a national holiday: Selection Sunday.

So be careful; no one is immune from the madness that is about to ensue.

The three week phenomenon known as "March Madness" tips off today with the formal announcement of the 65 teams that will participate in the 2007 NCAA Men's Division 1 basketball tournament.

Basketball analyst and ESPN contributor Ken Pomeroy says the sheer size and scope of the tournament make this competition the pinnacle of all sporting events.

"What makes college basketball unique is that there are 336 teams," Pomeroy said. "This is an event that takes three weeks. It's different from the Super Bowl that's over and done with in a day."

It's true that other sporting events draw out beyond a day. The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball determine their champions through a series of playoffs. But both of those events are best of seven series.

Pomeroy said the fact that "March Madness" is a single-elimination tournament makes it more exciting.

"This is unlike any other event. The reason it's so popular is because anything can happen, there are no second chances," he said.

One of the most popular things about "March Madness" is the bracket itself. Immediately following the announcement on Selection Sunday, millions of Americans will begin making their predictions for who they think will take home the trophy as they pencil in their picks on the bracket.

The unpredictability of the tournament gives everyone from basketball aficionados to newcomers a chance to win a bracket pool.

"Even if you're an avid basketball fan it's hard to make sense of the event, so it gives somebody who doesn't follow the sport as much of a chance of winning the office pool as anyone else because so many things can happen," Pomeroy said.