EVERYBODY INTO THE (NCAA) POOL!

As a HITS reader, you’re more likely concentrating on Coppin State, UC Irvine, Belmont and Maryland-Baltimore County as the entries in this year’s Annual Dumbest NCAA Basketball Contest Yet, brought to you by Universal Republic.

Just as long as you don’t pick Universal Republic promo boss Joel Klaiman’s beloved alma mater Syracuse Orangemen, Arizona State, Ohio State or last year’s defending champions the Florida Gators.

That’s because they’re all going to the loser’s NIT, where the winner will be officially dubbed the nation’s 65th best team. And that’s a lot more than can be said of the Albany Patroons, where Universal Republic honchos Monte and Avery Lipman are alums, and so far haven’t qualified for anything, except for maybe this HITS contest.

And while Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim and his Orangemen will be on the sidelines, Klaiman is still hosting this year’s HITS Dumbest NCAA Basketball Final Four Contest Yet, with the first prize winner getting awarded a brand-spanking-new iPhone.

And while he’s daydreaming about the long-ago days of Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Coleman, the promo domo will be touting Universal Republic’s hot blue chip acts, all potential first-round draft picks with massive sneaker contracts and Escalades paid for by their agents, including best sellers Jack Johnson, Amy Winehouse, Taylor Swift, Colbie Caillat and 3 Doors Down as well as hot rookies C- Side and 2 Pistols.

To enter, simply click here for your entry form, and list 1) Your Final Four, 2) Final Two, 3) Eventual Champion and, for a tiebreaker, 4) Total points scored in the championship game.

So never mind Tyler Hansbrough, Derrick Rose, Kevin Love and Brandon Rush... Klaiman says, let’s go Mississippi Valley State!!