TicketsI've got a few more posts on the agenda for the next couple days, so hang in there if the Breakfast is a little thin this morning. I'll make it up to you.
Not sure how I feel about his weekend's games. Not that I don't have opinions on who will win, but my interest level definitely dipped after UC's elimination Saturday. That said, I think UConn will continue its roll and represent the Big East all the way to the Final 4.
Who has San Diego State played that's any good this season? BYU? How'd those go? Oh yeah, they got Jimmered. Twice.
Speaking of the Jimmer: Gus Johnson+Jimmer=Must See TV. Watching Florida lose will be an added bonus.
Strictly because I've been riding Wisconsin on the KenPom Oeff train in my brackets, I think the Badgers continue their run to the Final 4 by disposing of Butler. But, considering Wisconsin's style of play and Butler's way of always finding themselves in close games, this delivers the finish of the night. (And a pace of game most resembling a three-legged race at a retirement community)
Let's eat...
--- Bill Koch wrote a story where Mick Cronin talks about building on the momentum of last season. It's a good glimpse into the negotiations between Cronin and Mike Thomas, for those who are into those types of things.
As for attendance, which is mentioned in the story, there's no doubt those numbers will rise next season. This city loves a winner and this city started to fall back in love with UC basketball at the end of the season. Throw in the added anticipation of a possible preseason Top 25 ranking and even more spice livens up the stew.
What that means monetarily? Not as much as you'd think. If Fifth Third Arena averages a couple thousand more fans every night, obviously, profit will rise, but the Cats won't suddenly be making Louisville hoops money because of a bump in attendance.
I'll leave the economics of college athletics to the professors and administrators, all I can say here is the issue runs deeper than putting more butts in the seats.
--- First Connor Barwin in Nigeria, now Haruki Nakamura doing great things to help Japan. UC should really be proud of their NFL alums.
--- Plan on watching games this weekend? Want to be educated on the most interesting elements of each team? Read Luke Winn's Power Rankings.
--- The RPI has some serious flaws. I've bashed it, as have so many around college basketball. Here's a look at how this ancient metric affected this year's tournament and will many to come if the committee doesn't see the light.
--- You guys hear me talk about KenPom and his ratings all the time. Come join the revolution after you read this profile on him by the NY Times.
--- Was just pondering how disappointed I would be if my team made it to the Regional Semifinal/Final and I had to visit Newark.
--- Brian Bennett takes a quick glimpse at UC's spring football superlatives. He mentions the question mark at offensive line. Finding the replacements for Jason Kelce, C.J. Cobb and Sam Griffin should be at the top of the wish list over the next three weeks.
--- I would love to see a UC-UK game at US Bank Arena, if only to see what Cal would say about the Bearcats. The guy never holds back. Though, I can't say he's wrong here, just brash.
--- Mick Cronin joked earlier this year about how most of the players he recruits don't know who Oscar Robertson was until they learn on campus. I'm guessing UNC doesn't have that problem with their alum legend. Specifically when he shows up offering his legendary shoe line to wear.
--- On to some randomness...
--- There are bountiful mustaches out there, you just have to look for them.
--- Some Reds fans are fretting over some spring training stats. I'm not saying there shouldn't be some concerns over the pitching staff but think about these numbers from last spring:
Scott Rolen, Drew Stubbs, Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto all hit under .200.
Bronson Arroyo had an ERA of 5.19.
--- This is why I don't trust people who collect swords. If chaos goes down, they have solutions on display.
--- The Top 10 best-selling MLB jerseys list from 2010 doesn't include any Reds, but I have a feeling No. 54 could make this list next season.
--- In a shocking development, this happened in Florida. How long until we kick this state off into the ocean?