Courtesy: Zimbio
The first part of this article was such a joy to write and reminisce about, reliving some of the greatest moments in college basketball, with former teammates and close friends was a blast! While researching some of the data for this particular article, it dawned on me that the NCAA is as much to blame for the mediocrity in the NBA as any other entity. Not because they allow kids to be one and done players, but for reasons like killing the Big East Conference and therefore diminishing the level of competition in college.
Now before everyone gets ready to prepare a response to my article, think about the major conferences throughout the country. The PAC-10 has become the PAC-12, Maryland has left the ACC, most of the more successful programs have fled the Big East and have been replaced with mediocre teams. I mean come on, Creighton, Cincinnati, Butler, and Xavier? Are you kidding me? No disrespect to the aforementioned programs but they would’ve never lasted in the “original” Big East Conference! Especially having to compete against schools like Syracuse, Pitt, Boston College, Miami, Villanova, Louisville, Providence, Georgetown, West Virginia, Seton Hall, Rutgers, and even St. John’s.
Courtesy: ESPN
There was a time not too long ago where playing in the Big East meant something special. Keeping up with the coaching geniuses like Lou Carnesecca, Jim Boeheim, Rollie Massimino, John Thompson II, Pete Gillen, Rick Pitino, Leonard Hamilton, Jamie Dixon, John Beilein, Bob Huggins, Gary Watters, and Jim Calhoun, was enough to drive opposing coaches INSANE! I truly believe that current coaches in this conference don’t lose much sleep when game planning for certain programs. Not that there isn’t a level of respect but, the reality far outweighs a fluke or an opposing player lighting your team up that night.
The American Athletic Conference? Really? That name doesn’t even sound like it’s associated with anything competitive at all. Frankly, it sounds like something made up altogether. That conference is lucky Louisville is leaving because I think they would run the table every season. Who would stop them? As long as Richard Andrew Pitino is at the helm, they will always have top players flocking to play for the Cardinals. I watched Louisville laugh their way through their regular season and conference tournament and right into March Madness.
You see, competition is the best way to prepare for a lot of things in life. Whether it be a spot on one of the best teams in college basketball, Draft position for the NBA, or a rare opening at a Fortune 500 Company. Healthy competition only enhances your chance for success. I don’t think it hurts your chances when properly monitored. After all, we all remember the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito fiasco!
The list of players I compiled for the first part of my segment are all the proof you need, to make my point of view more acceptable. Don’t hold me to this because I’ve never been great at math but, I do believe that almost 80% of those players on that list, played in the NBA and had either decent or great careers. How many other MAJOR conferences can make the same argument? Let me help you out; none!
Sure, guys have been drafted but I mean how many have lasted at least 5 years or longer? It’s very difficult for you to answer that question right? I know it is but it’s not your fault. It’s the reality of today’s playing field in college basketball. The system is flawed and it’s failing the student athletes. How can a guy be expected to compete at the highest level of basketball(NBA), when he didn’t get the chance to test his mettle against the best competition college has to offer?
You see, coaches are more concerned with padding their win-loss record so they can keep their jobs, instead of being a teacher of the game, and scheduling the best competition out. Yet when the topic arises regarding players either being paid or having the choice to leave school early, critics and bone head columnists are quick to jump to conclusions, with the absolute WRONG points of view! Instead of doing their research on the subject, they often let their personal feelings invade an unrestricted area. Having been there and done that, I always try my best to speak from experience and not a personal perspective. Stay tuned for part 3.
Amen!