There is something sort of magical about a 30-win regular season in college basketball.

Think about. It isn't the easiest plateau to reach, although the expanded season has made it a little less challenging now. But when you can play 31 games plus three in a conference tournament, it still is pretty impressive.

Anyway, had this note passed along by Joey Johnston of the Tampa Tribune as part of the world-famous Jerome pool. He notes that with North Carolina, Memphis, Kansas and UCLA, there are now 30 teams that have entered the NCAA tournament with at least 30 wins.

Thirteen of them --- the first being 1985 Georgetown --- reached the Final Four.

Exactly zero have won the national title. If you think history holds up, pick Texas to win the national title. The Longhorns are the best of the non-30 win bunch.

OK, my plane has arrived, and has a nice Lone Star State design on it. Let's hope (a) it doesn't take me to Texas and (b) is up to maintenance specifications. I'll check in later in the day from Denver.

--- Patrick Stevens