Sweet Sixteen

The Sweet Sixteen is set. Not exactly how I envisioned it. But that is the beauty of the tournament. Let's look ar the matchups and try to get an Elite Eight.

Gonzaga beats Creighton: Gonzaga is the most explosive team and have scored over 80 points in both of their games. Creighton does not have enough firepower and must play exceptional just to hang around. Bulldogs -13.5 and 158.

Oregon over USC: Oregon controled Iowa and never let them in the game. I expect the same again when they play the Trojans. Should be a high scoring game. Ducks -2.5 and 139.

Alabama destroys UCLA: Alabama is the 2nd best team in the tournament right now. They will shoot exceptional from distance. Bruins run out of the gym. Bama -6 and 145.5

Michigan defeats Florida State: Michigan is deeper and more talented. They wear State down in a close game early and pull away late. Wolverines -3 and 143.5.

Houston over Syracuse: Houston will solve the Cuse zone and dominate the glass. Defensively sound enoughto hold Buddy Bonheim under 20 points. He has to get 25 or more for Orangeman to stay in it. Cougars -6 and 140.5.

Loyala Chicago beats Oregon State: Loyala control the tempo and wins this game. I can't go against Sister Jean after she prdicted the win over Illinois. Pac 10 have been impressive but styles dictate a Ramblers win. Ramblers -6.5 and 125.

Oral Roberts upsets Arkansas: The high powered Golden Eagles continue their impressive run and defeat the Razorbacks. Oral Roberts +11 and 159.

Baylor over Villanova. Nova is tournament ready and surprise me to get this far without Collin Gillespie. Baylor is too strong and will wear the Wildcats out. Bears -6.5 and 140.5.

My bracket that I selected prior to the tournament needs wins from Baylor, Houston,Gonzaga, Alabama and Arkansas to stay in the hunt. In making my selections, I looked at how the teams are playing now. If you view the entire remaining teams as a reseed then it is easier to evaluate the field. When you get to the Elite Eight I would look at the higher seeded team winning in each game. So they will be one or wo more upsets left before the Final Four.  To quote Jay Z, "Choose One".

Hopefully your teams will be on to the next one and meet in the Elite Eight. Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insider and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

Monday Motivation: The Return to Work Blueprint

So far, my Monday Motivation posts have been designed to help us stay the course thru COVID-19. Each one,for the past four weeks, has given concepts and suggestions as to what to we should do in the meantime. Now multiple states are planning some form of re-opening. The last phase in each anticipated re-opening are hotels,casinos and entertainment venues. Since that is the majority of my colleagues and followers, this Blueprint was crafted for the gaming. tourism and hotel industries.

We are fortunate that a large percentage of the aforementioned industries have employees that reside in states that are taking the "let the data determine the date" approach. They include Pennsylvania, New Jersey. New York, Nevada and Michigan. If the numbers of people infected does not get to a level  determined by the state as a green stage then there is no choice but to wait until the pandemic subsides.

So when we return to work, the Blueprint requires that the operators and owners of each organization have placed the ultimate value on the safety and well being of the employees that will be returning to the workplace. They will be the most valuable asset the companies have in helping the business return to pre COVID levels. There should be a meeting that informs everyone via phone, email or zoom as to what the strategic plan will be.

That plan must consist of testing of the staff so everyone can feel save interacting with each other. Step two will require a social distancing policy that must be adhered to without exception. It will include the requirement of wearing a mask to protect the staff and the guests from each other. Step 3 will mandate a dedication to having the cleanest work area conceivable. This will gain public confidence that all measures are being taken to insure safety. Step four has a compulsory level of contact tracing. If there is a reported case of a guest or employee being diagnose with Coronavirus, you can have a general idea as to who that person can in contact with. This will be a proactive method to keep the virus from spreading.

In order for the Blueprint to work, there will be changes to the Standard Operations Procedures (SOP). A level of flexibility must be inherent because of a natural tendency to do things the way we have previously. Unfortunately, we won't have the ability to do that initially. Every one must buy in! If we are practical and patient, we will be thriving and fiscally successful. Each organization will have to develop partnerships to move the business incrementally. I can go into more detail but that should be part of a formal conversation. I have some time now, as most of us do, to welcome such an exchange.

This is the moment where we see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you have missed some of my earlier posts on Monday Motivation, I have included two that will bring you to the level we are now.

                                           When this is over  and Casino Life after COVID 

                                           Follow me on Facebook, Twitter  and  Instagram.

Sweet Sixteen

The Sweet Sixteen is set. Villanova is not among them. Gonzaga is. Who knew? All of the number one seeds are still here.  Louisville and Duke fell from the number two seed line. Who looks good now?

Look for a team that is the higher seed to win the opening games on Thursday The ride usually end the second week when you can't sneak up on somebody.  Watch for the different styles to dictate who goes on. Who can make the other guy play at the pace they don't want to play at.


                                     The top odds to win the tournament as of this posting:
                                                 Kansas 19-4
                                                 UNC 5-1
                                                 Arizona and Gonzaga 13-2
                                                 Kentucky and UCLA 9-1

                                            Questions for #SweetSixteen


Can West Virginia speed up Gonzaga?
What matchup is better than Kentucky and UCLA?
Can the ride continue for Michigan?
Which number 1 of the remaining 3 does not make it to the #FinalFour next weekend?

The surprise of the tournament is only 1 ACC team is left in the round of 16. These are the three players that will impact games this week. All of them from the Big Ten.

Derrick Walton Jr.

Caleb Swanigan

Bronson Koenig

                                                   
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