Remember that episode of Seinfeld when Elaine and Jerry are talking about what Jerry likes about women? Elaine suggests that she always thought he was a ‘leg man.’ Jerry dismisses that notion by responding with, “Why would I be a leg man? I don’t need legs. I have legs!” I feel the same way when people talk about conference loyalty.

Why would I cheer for Syracuse? I hate Syracuse. Now that the games matter more than any other point in the season, I’m supposed to support Villanova? Or Pittsburgh? Or UCONN? No chance. If Villanova beats Duke, I admit it is fun for the fans at the game to start chanting “A-C-C.” But besides Duke, I can’t think of any team I would want my bitter rivals to have success against.

Georgetown had a disaster of a season, but at least it’s over. The Hoyas have already started preparing for next season, and if things go according to plan over the next two seasons or so, nobody will really dwell too much on this year. As for Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Villanova, they have a lot riding on these games. With the exception of Syracuse, all of those teams have key seniors on the roster, and a missed opportunity in the NCAA tournament could mean a lot of sleepless nights and what-ifs. Although it is clearly better to be playing for a spot in the Elite Eight compared to having suffered a first-round NIT defeat, a loss in a Sweet 16 game in the NCAA tournament is much more devastating. That’s what I hope for the other Big East teams – devastation.

As for Notre Dame, they defeated Kentucky yesterday to advance to the Final Four of the NIT. This year is a disappointment for them as well, but they have taken a home court advantage in the NIT to get them to Madison Square Garden, where success has often eluded them. Next year they lose a bunch of starters and key players, and as good as Luke Harangody is, the Irish learned this year that he’s not enough. So, I hope Notre Dame loses a difficult game in New York, and if they happen to win the NIT, next season I will be in full support of them becoming back-to-back NIT Champions.