Swag

Back in the day, my generation called it confidence. You went into a athletic competition with the confidence that you would win the contest. Wasn't no doubt.

This generation calls this same confidence having swag, short for swagger. The Free Dictionary.com definition actually gives a much harsher definition: To walk or conduct oneself with an insolent or arrogant air; strut. Visually, it's identified by a swaggering movement or gait. This type of walk and attitude goes all the way back to the "Detroit Red" zoot suit days.

The issue I have with this generation's usage of this attitude is that sometimes it's used but not earned. Back in my "Bill Cosby" days when I was a more athletic guy in college, I was a member on the top flag football team of the day. For my colleagues who know better, this was when flag football was every bit as intense (and physical) as it's distance varsity cousin.

The point I simply want to make is that when we hit the field, we had a (young) Mike Tyson air about us. The question was not were we going to win, but by how much. The difference with us was we had a a 30+ undefeated streak and won two titles in three championship games appearances.

Having said all that, tonight's championship game between Michigan and Louisville is actually a step away from all that. Michigan has been a personal favorite of mine in part because it was my favorite Final Four pick. In part because they have old school "swagger". They knew they belonged and proved it by just playing ball. This maybe comes from their legacy laced squad, which includes the sons of former NBA ballers Tim Hardway, Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson and Tito Horford. Tito's brother, Al, won back to back collegiate titles at Florida (who Michigan beat in the regional's to get to the Final Four this year) and currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

While I really have enjoyed the Wolverines and their run, I have to stay true to my roots. Ever since the Big East was created in 1979 by Dave Gavitt (R.I.P.), I've enjoyed their type of play. From Hoya Motion to the year when they had three teams in the Final Four, the Big East has always had a grass roots kind of feel to it. I look for the Cardinals of Louisville to give Rick Pitino his second title in tonight's championship game.