And They're Off....

Amherst NY (UPI) - And they're off! The 2011 Calcutta draft night had some highs and lows, but all in all everyone's slate has been wiped clean at 0-0.

Last year's champions were celebrated and the coveted yellow jacket made a brief appearance, but Dr. Mark skated off before he could be photographed in it. The Bunch and Win-Doctors should be proud of their respective 2010 record-setting efforts of 15 victories.

This being the 13th year of Calcutta gambling, we continue to have a good time, laugh and stay together as a band of 8 teams. We had some notable folks missing from this year's activities, but every team was represented.

As always several teams went for the home run teams, some conserved cash, and some went with the mid-level seeds to stockpile wins in the first two rounds. The average winning margin over the past 12 years is 12.33, last year being the aberration.

So here we go with the morning line odds, Commish-commentary and ASR (Average Seed Ratings) for each of the 8 teams:

1 - The Counselors (3-1) conserved cash in the escrow account all evening and were made morning line favorites by Vegas with a very low ASR of 7.0. Looking to go for middle level victories and hoping to win two games with four seeds (two 5s and two 6s) in the first two rounds and hoping 2 seed Florida comes to play. I really like Kansas State as a 5 seed and Vanderbilt and Cincinnati could sneak out those second wins. Sleeper pick: Xavier.

2 - The Elder Statesmen (7-2) went back to basics and the middle of the road picks. With no seed higher than 3, but none higher than 11, they chalked up a 7.38 ASR and need some solid work by their two 4 seeds, SEC tourney champ Kentucky and Big 12 power Texas (struggling as of late). After shunning the Notre Dame temptation and getting that mid-draft bathroom break made all the difference. Sleeper pick: Missouri.

3 - Win-Doctors (4-1) were ranked high even though their ASR (9.75) was down near the bottom. Anyone notice how quiet it was tonight? Hmm. Smitty was half asleep all night, well at least after they shot their load early with big guns Kansas (44) and Duke (39). Not much else left to work with and hoping the Big 10 mid-seeds Michigan and Illinois can pick up a win. Need an upset somewhere to win it, but with two #1s the defending co-champs should be in the mix late. Sleeper: Princeton (maybe).

4 - The Catholic Boyz (9-2, 8.13 ASR) had another solid middle of the road, no-nonsense draft. Will need solid efforts out of Syracuse, Georgetown and a win out of both of their 8 seeds, they could be there late with a game San Diego State squad leading the way. The Boyz rarely make mistakes on draft night and tonight was no different. Sleeper pick: George Mason.

6 (tie) - The Bunch (5-1, 7.75 ASR) was probably the most animated team all evening. After riding Butler's coattails to the final game last year, they didn't disappoint on draft night. It's anybody's Calcutta and the Bunch went Big East with UConn, Notre Dame and Marquette. Their Southeast Big 10 squads can each win a couple games, never count Tom Izzo out in March. Sleeper: UNLV.

6 (tie) - The Three Amigos (5-1) had a couple steal of the night type picks with North Carolina (23) and Louisville (23). Has a team in each bracket (other than the Southeast - not a fan of UCLA) that can do some damage. The Amigos have been quiet for a few years, could be the year they get the band back together. ASR: 8.38. Sleeper: Utah State.

7 - The Commish & Assoc. (15-1) look to be one of the two remaining long shots on the board. Lack of focus, alcohol, studying all are key excuses to be used in the coming weeks. Needs solid efforts out of the Southeast in Pitt and St. Johns and mid level seeds Tennessee and Washington. Without an upset in round one, the Commish is cooked. ASR: Dismal 9.75. Sleeper: Oakland.

8 - The Tax Men (20-1) turned things over to a rookie draft night manager who went on an early Venus Williams-like shopping spree. Spending big dough (45) on Ohio State and Purdue (28) there was little in the tank for the Tax Men for the remainder of the evening (ASR - 10.5!!). Need upsets by Richmond and Villanova to have a shot at the board. Sleeper: Richmond.

The teams are listed in the link on the right sidebar "Results to Date" where we'll keep running totals throughout the Calcutta. That's your morning line, we'll have some results up late Thursday and Friday nights...good luck everyone! Commish