Meet the best baller in sailing

The 2025 College Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament saved its best for last as the championship game was one for the ages with Florida defeating Houston 65-63. That result also enshrined Matt Brock (aka Matt Depenbrock) as the 2025 Scuttleball Champion.

What was started in 1988 by a bunch of friends in Annapolis continues as Scuttleball annually provides a college hoops pool to test skills in something other than sailing. And as promised, Scuttlebutt honors Matt with personal bragging rights and excessive recognition as the best baller in sailing.

Scuttlebutt editor Craig Leweck, who was the best baller not to pick Florida, checks in with the winner.

You entered as Matt Brock. Is Brock a nickname or what was the motive?

Craig, first I would like to thank you for Scuttlebutt, the publication is always one of my favorite reads. My name actually is Matt Depenbrock but I shortened in my email address to save on key strokes.

Tell us about your sailing – where, what, etc.

I am a native Floridian and live in St. Petersburg, a little foreshadowing as I am also a Florida Gator and we all know now who won the National Tournament. Sailing is something I had always wanted to do and learn as I thought it would be a great way to relax and spend time with family. We’ve had an O Day and a Sunfish, and if the wind is blowing, it’s a great day in Tampa Bay.

You were ranked second going into the Sweet 16. How did you prepare?

Second is a state of mind. I knew – unfortunately for you (Craig) – that Duke was going to trip up sooner than later, and as true as my wine-induced bracket predicted, it came true in the Final Four.

You had all #1 seeds in the Final Four. That nearly never happens (only second time since 1979). What made you believe?

I do actually watch a lot of college basketball, mostly SEC basketball and the Gators, and I knew about the good SEC teams and some of the not so good SEC teams. Houston and Duke were easy picks, I knew Auburn would make it, and of course my Gators.

The Final Four games were close. What game surprised you the most?

The biggest surprise, and really why I won, was the upset of Duke that 31% of brackets picked. I knew that Houston was a decent team without much depth; that is why they play the game. Admittedly, I got very lucky with a Houston upset.

The Finals was another nail biter. You would have lost the Scuttleball title with a Houston win. How was watching that game?

Why in the world does that game have to be played on a Monday, and why does it have to be on so late! Sorry West Coasters, but with the most prestigious of all Scuttleball brackets on the line, and my alma mater playing, you can imagine that the edge of my couch was getting a work out.

How does it feel to be the best baller in Sailing?

This was the first time any of my brackets have ever gone past the first couple days, and on top of that, The University of Florida went all the way. I know the Scuttlebutt community is a tactical and competitive group so to win such a prestigious pool is truly an honor only a CURMUDGEON like myself can understand. Thank for you for publishing Scuttlebutt and I look forward to raising a glass or two of Mt Gay Eclipse Strength Navy Rum to all the Scuttleball players.