Matt Holthe's Fleeting Thoughts

In the past, I have posted about my 4 Las Vegas trips during the first weekend of March Madness here and 1 trip during the second weekend of March Madness here . In 2013 I didn't go anywhere except going out with friends to watch the games at some bars in town. 2014 was the same as 2013 - going to bars in town to watch the games during the day. So that means that I haven't been to Las Vegas for the first weekend of March Madness since 2007, and at any point in the tournament (second weekend) since 2010. That's a huge drought in terms of Las Vegas - I probably won't even recognize the city the next time I get back there.

In honor of the NCAA basketball tournament going on, here are the rule changes (some minor, some major) that I would implement if I was given "free reign" over NCAA basketball: Held ball alternate possession is in effect for the first half and first 16 minutes of the second half. In the last 4 minutes of the second half and in any OT's, a held ball results in a jump ball situation. If there is an "official review" needed of whether a shot was a 2-pointer or a 3-pointer, that review is done during a time out prior to the last 4 minutes of the second half. There is no need to take the time immediately in the 1st half to see if 1 more or less point is needed. That can be done during the next TV timeout. Just signal the official scorer that a review will be needed. If there is an "official review" of any sort at any point in the game, the 5 players for each team must stand between the coach's box and half court line. And the only person from the b...