Why the most popular accessory at SF’s Sweet 16 was being given out for free

SAN FRANCISCO — The most popular man at the Sweet Sixteen didn’t even make it into the arena. An empty duffel bag sat next to David Sierra as the 59-year-old San Joaquin Valley resident scanned the televisions inside a sports bar across the plaza Thursday afternoon.

“I’m walking out of here with less money than I had, but with a fulfillment that money can’t provide,” Sierra said, nursing a Coors Light from the bucket in front of him.

For the second time in its short history, Chase Center played host to an NCAA men’s regional...