Chicago is famously home to a massive population of Polish people—we have more Poles than any city in the world for the exception of Warsaw, the country's capital. While there were no basketball programs from the area represented in this year's Final Four, there are certainly plenty of local Poles participating in tonight's title game.
If you couldn't care less about a Badger or a Blue Devil but do love a good paczki, here are a few folks of Polish descent who are worth rooting for in the championship.
Mike Kryzewski
You know that "Coach K" is super Polish because no one even tries to pronounce his name. The Chicago native is on pace to be the winningest coach in college basketball history. He has had a knack for convincing Chicago-area recruits to play for Duke (most recently Jabari Parker and Jahli Okafor). Kryzewski will also be the Grand Marshal of next month's Polish Constitution Day Parade. If you're a fan of old fashioned Polish discipline and work ethic, you should probably watch his Blue Devils take the court tonight.
Frank Kaminsky
Okay, Kaminsky's blood isn't 100 percent Polish, but the 2015 Naismith Player of the Year is from suburban Lisle and can straight up ball. He plays with the enthusiasm of a child on Wigilia and the leadership of General Pulaski. If Wisconsin is able to win their first basketball title in 74 years, it will be because of this Pole's moxie.
Wisconsin's colors
Wisconsin's red and white colors are almost identical to those of the Polish flag? Did this have anything to do with Kaminsky's decision to attend the school? Probably not, but if you're trying to convince your babushka to watch the big game with you, just tell her that Wisconsin is actually the Polish basketball team. It might work.