Pedigree programs hit the hardcourt at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Midwest Regional, making it an extra thrill for media and fans alike.

If you love college basketball like I do, seeing Tom Izzo, Bill Self and Rick Pitino, each with a national championship to his name, you gotta smile. Basketball royalty, eight titles among the four schools on hand, some great athletes, and we hope great crowds. The Final Four set-up is also impressive, and even though there will be some lousy seats, it’s a beautiful venue — one the players will need time to adjust to with sightlines.

My picks? Louisville by 11, then Michigan State by seven. Louisville beats the Spartans by six on Sunday.