The conference tournaments wrapped up yesterday, and the field of 68 is set. That means it’s time to make your picks. So get to it, people.

For those of you who haven’t yet signed up, here’s the link to the ESPN Tournament Challenge page.

Once you’re there, create your entry, search for the group IdiotsBracket 2011, join the group, and make your picks (all picks must be made by noon on Thursday).

The winner gets a free subscription and the runner-up an Affirmations print.

I am, of course, pleased as punch that Duke secured a 1-seed after throttling the hated Carolina Tar Heels in the conference tournament yesterday.

Alden shares my enthusiasm (these are but three of her ten plush Blue Devils).

I am so pleased and so hopeful about my boys’ chances that I make the following pledge: if Duke happens to repeat as national champions (it’s not very likely, understand), every IdiotsBracket 2011 participant will get a free book. Except for those who pick the Tar Heels to win it all. Those people will get a paper cut.