Round Two: UK_num_1 vs. Lelandjr

The first round of Member Mayhem is complete, leaving 32 users alive in the tournament field. The competition and grading will only get tougher from here, so make sure to bring your A-game!

In this round, you will once again have 100 words to answer your essay. 

The Question: What was the most important factor in your team making it to the 2008 NCAA tournament?

Take note, the deadline for Round 2 is 6 p.m. ET, on Sunday, March 23. (Less than 50 hours away.)

Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far, and good luck in the second round! Let the posting/voting begin!

The single most important factor ushering Kentucky into the tournament was the team chemistry forged in embarrassing early-season losses.  During an early game, Crawford tangled with an opposing player, and no fellow Wildcat came to his side. 
By season's end, they had melded into a family who genuinely loved each other, and it showed on the court.

It showed in the 12-4 regular season conference record.

It showed in the leadership Bradley and Crawford displayed before their younger teammates. 

It showed in the way players picked up their game, especially after Patterson went down.  They played each game with grit and heart and established a new foundation for the future.

Wowsee uk_num_1 that is a good essay. Glad I am not matched against you this round.

I really hoped that more of SEC would advance however think it is great that with all the injury and being a young team it was great that Kentucky was in the tourney and Georgia was a miracle story for sure.

I really had high hopes for Vanderbilt however they obviously needed Memorial Gym this season and still have high hopes for Tennessee but some of their play has been sloppy for whatever reason. I mean walking with the ball how many times?

I have been out  and about CBS  thanking people for their support and asking for continued support  Auto Racing for one has really had my back.  I KNOW I wouldn't have done it without their  help for sure - When I got home from Birmingham couldn't' believe that Belmont and I won and advance to round two of the "Write-off"  Magic was formidable competition.

Still would appreciate any one who wants to critique or vote (especially vote)

 JusSaySue

Arkansas is leading

UK_num_1-

Nice job on both of your essays, and good to see you advance to the 2nd round.  I have followed Kentucky's season of lows and highs this year.  It is amazing the transformation this team has gone through since the beginning of the year.  It has truly gone from a collection of players to a cohesive unit that UK fans should be proud of to call their team, with something to build on for the future!

Thanks Main Manx, yes, I have seen you out and about, and with some positive comments on our transformation.   It's appreciated!   We always love our teams, obviously, but this group of fellows is one that will be remembered especially for exactly that transformation.

We always knew Ramel and Joe were good players-- we just didn't know how good they could be.  I'm glad we got a new coach who could bring out the best in them.

What... demand an early recound... only 4o voters... both are commendable... but Cardinal towers above the Wildcats..... Cardinal to go deep into NCAA too!!!

Fight ON!!

Trojanluver!!!

Stanford made it by doing so many things well. Like winning 17 of 27 by double-digits, having multiple award winners (including Brook Lopez, All Pac-10 First Team; Trent Johnson, Pac-10 Coach of the Year; Robin Lopez, Pac-10 All-Defensive squad), shooting over 40% and holding 22 of 33 opponents to under 40% shooting, averaging 39.1 rpg while limiting opponents to just 30.6 per contest.

But the most important reason for Stanford's success and selection is that they play AMAZING team ball. Fresh of their first tourney victory in four years, Stanford looks to advance to the Sweet-16 against Marquette tonight. Watch and be a witness!