Learned & Observed: Day One

Learned: The selection committee was right to select Nevada for the Field of 65. The Wolf Pack demonstrated confidence and toughness in battling back against Michigan State.

Observed: Maryland, visibly worn down. Either because of the altitude in Denver or as a result of the team's grueling run through the ACC tournament. Billy Gillispie coached a great game and his Miners impressed many a fan.

Learned: Jeff Capel is a rising star, but his wisdom wasn't enough to left the Rams over the Deamon Deacons. About which we learned little; they've been known to be an on-again, off-again team for months.

Observed: Bobby Knight, at ease. Who knew? Charlotte came and went, as expected.

Learned: Not only did Billy Packer's comments get Phil Martelli fired up, but they also served to inspire his troops. Jameer Nelson was sensational against Liberty.

Observed: Nothing about Stanford. I'm on the East Coast and CBS wasn't kind enough to give me a look at the championship-bound Cardinal.

Learned: The Orangemen know how to play man-to-man defense. BYU, in contrast, forgot how to run an offense after the 'Cuse switched out of their patented zone.

Observed: Manhattan come out swinging and never look back. The day's most enthusiastic squad. Props to Bobby Gonzalez.

Learned: Nothing about Duke. Every year, the Dukies blow out their first opponent.

Observed: Texas demoralize the Princeton offense. The Tigers aren't as polished as they were during the Pete Carril era.

Learned: Dave Leitao deserved serious consideration for Coach of the Year. He has the Blue Demons clicking, as was evident in the team's come from behind victory over the Dayton Flyers.

Observed: Tyler Coppenrath lay brick after brick. Too bad, really. But Connecticut advances towards the inevitable showdown with Stanford.

Learned: Andre Barrett has a lot of heart. The senior was sensational down the stretch, helping put away Lute Olson's least disciplined squad in years.

Observed: 'Bama benefit tremendously from their tough schedule. You could see the Tide's energy down the stretch. They'd been in many close games before.

Learned: Little about Gonzaga. Didn't get to see much of the 'Zags game against Homer Drew and Valparaiso.

Observed: Roy Williams at work. Tar Heel nation now knows he was worth the wait.