Welcome from Blake Arena in Springfield, Mass.

I figured I’d start today’s thread a little early since a) I’m here after a 6.5 drive from Philadelphia and b) it makes me look official so the players and coaches aren’t suspicious (shh!).

A few tourists entered the Arena in front of me looking for the original Basketball Hall of Fame. They won’t have to look far since it shares the same facility. As you probably know if you’re on this site, Springfield is the birthplace of basketball. Dr. James Naismith introduced the game in a YMCA gymnasium based here in Springfield. Incidentally Dr. James Naismith wasn’t a Springfield native, or even a native born American for that matter. He was born in Ontario, Canada. Viva Steve Nash, eh.

I chatted briefly with NCAA Assistant Director of Championships Donnie Wagner who said last night’s banquet at the modern Hall of Fame was a hit. Four of the five 25th Anniversary honorees were able to attend and the final one — Laurie Trow Kelly whose Northern Arizona Lumberjacks open the Division I tournament tomorrow against Baylor — sent a nice videotaped message.

At the moment Scranton is on the floor practicing, filling the vacancy left by Hope. Coach Morehouse instructed his Flying Dutch to pack up and leave quickly, minutes before the Lady Royals took the floor. There was an awkward moment as one team left and their opponent-to-be entered. Sort of like when you forget somone’s birthday and then see them the next day.

We’ll keep you posted as time allows with pregame beginning at 3 PM.