NCAA Tournament: Unpacking the "This is March" Tweet Count from Jon Rothstein
Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year for college basketball fans: March Madness! And with it comes the unmistakable, electrifying declaration from college hoops insider, Jon Rothstein: "This is March." More than just a simple phrase, it has become the rallying cry for a month of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments. This page dives deep into the phenomenon, exploring the significance, frequency, and sheer volume of Rothstein's iconic tweets, providing you with everything you need to appreciate the true essence of the NCAA Tournament hype. Get ready to embrace the madness!
Open MarketJon Rothstein: The Quintessential Voice of College Hoops Hype
Open MarketIf you follow college basketball, you know Jon Rothstein. He's not just a reporter; he's an institution, a purveyor of unbridled enthusiasm, and a consistent source of memorable soundbites. Rothstein, a CBS Sports college basketball insider, has carved out a unique niche with his relentless positivity and penchant for creating catchphrases that resonate deeply with the fanbase. His Twitter feed is a must-follow during the season, but it truly ignites when the calendar flips to March.
His distinctive delivery, often accompanied by caps-locked pronouncements and bold declarations, perfectly encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of college basketball. While he has many memorable lines – "A game of runs," "Every possession matters," and "Stay hydrated" are fan favorites – none quite capture the zeitgeist of the postseason like "This is March." It's a phrase that signals the beginning of something special, a shift in the basketball universe where anything feels possible.
Rothstein's role extends beyond mere reporting; he acts as a barometer for the collective excitement of the sport. When he tweets "This is March," it's a signal to fans everywhere that the stakes are higher, the drama is real, and the road to the Final Four is about to become gloriously chaotic. His persona, a blend of serious analysis and infectious passion, makes him an indispensable part of the NCAA Tournament experience.
Deconstructing "This is March": More Than Just a Tweet
Open MarketWhat exactly does "This is March" signify, and why has it become such an iconic staple of the college basketball lexicon? At its core, the phrase is a concise encapsulation of everything that makes the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament a cultural phenomenon. It speaks to unpredictability, high stakes, emotional swings, and the sheer joy (and agony) of single-elimination basketball.
- The Madness Unleashed: "This is March" is the verbal trigger for "March Madness." It's the moment when regular-season narratives dissolve, and every team, from the blue bloods to the plucky underdogs, gets a shot at immortality.
- Emotional Resonance: The phrase taps into the deep emotional investment fans have in their teams. It acknowledges the heart-stopping finishes, the improbable comebacks, and the gut-wrenching defeats that define the tournament. When a 15-seed upsets a 2-seed, or a buzzer-beater sends a game into overtime, the immediate thought for many fans is, "Yes, this is March."
- Shared Experience: In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, "This is March" serves as a unifying call. It's a meme, a hashtag, and a shared understanding among millions of fans across the country. It fosters a sense of community, allowing strangers to connect over a mutual appreciation for the tournament's unique brand of drama.
- Anticipation and Hype: Rothstein's deployment of the phrase isn't just a reaction; it's often a proactive generator of hype. His early "This is March" tweets in the lead-up to Selection Sunday set the stage, building anticipation for the bracket reveal and the subsequent first-round matchups.
It’s a declaration that elevates individual games and moments into something greater, reminding us that we are witnessing a unique sporting spectacle. It frames the tournament as a series of unforgettable stories waiting to unfold, each one contributing to the legend of March.
The Anatomy of a Rothstein March Tweet
Open MarketUnderstanding the impact of "This is March" requires looking at how and when Jon Rothstein unleashes this powerful phrase. It's not a random occurrence; there's an art and a science to his deployment, dictated by the rhythm and escalating drama of the NCAA Tournament season.
When the Tweets Begin: The Pre-Tournament Buzz
While the official "March Madness" doesn't begin until Selection Sunday, Rothstein often starts his "This is March" campaign much earlier. You might catch a tweet in late February, but the frequency undeniably picks up in the first week of March, often coinciding with conference tournaments. These early tweets serve as a clarion call, signaling that the regular season is winding down and the postseason chaos is just around the corner. They build a palpable sense of excitement, transitioning fans from regular-season analysis to tournament-bound anticipation.
Peak Frequency and Triggers: The Tournament Proper
The true deluge of "This is March" tweets occurs once the bracket is set and games begin. Rothstein doesn't hold back, using the phrase to punctuate nearly every significant development:
- Upsets: A 13-seed taking down a 4-seed? "This is March!" is almost guaranteed. These are prime examples of the tournament's inherent unpredictability, which the phrase perfectly captures.
- Buzzer-Beaters and Overtime Thrillers: Games decided in the final seconds, or those extended into overtime, are tailor-made for Rothstein's signature line. The high drama, the clutch plays, and the sudden shifts in momentum are all epitomized by "This is March."
