An eraser became my best friend. I was scolding myself for my decisions. I was second-guessing, doubting and over-thinking like it was my job.

It must be March.

You’ve probably heard it already: Anyone can win March Madness this year. Everyone from perennial powerhouses (Louisville, Ohio State) to sleepers (Saint Louis, Creighton) to schools that nobody has heard of (Pacific, Northwestern State) are going dancing this time around. On any given day, anything can happen. Especially in the third month of the year.

Who does Jimmy Lafakis like, you ask?

It was pretty smooth sailing in the beginning. I did not pick too many upsets. I hope Notre Dame and Illinois get beaten by 20. I hope Saint Louis makes a run, even though I have them losing in the Sweet 16 to Rick Pitino and the crew from Louisville. I love to watch IU. Butler is always fun.

My Final Four is as follows:

• Louisville- They were incredibly impressive against Syracuse last night, and they play lockdown defense. Peyton Siva is a bona fide thief.
• Gonzaga-Kelly Olynyk is the ugliest college basketball player this side of Joakim Noah, but he’s awesome.
• Georgetown- Otto Porter is a beast. This is a scary team.
• Miami-Shane Larkin is on another level right now. It broke my heart to part ways with IU, but the Hurricanes are dangerous.

I have Louisville over Miami in the grand finale.

Buckle up your emotional seat belt. There will be mirth, there will be despondence, there will be pens thrown and paper shredded, but above all, this will be an amazing ride.

And remember: A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.

Writer’s note: This story can be read on my blog, The Jimtionary.