I still remember opening my laptop that March morning, the familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety bubbling up as I prepared to dive into the 2019 NCAA basketball standings. As someone who’s followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I’ve developed what you might call a love-hate relationship with March Madness—the upsets thrill me, the Cinderella stories captivate me, but seeing where my favorite teams land in the final standings always feels personal. This particular season was no different, especially with memorable moments like when Virginia’s Kyle Guy sank those clutch free throws against Auburn, or when Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver emerged as a defensive powerhouse. But what struck me most wasn’t just the numbers—it was the human element, the raw emotion that players like UNC’s Cam Johnson or Duke’s Zion Williamson brought to the court. And then there was that quote from Oregon’s Louis King that stuck with me: “I’m just blessed, grateful that we’re here.” It’s a sentiment that echoes what so many athletes feel when they step back and realize the magnitude of competing at this level.
Let’s talk numbers for a moment, because they tell a story of their own. Virginia finished atop the standings with a 35-3 record, a remarkable turnaround from their historic first-round exit the previous year. I’ve always admired Tony Bennett’s coaching style—methodical, defense-first basketball that might not always be flashy but gets results when it counts. Then there’s Duke, sitting at 32-6, a team that, in my opinion, relied too heavily on Zion’s explosiveness. Don’t get me wrong, he was phenomenal, averaging 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, but when teams like Michigan State figured out how to contain him, the Blue Devils looked vulnerable. Michigan State themselves landed at 32-7, and I have to admit, I’ve got a soft spot for Tom Izzo’s squads—they play with a grit that’s increasingly rare in today’s game. Texas Tech, at 31-7, was the surprise package for me. I didn’t expect them to go that far, but their defensive rating of 84.1 points allowed per 100 possessions was just insane. It’s teams like these that remind me why I love this sport—the underdogs who defy expectations and make you question everything you thought you knew.
But standings only tell part of the story. What about the teams that didn’t crack the top ten but left a lasting impression? Take Auburn, for instance. They finished 30-10, and while that might not look as impressive on paper, their run to the Final Four was nothing short of magical. I still get chills thinking about their comeback against Kentucky in the Elite Eight—Bryce Brown’s three-point shooting was a thing of beauty. Or consider Purdue, who ended at 26-10. Carsen Edwards put on one of the most electrifying scoring displays I’ve ever seen, dropping 42 points against Virginia in the Elite Eight. It’s moments like these that make me wish the standings could capture more than just wins and losses—they should somehow reflect the heart and hustle these players pour into every game. And let’s not forget Gonzaga, consistently strong at 33-4, but once again falling short of the ultimate prize. As much as I respect Mark Few’s program, I can’t help but feel they’re perpetually stuck in that “almost there” zone, which has to be frustrating for their fans.
When I step back and look at the bigger picture, the 2019 season was a masterclass in parity. For the first time in years, it felt like any of the top eight teams could have won it all. Virginia’s championship win was deserved, but it was far from predictable—they had to survive a buzzer-beater attempt by Purdue and that nail-biter against Auburn. Personally, I think the tournament format, while thrilling, sometimes rewards luck as much as skill. A single bad shooting night or an untimely injury can derail months of hard work, and that’s both the beauty and the cruelty of March Madness. I’ve had arguments with fellow analysts who believe the regular season standings should carry more weight in seeding, but I disagree—the unpredictability is what makes this sport special. Still, seeing teams like Virginia rise from the ashes of previous disappointments gives me hope that perseverance pays off, both on and off the court.
Reflecting on it now, what stands out most isn’t just the final rankings but the stories behind them. Players like Virginia’s Ty Jerome playing through ankle pain, or the way Texas Tech’s Matt Mooney shut down opposing guards with relentless defense—these are the details that the standings can’t capture. And that quote from Oregon’s player, “I’m just blessed, grateful that we’re here,” resonates because it strips away all the stats and reminds us that these are young athletes living their dreams. As much as I enjoy analyzing data and debating rankings, I’ve learned over the years that the human element is what keeps me coming back. So when you look at where your team landed in the 2019 standings, remember that behind every win or loss are countless hours of practice, moments of sheer joy, and the kind of gratitude that transcends the game itself. That, to me, is the real victory.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
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