- Intense Rivalries or Close Games: Even if it's not a massive upset, a fiercely contested game between two evenly matched teams will often draw the tweet, highlighting the competitive spirit of the tournament.
- Emergence of Cinderella Stories: As a lower-seeded team makes an improbable run deep into the tournament, Rothstein will frequently deploy "This is March" to acknowledge their surprising success and the narrative unfolding.
The frequency is directly proportional to the level of excitement and unpredictability. The more wild and dramatic the tournament, the more you'll see Jon Rothstein declaring, "This is March!"
To give you a clearer picture, here's a hypothetical breakdown of how "This is March" tweets might be distributed throughout the key periods of a typical NCAA Tournament season:
| Tournament Phase | Approximate Dates | Estimated Tweet Count | Key Events Triggering Tweets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-March / Early March | Late Feb - March 10 | 5-15 | Conference Tournament drama, Bubble Watch debates, anticipation build-up. |
| Selection Sunday / First Four | March 11-14 | 10-20 | Bracket reveals, initial reaction to matchups, First Four upsets/drama. |
| Round of 64 | March 15-16 | 25-40 | Major upsets (12/5, 13/4, 14/3, 15/2 seeds), numerous close finishes, buzzer-beaters. |
| Round of 32 | March 17-18 | 15-25 | Cinderella runs continuing, intense matchups between higher seeds, Elite Eight spots on the line. |
| Sweet Sixteen | March 21-22 | 10-18 | High-stakes regional semifinals, fewer games but more concentrated drama. |
| Elite Eight | March 23-24 | 8-15 | Games to reach the Final Four, ultimate drama, defining moments for teams. |
| Final Four / Championship | March 30 - April 1 | 5-10 | Semi-final upsets, championship game intensity, legacy-defining moments. |
Note: These numbers are illustrative and vary year-to-year based on the actual drama and outcomes of the tournament.
Tracking the "This is March" Count: A Data-Driven Fan's Quest
Open MarketFor many dedicated college basketball fans, tracking Jon Rothstein's "This is March" tweet count has become a fascinating side quest during the NCAA Tournament. It's not just about the numbers; it's about quantifying the level of chaos, the sheer volume of memorable moments that define each year's tournament. The more times Rothstein tweets it, the more "March" a particular March has been!
How to Track the Tweets
While Rothstein doesn't maintain an official count himself, the online community often takes up the mantle. Here are some common methods:
- Manual Social Media Search: The simplest method is a direct search on Twitter. By using specific search operators like "from:JonRothstein 'This is March'" and filtering by date, you can manually tally the occurrences.
- Fan Accounts and Forums: Many dedicated fan accounts or subreddits (e.g., r/CollegeBasketball) often have users who meticulously track the count daily, providing updates for the community.
- Third-Party Social Media Analytics Tools: More sophisticated users might leverage social media monitoring tools, which can track keyword mentions from specific accounts over defined periods, though this is less common for individual fans.
The collective effort to track the count adds another layer of engagement to the tournament, turning Rothstein's tweets into a communal metric for measuring the overall "madness" of a given year.
Why the Count Matters: Quantifying the Madness
The "This is March" count isn't just trivia; it's a barometer for the tournament's excitement:
- Indicator of Unpredictability: A higher count often correlates with a tournament filled with more upsets, closer games, and unexpected outcomes. It suggests that the general narrative has been dominated by classic "March Madness" moments rather than predictable results.
- Meme and Fandom Culture: It's a running gag and a badge of honor within the college basketball community. Fans share and retweet Rothstein's declarations, contributing to the meme-ification of the phrase and further solidifying its status.
- Year-to-Year Comparison: The count provides a fun way to compare tournaments across different years. Was 20XX more "March" than 20YY? The tweet count offers a lighthearted, if unofficial, metric.
To illustrate the varying levels of "March-ness" over time, here's a hypothetical look at historical "This is March" tweet counts. Keep in mind, this data is purely illustrative as official counts aren't kept, and Rothstein's social media activity has evolved over the years.
| Year | Notable Tournament Events | Estimated Tweet Count (March 1 - April 1) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Loyola-Chicago's Cinderella Run, UMBC 16-seed upset | ~105 |
| 2019 | Duke-UNC battles, Auburn's surprise Final Four run | ~90 |
| 2020 | Tournament Cancelled (COVID-19) | ~0 (maybe a reflective "This ISN'T March") |
| 2021 | COVID Bubble, Oral Roberts 15-seed Sweet Sixteen | ~115 |
| 2022 | Saint Peter's historic Elite Eight run, several close games | ~120 |
| 2023 | Fairleigh Dickinson 16-seed upset, Princeton's Sweet Sixteen | ~110 |
| 2024 | (Projected) | (Depends on the chaos!) |
A higher count usually means a tournament that delivered maximum drama and unpredictability, solidifying its place in the annals of college basketball history. What will the count be for this year? Only time, and Jon Rothstein's Twitter finger, will tell!
