I love New York, it's one of my favorite city's in the world. But when the alarm clock went off at 4:30 this morning, the last thing I wanted to do was get up rush to the airport for a 6:25 flight. I'm a night owl, so this waking up before the sun comes up thing doesn't sit too well with me. But I have a job to do, so like a trooper I tough it out. A couple of glasses of orange juice and a steamy hot shower should be enough to get me going. But nope. When I arrived at the Louisville airport I was still dragging, wondering why me. How come I can't still be asleep in my cozy bed. Forget the tournament.

I hop and the plane and just a minute after takeoff I'm out like a light. I'm just so tired. The flight into Newark was relatively short; only an hour and a half. But even when I got off the plane and pick up my bags I'm still dragging. I say to myself I'm going to take a nap as soon as I get to the hotel.

Then a funny thing happens. WHAS-11 photographer Pete Longton and I arrive at our hotel, which is across the street from Madison Square Garden. You can feel the electricity in the city. People coming and going. Cabbies honkingt their horns. Street vendors trying to sell you things. That's just how New York is. I'm wide awake now. No matter how tired you are, once you feel the vibe of the city you become hooked.

Walking around Manhattan I ran into some Georgetown fans, some Villanova fans, even some West Virginia fans. Everyone's amped about their team. The first game of the day is minutes away from tip-off and the activity in front of the Garden has picked up. I think I'll get that nap now and get ready for The Game. Louisville against Pitt. Tip-off 7:00 at Madison Square Garden.

Throughout the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament I'll be updating our travels on this blog. Later today I'll give my prediction for tonight's game. Check back regularly and let me know what you think.