We're joined this week by a trio of friends. Individually, they are James "Wik" Wikman, John "JR" Ries, and Tom "Opie" Bowen. Collectively, they go by "The Basketball Mavens."
They come about the name honestly. For nearly 40 years, this threesome puts in the miles (air and land) every March by attending as many NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament games as reasonably possible. That means looking over the upcoming tournament sites well in advance, attending Thursday games in close enough proximity to drive to Friday's games, head back to the first site, and finishing up back at second site. Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and Championship games follow.
This year, the Basketball Mavens are attending opening round action in Dayton, before ping-ponging back and forth between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Yes, that'll be 16 games by the time first weekend is done.
During our time with the Mavens we learn of their origin story, highlights along the way, just what the heck the M.O.P. Award is, and what's left for them as sports fans to experience (Hint: The Super Bowl and Iditarod made the short list).
You're able to find their 2022 book, The Basketball Mavens - Marching to Madness at that link. You'll be able to follow their 2024 journey on X (formerly Twitter) @MarsMadness.
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