The Peak of the Madness: When "This is March" Reigns Supreme
Open MarketWhile the anticipation for March is a journey, certain phases of the NCAA Tournament consistently elicit the most fervent use of Jon Rothstein's iconic phrase. These are the moments when the tournament's unique magic is most potent, and the declaration "This is March" resonates with undeniable truth.
The First Weekend: Round of 64 and 32
Without a doubt, the opening four days of the NCAA Tournament are the absolute peak of "This is March" activity. Why? Because this is when the sheer volume of games, combined with the tournament's inherent unpredictability, creates a continuous stream of viral moments.
- High Volume of Games: With 32 games on Thursday and Friday, followed by 16 more on Saturday and Sunday, there are simply more opportunities for drama.
- The Upset Factor: This is where the 12-seeds beat 5-seeds, the 13s take down 4s, and occasionally, the unthinkable 15-over-2 or even 16-over-1 upsets occur. These are the moments that cement the tournament's "Madness" moniker, and Rothstein is quick to highlight them with his signature tweet.
- Buzzer-Beaters Galore: Close games leading to last-second heroics are abundant in the early rounds as teams fight for survival. Each one is a perfect excuse for "This is March!"
- Cinderella Beginnings: The first weekend is where Cinderella stories are born. As plucky underdogs defy expectations, Rothstein is there to amplify their narrative, often using "This is March" to underscore their improbable journey.
You'll find Rothstein's timeline lighting up during these days, almost as a live commentary on the unfolding chaos, each tweet acting as a confirmation that you are indeed witnessing something extraordinary.
Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight: Stakes and Drama
As the tournament progresses, the number of games decreases, but the stakes skyrocket. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds, where teams are vying for a coveted spot in the Final Four, continue to provide ample "This is March" moments, albeit with a slightly different flavor.
- Intensified Competition: By this point, only the strongest teams remain, leading to incredibly competitive, often nail-biting games between top-tier programs.
- Defining Moments: These rounds are where legacies are made and broken. A game-winning shot to reach the Final Four, a dramatic comeback against a favored opponent – these are the high-leverage situations that demand a "This is March" declaration.
- Storyline Peaks: If a Cinderella team has made it this far, their continued success is met with even greater fanfare, often punctuated by Rothstein's signature phrase, highlighting the sheer improbability of their run.
Even though the tweet volume might slightly decrease compared to the opening weekend, the impact of each "This is March" tweet during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight feels even more significant, marking pivotal turning points on the road to the championship.
Beyond the Numbers: The Impact on Fan Engagement
Open MarketWhile tracking the literal count of "This is March" tweets offers a fun metric, the true power of Jon Rothstein's catchphrase lies in its profound impact on fan engagement and the collective experience of the NCAA Tournament. It's more than just a declaration; it's a catalyst for conversation, community, and amplified enjoyment.
Fueling Social Media Conversation
Every time Rothstein tweets "This is March," it acts as a digital bell, signaling to fans across social media platforms that something significant has just happened. This immediately sparks a chain reaction:
- Retweets and Shares: His tweets are widely shared, extending their reach and drawing more eyes to the unfolding drama.
- Replies and Reactions: Fans flood the replies with their own excitement, memes, GIFs, and comments, agreeing with the sentiment and adding their personal takes on the game or moment.
- Hashtag Usage: The phrase itself often becomes a trending topic or is used in conjunction with other tournament hashtags (#MarchMadness, #NCAATournament), further amplifying the tournament's presence online.
Rothstein essentially provides the soundtrack to the social media experience of March Madness, guiding the collective narrative with his well-timed exclamations.
Community Building and Shared Identity
The shared understanding and anticipation of "This is March" creates a powerful sense of community among college basketball fans. It's an inside joke, a shorthand for understanding the unique chaos of the tournament:
- Unifying Experience: Regardless of team allegiance, fans understand and appreciate the meaning behind the phrase. It transcends rivalries and unites everyone under the banner of tournament excitement.
- Predictable Delight: There's a certain joy in anticipating *when* Rothstein will tweet it next. Fans often joke about waiting for the "This is March" tweet after a particularly wild moment, adding another layer of interactive fun.
- Meme Culture: The phrase has been embraced by meme culture, leading to countless creative interpretations and further embedding it into the fabric of college basketball fandom. This organic spread reinforces its significance and cultural impact.
