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The Madness is Maddening


There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people). 

The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart). 

Just a few: 
  • I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game. 
  • Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country.
  • The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead. 
  • It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuity due to the transfer portal and NIL. I believe the expectations were some would transfer, but programs are outright building from year to year now. It's a bad look and it's really hard to root for. 
  • Even more so, it's very difficult to invest in the stories of student-athletes, especially now that they are professionals. 
  • Speaking of...so many of these students are receiving death threats and harsh treatment, mostly online or on social media. Yet, again, what once was "leave these kids alone" becomes a narrative of conflict when these "kids" are making millions. Doesn't make it right, but definitely doesn't do much for ethics, sportsmanship, and overall decorum in sport. Yeah, I know, who cares about that anymore, right?!
  • Based on how youth sports have followed (or have received this trickle down culture), where are participants playing for "love of the game"?
  • I, like many who may seem "preachy" in the current climate, do believe in the process of earning your spot, building through fortitude and adversity, and camaraderie among your teammates. 
  • The coaching carousel is just as ridiculous - if not more hypocritical than the players. We've seen this for a long time, and even more so now. Everyone is using everyone. 
  • Programs can go year-to-year having a new coaching staff and a whole new roster - I also feel for confused fanbases in this era. 
  • I fully expect the day to come when bluebloods and the "haves" join, secede from the NCAA, and outright host their own tournament with the support of a backing Network.
  • I also fully expect many smaller DI schools to begin to look at the cost of running and competing at the DI level, as well as a harder look at how they value athletics to the overall student experience. DIII is about to become flooded. 
  • And...JUCOs may become feeding schools as the participating athlete's age increases. Who wants the high school athlete now? 
  • Move the transfer portal to AFTER the season (please!).
  • I understand what Justin Pippen did. It's part of the current climate. But, I find it to be very bothersome. Maybe, I'm just an old man on my lawn. 
  • The Women's Super Regional schedule is ridiculous. 
  • This would NEVER happen - but what if the NCAA took a stand back in the direction of "Student-athlete" and found a way to incentivize graduating individuals? How about incentivizing intuitions that do graduate athletes? How does that change the landscape? Again, I know, I know - bro, why do you care so much about them getting an education!?
And finally...
  • It's amazing to me the great lengths billionaires will go to ensure their alma maters win basketball games, but are unable to commit equitably to other world issues. It really is insane when you think about it from a broader perspective. Maybe it's just me...it's not right or wrong, and donors can freely give. It's just a perspective in all of this that is interesting. 

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