Tiger Crazy

Selection Sunday is only as suspenseful as the hours preceding the event. We tune into CBS and listen to Greg Gumble say what we already know, what we could've predicted, and what we wouldn't have guessed.

So much happened on Sunday its hard to recap in simple words. But what was the most astonishing was this tale of two Tigers-- the victory at the Bay Hill Invitational by Tiger Woods and the Memphis Tigers' No. 1 seed.

Woods' conquest was a treat to watch. Tied with Bart Bryant heading to the 18th hole, Tiger used his 5-iron to put his ball within 24 feet of the cup. And 24 feet later, Tiger birdied the final hole to capture his 64th career PGA Tour victory. Arguably the greatest golfer, and perhaps the greatest individual athlete, in the history of sport deserved hordes of praise Sunday.

However, Sunday's other Tiger was not necessarily earning its keep. With one loss all year, the Memphis Tigers cruised to the Conference USA title and a No. 1 seed in the South Bracket of the NCAA Tournament. After watching this team play, I do not see a championship caliber team. I see athletic and basketball-competent players playing weak opponents.

While Tiger Woods is garnered as No. 1 because he outplays stiff competition, the Memphis Tigers are No. 1 as a result of their weak conference. The jury should be out on Memphis, despite their wins over Georgetown, UConn and USC. Remember: it is not how you start, it is how you finish (which is what doomed my Hoosiers).

Mr. Woods knows how to finish. That is why he is No. 1.

Memphis? Well, we shall see if they can finish. And despite a Conference USA title (mind you, no other school from that conference made, or sniffed, a tournament birth), the Tigers are very much flawed. Poor defense, poor free throw shooting and turnovers are their weaknesses.

To be given No. 1 is a privilege. To earn it, well, that's something else.