ESPN Radio 1000 isn't just the flagship of the Chicago Bulls Radio Network. Next month, they'll be the "Home Court of College Tournament Hoops" as well. Even though the local college basketball landscape isn't all that great, ESPN 1000 will be broadcasting exclusive coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament again next month via Westwood One's newly renamed Dial Global Radio Network starting Thursday, March 15th at 11a.

The ESPN Radio flagship will be carrying wraparound-style coverage of all the games on Day 1 of the tournament March 15th, and will also broadcast morning & afternoon coverage of Day 2 on Friday, March 16th before having to breakaway for a Bulls/Blazers' game from the United Center that night starting at 6:30p.

What does it all mean? For ESPN 1000, it means that Tom Waddle & Marc Silverman's midday show will be nipped from the regular 4 hours to just 2 the first 2 days of the NCAA Tournament airing from 9-11a March 15th & 16th. It also means 2 rare off days for Carmen DeFalco, John Jurkovic & Harry Teinowitz's afternoon show to accommodate the tourney coverage.

Chances are better than even money that due to Bulls' conflicts, 890 WLS-AM would carry the Dial Global/NCAA Radio Network on nights such as March 16th. NCAA Tournament coverage on ESPN 1000 would resume in progress after host Steve Kashul wraps up his Bulls Radio Network postgame show.

What will I do with all that free time now that I don't have to listen to these guys on the radio? Oh might as well go to a bar and drink and watch the tournament for 2 days.

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It's my understanding that "Waddle & Silvy" will be broadcasting those 2 days, albeit just 2 hours apiece, from 2 area bars based on this contest:

http://espn.go.com/chicago/specialFeatu ... sequis2012