All Of It: Why You Suddenly Care About March Madness
Hosted by David Fuerst in place of Alison Stewart
Release Date: March 24, 2025
WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by David Fuerst, the focus shifts to the cultural phenomenon of March Madness. With the tournament in full swing, the discussion delves into why this college basketball event captivates not only sports enthusiasts but also a broader audience. Joining David is Priya Desai, a seasoned sports reporter, who provides insights into the tournament's impact, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of college basketball.

Current State of March Madness

David opens the conversation by highlighting the widespread distraction that March Madness brings, even infiltrating workplaces. He shares a personal anecdote about attending a Zoom meeting while watching the intense Baylor vs. Mississippi State game, humorously lamenting the impact on his bracket predictions (00:37).

Priya Desai adds context by discussing the unexpected exits and triumphs within the tournament. She mentions St. John’s University's men's team, led by second-year coach Rick Pitino, which saw a disappointing loss to Arkansas despite a stellar regular season and Big East tournament victory (02:13). Priya expresses her admiration for the team's performance, noting the excitement it brings to fans and the heartbreaking end.

Cultural Impact of March Madness

The conversation transitions to the broader cultural significance of March Madness. David emphasizes how the tournament engages people who might not typically follow sports, turning casual observers into passionate fans. Priya concurs, highlighting that even non-sports individuals find March Madness enjoyable due to the underdog stories and emotional moments that resonate on a personal level (04:04).

Notable Quote:
"March Madness is really fun to follow. You just, you get to see a couple of underdogs and you see real emotion." — Priya Desai (04:04)

Highlighting Standout Teams and Players

UConn’s Dominance: Priya discusses the performance of UConn’s teams, both men’s and women’s. While the men faced a narrow loss to Florida, the women are advancing robustly, backed by star player Paige Beckers, who is poised to be the number one pick in the WNBA draft (03:06).

Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE): Priya highlights SIUE’s first-ever bid to the tournament as a significant achievement, despite their loss to Houston. This milestone exemplifies the thrilling nature of March Madness, where smaller programs get their moment in the spotlight (04:04).

Notable Quote:
"They got completely trounced by Houston, but still you gotta make it through to the big dance. That's such a thrilling thing to see." — Priya Desai (04:04)

Engagement and Viewer Participation

David encourages listeners to share their experiences and opinions on March Madness, inviting them to call or text the show. Various callers contribute personal stories and preferences, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives.

Caller Highlight – Charlie from Sunnyside:
Charlie shares his excitement for Ole Miss’s teams advancing to the Sweet Sixteen and reminisces about a buzzer-beater shot from 1998, emphasizing the deep emotional connections fans have with the tournament (06:29).

Notable Quote:
"I was watching the Valparaiso versus Ole Miss Buzzer beater that is now known as the Shot... I still have not gotten over that." — Charlie (06:40)

NIL Deals and the Changing Landscape of College Basketball

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on college basketball. Priya explains how NIL agreements have transformed the sport, allowing players to monetize their fame and leading to increased media presence for both men's and women's teams. This shift has fostered greater fan engagement and introduced independent player support.

Notable Quote:
"Students are now considered employees and they can get NIL money. And that has changed everything." — Priya Desai (10:05)

David and Priya debate the challenges of building cohesive teams in this new environment, with Priya emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining chemistry despite the influx of talent and financial incentives.

Notable Quote:
"It's very difficult to put together the chemistry that is a winning team." — Priya Desai (17:36)

Emotional and Personal Stories

Listeners share heartfelt stories that underscore the emotional weight of March Madness:

• A veteran theater teacher finds inspiration in the UConn women’s team, highlighting the motivational aspect of the tournament (13:35).
• A caller recounts how watching the University of North Carolina and sharing a year with Michael Jordan converted them into lifelong basketball fans, illustrating the lasting impact of meaningful sporting experiences (14:36).

Notable Quote:
"It's the nostalgia wrapped up in college basketball, especially how it relates to Chapel Hill, as this person says, is extraordinary." — Priya Desai (14:52)

Local Favorites and Community Engagement

David and Priya discuss local traditions and community involvement, such as Beekman Ale House’s unique March Madness pizza bracket, which engages patrons by having them vote on their favorite pizzas in a playful competition (19:09).

Notable Quote:
"It's pepperonis. And I forget, you know, we actually ordered the vodka slice with chicken cutlet on it and wished we had gotten the bodega cat." — Charlie (19:49)

Division III Spotlight

Priya shines a light on the often-overlooked Division III tournaments, particularly celebrating NYU’s men’s and women’s teams' appearances in the national championships. She emphasizes the dedication of Division III athletes who compete without the allure of scholarships, showcasing pure passion for the game (12:48).

Notable Quote:
"Players that really love the game and really love the student athlete part of college. And I think it was a really sweet story to follow." — Priya Desai (13:35)

Final Predictions and Wrap-Up

As the episode draws to a close, Priya predicts Houston’s teams as likely champions, balancing confidence with humor about her own bracket’s success (22:05). The show wraps up with acknowledgments to contributors and a final call for listener engagement.

Notable Quote:
"Houston, both sides here, women and the women's [team] are tough. I think South Carolina, but if they get matched up with UConn, it's going to be a really, really tough game." — Priya Desai (22:05)

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It masterfully captures the multifaceted allure of March Madness, exploring its cultural resonance, emotional depth, and the evolving dynamics of college basketball in the era of NIL deals. Through expert insights, listener stories, and vibrant discussions, the show underscores why March Madness commands such widespread attention and becomes a shared cultural experience.

Transcript Annotations

• [00:37] David Fuerst discusses his multitasking between work and watching Baylor vs. Mississippi State.
• [02:13] Priya Desai reflects on St. John’s University's season and their tournament exit.
• [04:04] Priya comments on SIUE’s first tournament bid and the emotional aspects of March Madness.
• [03:06] Priya talks about UConn women’s team and Paige Beckers.
• [06:40] Caller Charlie shares his excitement for Ole Miss teams and a memorable buzzer-beater.
• [10:05] Priya explains the impact of NIL deals on college basketball.
• [17:36] Priya discusses the challenges of team chemistry in the NIL era.
• [13:35] Priya highlights NYU’s Division III teams' achievements.
• [19:09] Caller Keith promotes Beekman Ale House’s pizza March Madness bracket.
• [21:23] Caller Artemis introduces Basket Dolls, an all trans women basketball league.
• [22:05] Priya offers her predictions for the tournament’s outcome.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided and are included to reference specific moments and quotes within the summary.