March Madness is about to take over our screens. This year’s tournament is set to begin with Selection Sunday on March 16, 2025, followed by the First Four games on March 18-19, and culminating in the Final Four on April 5 and the National Championship on April 7.

For basketball fans, there’s nothing quite like the chaos, the upsets, and the Cinderella stories that make the NCAA tournament so electrifying. And for NY fans, the tournament brings an extra layer of pride, nostalgia, and love for the game. St. John’s University, under the leadership of Coach Rick Pitino, has had a remarkable season, ascending to No. 7 in the Associated Press poll and becoming a formidable contender in the Big East Conference. Syracuse University has also shown resilience, recently securing a 74-60 victory over NC State, which keeps their ACC Tournament hopes alive. Historically, NY colleges like St Johns. Syracuse and even Iona have made their mark on the tournament. But March Madness isn’t just about the teams—it’s about the fans.

In New York, basketball fans are known for their energy, loyalty, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of attitude. Whether you’re shouting at the TV in a packed bar, arguing about your bracket picks with friends, or cheering courtside at MSG, there’s something magical about the way March Madness brings people together. The tournament is also a celebration of the underdog, something New Yorkers know a thing or two about. From the scrappy streetballers who make it big to the small schools that knock out Goliaths in the first round, March Madness reminds us that anything is possible with grit and determination.

So, as the madness begins, let’s embrace the chaos. Root for the upsets, revel in the buzzer-beaters, and celebrate the game that has given us so much. Because in New York, basketball is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. March Madness, we’re ready for you!