Rothstein's simple declaration transforms from a mere tweet into a shared cultural touchstone, enhancing the collective enjoyment and making the NCAA Tournament feel even more like a communal celebration of basketball at its most unpredictable.
Predicting the "This is March" Volume for the Upcoming Tournament
Open MarketAs fans eagerly await the next NCAA Tournament, a fun speculative exercise is to ponder how many times Jon Rothstein will utter his famous phrase. While impossible to know for sure, several factors could influence the overall "This is March" tweet count for any given year. Consider these elements as you make your own predictions:
- Parity Across the Landscape: A tournament with many evenly matched teams, where upsets feel more plausible and fewer truly dominant teams exist, will likely lead to more close games and, consequently, more Rothstein tweets. If there are clear favorites that cruise through their regions, the count might dip.
- The Rise of Cinderella Stories: The more Oral Roberts, Saint Peter's, or Fairleigh Dickinson-esque runs we see, the higher the "This is March" volume will be. Nothing signals the essence of March Madness like an underdog defying all expectations.
- Conference Tournament Drama: Wild finishes and unexpected champions in conference tournaments can prime Rothstein's Twitter finger even before Selection Sunday, adding to the overall March total.
- Early Round Shocks: The first weekend is crucial. If Day 1 and 2 are filled with significant upsets (12/5, 13/4, 15/2 seeds going down), the early count will be high, setting a chaotic tone for the rest of the tournament.
- Overtime Games and Buzzer-Beaters: These are gold for Rothstein. A tournament rich in extended games and last-second heroics will naturally generate more opportunities for the phrase.
- Geographic Spread of Upsets: If upsets are spread across multiple regions and sites, it keeps the narrative fresh and provides a wider variety of moments for Rothstein to react to.
Ultimately, the number of "This is March" tweets is directly proportional to the level of pure, unadulterated madness that unfolds on the court. The more thrilling, unpredictable, and upset-ridden the tournament, the more you can expect Jon Rothstein to confirm what we all know: this truly is March!
So, as you fill out your bracket, keep an eye on the scoreboard, but also keep a tab open for Jon Rothstein's Twitter. You might just find yourself tallying along with him.
Frequently Asked Questions About "This is March"
Open MarketWhen did Jon Rothstein first start saying "This is March"?
While the exact inaugural tweet is hard to pinpoint, Jon Rothstein's use of "This is March" gained significant traction and became a prominent fixture of his social media presence in the early to mid-2010s. It has steadily grown in popularity and recognition ever since, becoming synonymous with his coverage of the NCAA Tournament.
What makes "This is March" so popular?
Its popularity stems from several factors: it's concise, highly evocative, and perfectly captures the unique, unpredictable, and dramatic essence of the NCAA Tournament. Rothstein's enthusiastic delivery, combined with the collective anticipation for March Madness, has cemented it as a fan-favorite rallying cry and a shared cultural touchstone.
How many "This is March" tweets does Rothstein typically post during the tournament?
There's no official count, and it varies year-to-year based on the tournament's drama, but a highly unpredictable and exciting tournament could see Jon Rothstein tweet "This is March" well over 100 times from early March through the Final Four. Less chaotic years might see a slightly lower count, but expect a significant volume of these declarations.
Is "This is March" only used for the men's tournament?
While Jon Rothstein's primary focus is often the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the spirit of "This is March" certainly applies to the women's tournament as well, which also delivers incredible upsets and thrilling moments. However, Rothstein's specific phrase is most directly associated with his coverage of the men's game.
Where can I follow Jon Rothstein for his March Madness updates?
You can follow Jon Rothstein on Twitter (X) at his handle, typically @JonRothstein. He also provides coverage and insights on CBS Sports and through various other media platforms. His Twitter feed is undoubtedly the best place to catch his real-time reactions and "This is March" declarations.
Does Rothstein tweet "This is March" during other sports seasons?
No, the phrase "This is March" is exclusively reserved for the college basketball season, particularly the NCAA Tournament period. Its power and meaning are derived from its specific association with the unique excitement and unpredictability of March Madness. He might have other catchphrases for different situations, but "This is March" is sacrosanct for college hoops.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of "This is March"
Open MarketJon Rothstein's simple, yet profound, declaration of "This is March" has transcended a mere social media post to become an integral part of the NCAA Tournament experience. It's a testament to the power of a well-placed phrase, capable of capturing the collective excitement, drama, and unpredictability of college basketball's greatest spectacle. As you immerse yourself in the upsets, the buzzer-beaters, and the Cinderella stories, remember the voice amplifying the madness. The "This is March" tweet count isn't just a number; it's a living, breathing metric of a season's most incredible moments. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy every second, and know that whenever you hear or see that iconic phrase, you are truly experiencing something special. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!