Flipping channels last night, I slipped past one of the ESPN offerings, on to something else. Then I doubled back and decided to see if I might enjoy a few minutes of college basketball. It was Indiana and some other team. I noticed that the Indiana kids still know how to set a pick, and seeing them do it gave me the same feeling I get when the Packers trot out the "Green Bay Sweep" once or twice a game.
I figure it must be written into the program's constitution.
But even with a pick here, a drawn-charge there, I couldn't really do it. Couldn't stay tuned in.
Nearly every year, usually in November, I tell myself: "Why don't you see if you can keep up with college basketball this year." Then, usually right about now, I have my answer: "Nope. Can't do it."
Years ago (and by "years ago," let's go with the '80s), I watched quite a bit of it. Back then, the best players were often with their schools through their senior years, and almost always there at least through their junior seasons. That allowed some sort of identity with teams.
Nowadays, the very best players don't go to college at all. The next level go there for a year. Two tops. You don't get to know anyone or any team.
Now that I think about it, not only am I oblivious to college basketball these days, I don't even know anybody who tunes into it.
Until March, of course.
Ken,
You need to come spend some time in North Carolina. I think Christmas is still somewhat important here in the Bible-belt, but it just barely edges out college basketball season in it's religious significance. I'm sure you've at least heard of Tyler Hansbrough...