Have you filled out your brackets for the NCAA men's and/or women's tournaments yet?

After last year's tournaments got canceled because of the pandemic, I have enjoyed watching college basketball this winter and now will enjoy watching the games in spring (which blooms this Saturday, March 20 at 5:37 a.m.). With the 60-plus games in each tournament, our TV remote will get a workout, especially this week with the opening round games.

It is Tuesday morning as I write. I have yet to fill out my bracket but I will before the first game. It is fun to compare my bracket to my wife's (we just do the men's tournament). She does quite well – she's defeated me a couple of years (or maybe more than a couple). She, a North Carolina fan, is happy that she doesn't have to choose Duke – my favorite team – this year, as the Blue Devils had a bad year (in comparison to other years).

The 2021 tournaments will be held in two states – no traveling to various sites and states due to COVID-19. The men's will be held in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and the women's will be held in the San Antonio, Texas area.

Speaking of COVID-19, I am hopeful that each of the teams in the tournaments can compete and not be knocked out because of positive cases. I hope the players, coaches and staffs keep last year in mind and do the right things to stay healthy.

Who do I like to make the Final Fours? In the men's tournament, I like Gonzaga, Michigan, Baylor and Illinois (going with all the No. 1s but also liking Oklahoma State and Alabama). In the women's tournament, UConn (of course), North Carolina State, Baylor and Stanford. Disclaimer: These choices may change when I actually fill out my bracket.

Good luck, have fun and I will let you know who wins – me or Melodee?