Congratulations to Duke and Oklahoma State

To Duke for winning the NCAA Tournament, and to Oklahoma State for losing it.

I could not decide who to pull for tonight. I like Duke in part because we share enemies and in part because we share the same "cozy" (real estate word) city. Duke is kind of an island in the city of Durham, though -- most Durham residents are UNC fans. I have a fondness for the campus and its neo-gothic architecture, its incredible gardens (see: grainy pictures from when it snowed), tasty fare, and wonderful little art museum. I love that Duke still plays in tiny Cameron Indoor. I admire Coach K and was impressed by his book Leading with Heart. (Charlie Rose had an excellent 33 minute interview with Coach K a few days ago.) I am even considering applying there for graduate school.

With all this, though, my emotional brain could not resist pulling for the baby-faced Butlers. It would have been such a great story.

At least as an NC State alumnus I can claim with pride that "we" beat the National Champs. (One of the few conference games we won.) Go Pack...?