The Final Four, The Solar Eclipse & The Iconic Song of a Basketball Family
Mind if I wax poetic for a minute? I know, I know. You came for the news. The weekend is here. Many of you will be on to the next thing, and that's fine. For those sticking around, you won't regret it...
For the last three weeks, eight NCAA teams have carved their own “path of totality” (if you will) through the bracket to reach the Final Four. Both the men’s and women’s trophies will be claimed in the waning moments before and after Monday’s total solar eclipse.
If you haven’t seen by now, the rare eclipse charts a path from the southwest to the northeast across North America — almost perfectly spanning from south of Phoenix (Men’s Final Four site) directly over Cleveland (Women’s Final Four site). Both championships happen to bookend the stellar phenomenon. In some weird way, there's meaning here.
Women’s Title Game: Sunday (3:00 pm ET)
Solar Eclipse: Monday Afternoon
Men’s Title Game: Monday (9:00 pm ET)
As the men’s champs celebrate at center court Monday night, watch closely. The tourney ends and a March Madness tradition — eerily similar to an eclipse — begins. The lights dim. Everyone looks up. It’s 'One Shining Moment,' and it’s one of the greatest traditions in all of sports.
Editor’s Note: I know we run the basketball coverage heavily during March Madness (sometimes too much, it's almost over), but I want you to know where I come from. I’m an Indiana/Midwest guy. This sport (and these traditions) means something extra here.
The Backstory of ‘One Shining Moment’
In 1986, singer-songwriter David Barrett was inspired to write the song after he watched Larry Bird play on TV. The lyrics hit like a dagger 3, and the song gained traction. It eventually caught the attention of CBS executives who asked Barrett if they could use the song following the 1987 NCAA Championship Game when Indiana defeated Syracuse. Instant hit.
The ball is tipped
and there you are
you’re running for your life
you’re a shooting star
And all the years
no one knows
just how hard you worked
but now it shows…
The response from viewers was so amazing that ‘One Shining Moment’ became an annual tradition at the conclusion of March Madness, remixed with highlights from that year's tournament. It was later adapted (2003), and the modern version we know today is performed by Luther Vandross.
I remember watching it for the first time as a kid in my parents’ basement, surrounded by friends and family. Our house always hosted March Madness watch parties. The song gained new meaning for me when I looked up from the court at my first Final Four in Indianapolis (2015). Duke won it all.
Full Circle
Every year at this time, the tournament (and this song) brings my love of sports full circle. The opportunities I’ve been given in life — to play, work, write, and live in a world of sports — wouldn’t have been possible without my parents. My dad and I share a love of sports, and a fascination with space. He’s a pilot now (go figure). This weekend, he gets to attend his first Final Four and cheer for our Purdue Boilermakers... Their first Final Four in 44 years.
Soak it in, Dad. Look up (and Boiler Up).
Send-Off: A special thanks to all the parents and coaches who help support student-athletes chasing their dreams, whether on or off the court. In an ever-changing world of sports, media, NIL, politics, etc., remember that everything comes full circle, and people matter more than wins and losses. Thank you. 🙏
