I've Got a Crush on B. Rush

In case you have been living under a rock for the last few days and have emerged only to grab a diet coke and see if I had any new blog posts, I'll fill you in on some very exciting news.

KANSAS BEAT UNC in the FINAL FOUR!

That's right, the Jayhawks have successfully made it to the NCAA Championships, and are going to kick some Memphis booty tonight.

In Saturday's game, they creamed the Tar Heels (well, there WERE a few times when the score was close) and I just KNOW they are going to take the title tonight.

Obviously, living in KC, I am surrounded by fellow Jayhawk fans of ages, genders and races (My cousin, Macie, the KU Cheerleader, pictured right). In all honesty, the team hadn't even crossed my radar until I met my husband a few years ago. I guess you could call me a Jayhawk-by-marriage. Almost all of my in-laws are from Kansas, and most of them are KU fans. (This happens to make for a not-as-exciting bracket group, because almost everyone picked Kansas winning the tournament.)

Now, I like sports just as much as the next guy, and I definitely have "my teams." NBA - Phoenix Suns. MLB - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NFL - Sorry, really don't like football unless my bro is playing. NCAA Basketball - Kansas. College Football - Arizona State (again, don't like Fball, but gotta back up my fam on this one). NAIA - Point Loma Sea Lions (word up, yo!).

On each of the teams that I root for, I always have to have my favorite player. As I was pondering this today, I realized that I tend to choose my faves based on what I would call their "dateability." Not for myself to date, of course, but in case I should ever need to find a match for any of my fabulous, single friendsies.

FYI, to all of you who are scoffing at me right now (i.e. Justin, Joey, etc.)... their dateability, by my standards, DOES include their athleticism - thankyouverymuch.

Now, one of my favorite KU players, as you have probably already guessed, is Brandon Rush. This 24-year-old from Kansas City, MO is one heck of a basketball player. He is a Junior and his major is Undecided, which may be an issue of concern to some. However, the fact that he pulled out of the NBA Draft in 2005 because he wanted to go to college, should be an indication of a desire for knowledge and a commitment to education. (Way to go, Brandon!) He is a charismatic player and has loads of charm, as well as a mega-watt smile. In fact, I'd be willing to allow that smile to wipe away the tarnish left on his reputation by any of the minor arrests he's had. We all make mistakes, right? Besides, a guy who looks this good can't be all bad.

Any takers, ladies? I'd be happy to give him a call and set something up if you're interested. I'm sure he'd be fine with me contacting him with your phone number... and if you're in KC or wouldn't mind coming out for a little visit, we could always do a double date!

Next up, Mario Chalmers, the 6'1", 195 pound point guard from Anchorage, Alaska. He is a junior at KU as well, and I think I'd like to set him up with one of my BFFs, Sara. That being said, I admittedly know little about his political views or his stance on impulsive shopping habits, but from what I DO know, they'd be a great match.

Sar, don't roll your eyes until you hear me out... he has a cousin who plays for the LAKERS. DO you realize that if you dated this guy, you'd finally have a shot at courtside seats and the chance to meet lots of stars?!?!? I say go for it. Not to mention the fact that you look amazing in fur-lined (faux, of course), hooded puffer vests and could TOTALLY rock the Eskimo look. Oh yeah, this is a good one.

Darnell Jackson is another one that ranks pretty high up on my list. After reading this article, I decided that he might take the cake.

Photo courtesy of Scented Glossy Magazines

He has clearly gone through some tough times over the last few years, and he still manages to stay strong and tear it up on the court. I think his sensitivity and strength would be perfect for another one of my BFFs.

Britt - seriously, I think this is the one we've been waiting for. Brittany Jackson has a nice ring to it, and just think of how much fun it would be to spend your first years of dating/marriage playing second fiddle to a basketball career. This is your dream come true, Congratulations! Just for the record, SGM would have gotten first dibs because of the compelling post she wrote about him recently, but she is married and has children so that only allows her to have D-Block on her free-pass-five. Don't cry Darnell, I know she's one of the funniest women alive, but you'll LOVE Brittany. In fact, I'd say you're pretty lucky I came along to offer my help. You just say the word, and I will hook. it. up.

Am I the only one that has crushes on professional and college athletes?! Come on, people! It's time for you to come clean and make your confessions in the comments below! I want to hear about your teams, and the player (not playa') that you'd most like to take to dinner and a movie. If you don't watch sports and haven't a clue on who you would choose... you better watch out, because I might just set you up with one of MY faves!

Oh, and don't forget to watch Kansas win the game tonight!!! RockChalkJayHawk-KU!