Perfect Bracket

By James Sheldon on March 24th, 2010

Ever heard of Alex Hermann? No?

He’s a 17 year-old youngster who lives in the greater Chicago area, and here’s an additional tidbit–he’s autistic. After two rounds in what could very well be the craziest NCAA tournament on record (at least in my 20+ years of watching with vested interest), his bracket is perfect. Northern Iowa over Kansas? Really? Really.

This kid is out of control. Unfortunately, being 17, his online entry is in the mix of the only CBS Sports contest that doesn’t offer cash prizes. Regardless, he owns perfection through two rounds.

I don’t want to know what teams he picked for this weekend. My heart couldn’t handle it if he picked the Big Red of Cornell over the Big Blue Nation of Kentucky. Digressing.

Down to brass tacks.

What is the likelihood of picking the first two rounds perfectly? Approximately a 1 in 13,400,000 chance. Some betting sites offer a fluctuation of odds, but they all hover in the 13 mil. range. And a perfect bracket? Has it ever been done? I certainly can’t remember hearing about such an event.

The apparent odds: 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 1. Do you even know what that number is? Help me out, here! Yes, that is Nine quintillion, two hundred twenty-three quadrillion, three hundred seventy-two trillion, thirty-six billion, eight hundred fifty-four million, seven hundred seventy-five thousand, eight hundred and eight…to one.

My brain just farted.

This is a life dream for me. To at least see it, and in my wildest dreams, experience it. Seriously. It’s no secret that I’m an actor and a writer, and yet if you asked me, “James, would you rather score two Oscars on the same night, or pick a perfect NCAA bracket?” The bracket, baby. The bracket.

I’m hopeful for you, Alex Hermann. Bring it home, brother!

(Image via: The State)