Santi Kelly

As March rolls in, so does the biggest NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament of the year. March Madness is a once-a-year extravaganza that brings people together in celebration of the game we love. Win or lose, savor every moment of the tournament experience. Cheer for the buzzer-beaters, marvel at the upsets, and relish in the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself. After all, it’s called March Madness for a reason.

In the realm of leisure and pastime, one practice stands out as steeped in contradiction: gambling. Since the which struck down the federal ban on sports betting, the industry has grown to a $15 billion-a-year industry. On one hand, gambling could merely be a benign form of entertainment, a source of exhilaration and social joy. On the other hand, it harbors the potential to spiral into a gripping addiction with far-reaching consequences.

Chisom “Chiz” Okpara ’26 began his athletic journey when his family moved back to the United States from the United Kingdom in 2010. Born with a passion for sports, his first love was soccer. His father, who recognized Okpara’s height and build, encouraged him to explore basketball as well.