It could have been East Carolina's basketball team celebrating an NCAA Tournament title in Atlanta. No, really. Just follow this simple logic and you will see how close ECU is to their "One Shining Moment."

The Pirates beat UNC-Greensboro 72-64 on November 18th; UNC-G beat Appalachian State 80-76 January 18th; the Mountaineers took out Virginia 80-69 December 19th; UVA defeated Florida State 73-70 February 17th; and the Seminoles beat Florida 70-66 December 3rd. So it's simple according to my math; East Carolina could have beaten the Gators to win the national title.

Actually, it just shows you how close the spectrum is between the first back to back winners of the NCAA Tournament in 15 years, and a 6-24 team. It's the great thing about sports, on any given night, one team can beat another, especially if its a one and done tournament. So lets play one more game: ECU vs. the Gators! OK, maybe next year.

Florida was impressive in its 84-75 win over Ohio State and deserves all the accolades that goes with being just the second back to back winners in over 30 years. What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is the fact all five starters from last years championship team returned to try and win it all again. They kept the lure of money and the NBA lifestyle at bay in order to secure their legacy's at Florida. It doesn't matter if any of those players becomes a professional all-star, they will always be remembered in Gainesville, Florida and in college basketball history as one of the greatest teams off all time. Sometimes its not always about the money. Of course, I don't expect any of them to try and return for a three-peat. And they would have to get past ECU to win another title.  It's simple logic, the Pirates have a chance to win the national title next year (no pressure Coach) :)
 
Brian North