In this part of the world there is an annual ritual this time of year: spring cleaning. But in parts of the United States, it doesn’t even feel like spring. Cold, rain and snow are making the weather news.
But it’s time to perform a spring cleaning of my blog “All About College Sports.” College football and college basketball produce the most interest of any college sports and those playing seasons are over. Consequently, I will limit my blog posts considerably in the next few months. From time-to-time, I will see write blogs on the “hot news” items, but it’s time for a break.
I have been doing this blog since 2008. It’s been an opportunity to produce fresh content for my readers based on the wonderful world of college sports. I consider myself a college sports junkie. It’s fun following the sports and the personalities. Sometimes I take winning and losing a little too seriously but that’s part of being a fan, I guess.
Early in the basketball season, I questioned whether I wanted to continue this blog. There are tons of sports voices out there seeking to be read. Mine frankly is pretty small. But, I guess that’s okay.
I would enjoy hearing from my readers as I wrestle with my decision. What do you enjoy about my blog? What don’t you enjoy? What kinds of things should I write about? It would be great if you flood my blog with comments. I will read all of the comments.
Numbers are sometimes interesting. According to the numbers, the best read blog has been in a landside “Bobby Petrino’s family. That was an extremely sad story. Interestingly, No. 2 is “Vanderbilt’s Basketball Court.” The set-up is unique and so cool with the benches behind the baskets. Another surprise is No. 5 with “Dave Diles-College Football Scoreboard.” Like me, you folks must have keen memories of Diles reading those scores each Saturday.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to read those blogs, I invite you to take a peak.
Thank you for your faithful readership. Again, I would enjoy hearing from you in the comments.
Best, Paul
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
NCAA Basketball: It's Over
The college basketball men’s season is officially over and I don’t know if I’m happy or sad.
Louisville took the title last night (Monday) defeating Michigan in an entertaining game. Michigan became the 67th and final team to become disappointed in the NCAA tournament.
College basketball is a long season. Someone said once that college basketball coaches have a sense of humor (as opposed to the football coaches) because of the season length. Without humor, the coaches probably wouldn’t survive.
But frankly, the season isn’t really over just the games. Basketball is a 12-month sport now with the 24-hour news cycle fueling it. One of the next phases are more players declaring for the NBA Draft. And already one guy’s Top 25 for next season came out today. Please…
I have seen enough basketball. It’s time to rest my eyes and enjoy another season. That would be baseball.
Friday, April 5, 2013
NCAA Basketball: This Guy was Major Iowa Pain
Outside of Iowa and Baylor fans, limited interest was generated by the NIT Final. Only about 5,000 people were in attendance at Madison Square Garden and who know how few watched the game on ESPN.
But going into last night’s (Thursday) game, this figured to be an interesting game. These two squads had only met once before.
I thought Iowa would win the game. The Hawks were on a roll and seemed too powerful for the Bears. Baylor had an up-and-down year and I didn’t know what team Baylor would display in the contest.
But wow, it was blowout city for Baylor.
Hawkeye players will have bad memories of one particular Baylor player—Cory Jefferson. In no disrespect to the Thanksgiving meal, Jefferson carved Iowa up. The guy was impressive. He scored 23 points on too many dunks. He rebounded, he played defense.
Jefferson, a junior, had a great year. He played sparely in his previous two years and even took a redshirt year in his sophomore year. Jefferson played behind three future NBA players, so it wasn’t like the guy had major minute opportunities. He could have transferred but he stayed and collected the fruits this year.
Baylor fans hope he returns for his senior season. His pro stock definitely went up during Baylor’s postseason. Iowa players would agree with that.
But going into last night’s (Thursday) game, this figured to be an interesting game. These two squads had only met once before.
I thought Iowa would win the game. The Hawks were on a roll and seemed too powerful for the Bears. Baylor had an up-and-down year and I didn’t know what team Baylor would display in the contest.
But wow, it was blowout city for Baylor.
Hawkeye players will have bad memories of one particular Baylor player—Cory Jefferson. In no disrespect to the Thanksgiving meal, Jefferson carved Iowa up. The guy was impressive. He scored 23 points on too many dunks. He rebounded, he played defense.
Jefferson, a junior, had a great year. He played sparely in his previous two years and even took a redshirt year in his sophomore year. Jefferson played behind three future NBA players, so it wasn’t like the guy had major minute opportunities. He could have transferred but he stayed and collected the fruits this year.
Baylor fans hope he returns for his senior season. His pro stock definitely went up during Baylor’s postseason. Iowa players would agree with that.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
NCAA Basketball: Strange Coaching Hire
Sometimes I just shake my head at my neighbors in Minnesota.
After the University of Minnesota fired basketball coach Tubby Smith, the Gophers needed to make an impressive hire. But apparently nobody wanted the job. I do know the rumor that one of the student managers even turned down the job isn’t true.
The Gophers welcome Rich Pitino to the job. Yes, Pitino is the son of the famous Louisville coach Rick Pitino. Yes, the guy has good blood lines but can he mold a so-so Big Ten contender into something better.
Kid Pitino had one successful season at Florida International. He will be doing on the job training in one of the toughest basketball leagues in America. Remember, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State isn’t Florida International.
Minnesota took forever to make their selection. As the process played out, you knew others were making their selection not to take the Gopher job.
If you are Kid Pitino there is little risk. If you are Minnesota, there is great risk.
The Gophers haven’t exactly been making waves in the money sports of football and basketball lately. This hire may continue the tread.
After the University of Minnesota fired basketball coach Tubby Smith, the Gophers needed to make an impressive hire. But apparently nobody wanted the job. I do know the rumor that one of the student managers even turned down the job isn’t true.
The Gophers welcome Rich Pitino to the job. Yes, Pitino is the son of the famous Louisville coach Rick Pitino. Yes, the guy has good blood lines but can he mold a so-so Big Ten contender into something better.
Kid Pitino had one successful season at Florida International. He will be doing on the job training in one of the toughest basketball leagues in America. Remember, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State isn’t Florida International.
Minnesota took forever to make their selection. As the process played out, you knew others were making their selection not to take the Gopher job.
If you are Kid Pitino there is little risk. If you are Minnesota, there is great risk.
The Gophers haven’t exactly been making waves in the money sports of football and basketball lately. This hire may continue the tread.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
NCAA Basketball Tournament: Thank-You Wichita State
It’s great that Wichita State earned a trip to the Final Four. The Shockers appearance will draw one tall fellow to the television set.
We need new blood in the championship round and as a ninth-seed the Shockers provide it. As their nickname represents, they have shocked many people in still standing in the tournament.
Many people picked their semi-final opponent Louisville to win the championship. But the Shockers shouldn’t be frightened as they have already taken out the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in their regions. Louisville should win, but should wins are only decided on paper. Wichita State needs to “play angry” as its coach Gregg Marshall says and it will be in the game.
Syracuse and Michigan play in the other game. Yawn. These teams like Louisville have been in this spot consistently and it doesn’t draw much interest for the tall fellow.
Hopefully, the Shockers can shock again and appear in the Monday night championship game. Then the tall fellow will need to watch, otherwise not so much.
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