2016 March Madness Tournament: Make your upset picks today!

It's been years since the NCAA tournament was this tantalizing for fans of the New Orleans Pelicans. Minutes after David Stern announced Nerlens Noel was going to pair alongside Anthony Davis, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Yep, June 27th, 2013 was the last time the Crescent City was allowed to celebrate NBA first round draft picks. Even if the joy could have been counted in seconds.

With Dell Demps still in control of the reins, at least to some degree, it's wise to knock on wood. However, I don't think we'll have another prospect snatched out from underneath us this time round. There were multiple rumors circling before the trade deadline that the Pelicans are intent on keeping their 2016 lottery ticket. Thus, the wait finally appears to be over!

There is meaning in watching Buddy Hield lead Oklahoma, Denzel Valentine propel Michigan State or Kris Dunn help improvise Providence's chances. What better way to celebrate this festive occasion than by participating in The Bird Writes 2016 NCAA Pool on Yahoo!

If I get my wish, all the writers from this site will fill out a bracket, so all we need is you all! Just be sure to get your picks in by the time the games tip Thursday. This year we won't play for anything but community bragging rights, yet if the turnout is solid, I promise that will change in coming years.

With that I wish you good luck and leave you with One Shining Moment from 2012.

(Yeah, my hope of re-living this footage is akin to rubbing a rabbit's foot on behalf of the Pelican's fortunes in the 2016 draft.)