The college basketball season starts in dribs and drabs, an odd collection of mismatches and rigged “tournaments” that sometimes guarantee big-money teams of advancing regardless of performance. But there is a push underway for the NCAA to start with a bang. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, new chairman of the NCAA men’s basketball committee, said there has been considerable discussion of a kickoff event.
Recommended Stories
“Perhaps there is a way to create that big splash that is currently lacking,” Smith said via teleconference Wednesday. “Fans would like it, television networks would rally around it and, frankly, the game deserves it.”
There was a moderately interesting matchup (Pittsburgh vs. Rhode Island) on the opening night of this season (Nov. 4). But since it was played on a Monday, it was eclipsed by “Monday Night Football.”
“It didn’t seem to have the energy and excitement that we felt the start of the season should have,” Smith said.
Coaches Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Brad Stevens of Butler said in the teleconference that they would support a major opening-day event. Krzyzewski suggested something similar to the 24-hour basketball marathon, which ESPN ran on Tuesday.
“It actually felt like the start of the basketball season,” Krzyzewski said. “People watched those games, and they were great games. We should have an official start to the season and not let it start from Nov. 4 to Nov. 8. Nobody knows when it starts. To kick it off like that was tremendous.”
