- As of Midnight ET last night, the NBA Draft early entry deadline had passed. Most of the big names had already thrown their hats into the ring, but there were a few last-minute additions over the weekend. Most notably, Florida State’s Solomon Alabi entered his name on Friday, representing the last likely first rounder who had remained on the fence. Temple center Lavoy Allen has decided to test the waters, choosing to not sign with an agent while gauging what he needs to work on next year. These two and all 758 of the others will now have fourteen days (until May 8) to make a final determination as to whether they’re staying or leaving, which is great for us but a little tight during exam time for them to get reliable information.
- Oregon fans are coming to terms with the arrival of Dana Altman in Eugene and his high-intensity, pressing style of play. As we said on Saturday, we believe this is a good hire for the next seven years for the Nike Duck program, even if not everyone was initially thrilled with this decision. Altman may get an early shot to build good will with a win over visiting #1 Duke at the Rose Garden in the pre-conference schedule, it turns out.
- And this is yet another example of why we shouldn’t allow people who don’t understand the game of basketball (and college basketball in particular) anywhere near our game (see: Malcolm Gladwell). We love March Madness because it’s like American Idol? Just. Stop.
- We hope to have something more substantial up about all the potential conference realignment spurred by the Big Ten’s rapacity soon, but for now many others have plenty to say on the matter. One commentator points out that the league has been the butt of jokes in recent years, but nobody is laughing at it now, while another points out that four sixteen-teams conferences from sea to shining sea could result in a football Final Four for the ages. Speaking of the gridiron, one thing is crystal clear to everyone — whatever happens, basketball tradition and rivalries will be an afterthought, a real shame given how hoops powers with little to no football tradition are being forced into decisions based on a sport that matters less to them. Meanwhile, to really cap off your Monday morning, how about discussing a future doomsday scenario where those four super-conferences break off and hold their own version of March Madness someday. Honestly, we’re not even sure we could continue RTC if that were to happen.
- Michigan State is breaking out new unis starting next year. The “State” we’ve all become accustomed to on the front has now been replaced with “Spartans.” What do you think?
We Always Thought That "State" Thing Was Presumptuous Anyway
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Hate the new unis. Liked the State. I always felt it was a connection back to Magic, but I can see why others would thing it is "presumptuous",
A National Championship in D-1A football has been impossible because none of the interested parties had more money to throw at the universities than the bowl committees. Neither the media nor the NCAA (through the media) can "buy out" the bowl committees. A 64 team set of four super conferences might have the power to bypass the bowl committees (and the NCAA) and cut their own deal with the media. But who will control that oligarchy?
The uni are nice but I liked the "STATE." I wish NC State would have some "STATE" unis.
I think that it will be confusing seeing two players with the same number. I also think it would be hard to play in that cast.