Dykstra: Tee Up BEA

While baseball is easing into its season, college hoops are heating up with the start of conference tournaments next week, culminating in Selection Sunday on March 11. Florida, last year's champion, is in a bit of a tailspin, with losses to LSU, Vanderbilt and Tennessee within the past week. Nonetheless, the Gators, who returned all five starters from last year's team, should be formidable in the tournament.

Similarly, just when Duke appeared to be peaking, they lost to Maryland, and the Terps seemingly clinched a NCAA berth with the victory. Fellow ACC powerhouse North Carolina, loaded with young talent, will be heard from in the tournament. The uncertainty surrounding the Tar Heels is whether a team so reliant on freshmen can hold up in the cauldron that is March Madness.

What about Texas A&M and its incredible ride this year? With its suffocating defense, the Aggies will be tough to beat when mouths get dry and shooting strokes lose their fluidity.

However, the potential Hollywood story in this year's NCAA tournament does not don black or white jerseys. No, they wear gray and have a legacy of perennial NCAA runs and a championship along the way. Alumni continue to create indelible memories in the NBA. Their legendary coach was as synonymous with his team as Rupp was with Kentucky, Wooden was with UCLA, and Smith was with North Carolina. And when he retired, the program actually struggled for awhile. Suddenly, NIT appearances took the place of NCAA accolades. The Mike Tyson of the Big East lost its bite. But, in a stunning example of symmetry, the legendary coach's namesake took the reins, and the team is arguably the hottest team in the country at this point. Adding to the deja vu, the namesake of an icon who starred for the coach's father is on the team's roster.

Of whom do I speak? The Georgetown Hoyas, coached by John Thompson III, with Patrick Ewing Jr. on the team. Can you imagine that Sports Illustrated cover if they win?

Most likely, athletes will continue to beget athletes, and coaches will continue to beget coaches. The Players Club wants former athletes to enjoy the fruits of their endeavors without any financial worries. To that end, guaranteed recurring cash flow will allow you, a la John Thompson (the father), to utilize the towel draped around your neck for the appropriate reason: to wipe the sweat from your brow as you live vicariously through your offspring!

Always remember: Life is journey; enjoy the ride!