What was supposed to be a relatively simple task recently took a complicated turn. All signs were pointing to UCLA as my pick to win the NCAA championship. The mathematical formula fit, the eye test was passed and there was a clear vision of coach Mick Cronin climbing high on a ladder to cut down the nets.
Remember when Clark Griswold packed up the family truckster for a cross-country adventure from Chicago to Los Angeles? When the Griswold family arrived at Walley World, it was stunningly closed for repairs.
An optimistic plan sometimes goes wrong. Amusement parks close. Injuries happen. In this case, the Bruins were hit by some bad injury news last week and it was time to reconsider my plan. UCLA still has its two primary stars, seniors Tyger Campbell and Jaime Jaquez, but the loss of elite defensive guard Jaylen Clark seems too much to overcome for a team that already lacked depth.
So it’s time to fill out the NCAA tournament bracket and pick a different winner. Alabama, Houston, Kansas and Purdue are the No. 1 seeds, and there are several more attractive options.