Now that conference basketball tournaments are in full swing, and teams from the ACC to the SEC are playing to get off the bubble and into the field of 68 to keep the fun of NCAA March madness alive for their fans, we thought this rant from Bill Vickery, one of our friends at 103.7 the Buzz, was spot on.
It’s hard not agree with Vickery, the “One-and-Done” rule has diminished the game of college basketball. It’s obvious to those of use who’ve followed the sport since 1985 when the field grew to 64-teams. Villanova wore a true Cinderella slipper as an 8-seed. An underdog team from a “big kid” conference. Rollie Massimino willed Villanova to put it all together for a magical win over the mighty Georgetown Hoyas. It was the NCAA equivalent of Bird’s Celtics versus Magic’s Lakers.
Twenty years later the NBA placed an age limit of 19 on would-be stars, college basketball was changed.
In today’s game you can count on set offenses with no real purpose, dudes playing like it’s a game of pickup and enough bricks to rebuild the Vatican, twice. And of course, within all of this, the death of the 17-foot jump shot.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski has a poor opinion of the rule and if he doesn’t exemplify the spirit of college basketball, no one does. Coach K’s Duke teams are the epitome of what a college a basketball team should be, and with only one player projected to go in the NBA Lottery this season, Senior Mason Plumlee, it looks like #2 ranked Blue Devils are still doing it the old fashioned way.
It’s hard to talk about the “One-and-Done” rule without mentioning everyone’s favorite defending NCAA Championship coach and his team… enough said? That approach is clearly what’s wrong with college basketball; mercenaries, from the administration to the coach, down to the player. If it sounds corrupt, it probably is. One might wonder what role the NCAA’s blind eye has in that style of program. Is that the new brand? That certainly doesn’t fit into the ‘Going Pro in Something Other Than Sports’ concept.
I digress.
With the rising popularity of AAU Basketball and the ability for players to play one sport year-round, more preps than ever are NBA-ready. But with the “One-and-Done” firmly in place, the NBA is telling those players, ‘we’re not ready for you, go to college and let those guys play nurse maid for a while’. David Stern points out the rule isn’t intended to negatively affect the NCAA, saying “those guys can go play in Europe if they like“. Pack your bags fellas and say “merhaba” for me over in Ankara.
Like Vickery, it’s hard not to rant on the subject.
I’m ready for big time college basketball to return with the rise of the COLLEGE basketball player. I’m ready for the concept of team to permeate the ranks, not just prop up the also-rans. I’m ready for Cinderella to be Cinderella, not the odds on favorite because of a watered-down B.J. Young-esq field of teams.
And honestly, when the average fan knows who won the West Coast Conference Basketball Championship, your overall brand has been compromised. Yeah Gonzaga, I’m talking about you.
Silly, Jon. Every half-Turk/native Arkie worth his salt knows the best pro ball played in
Ol Turkiye isn’t in Ankara but Istanbul.
Go Fenerbahce!
I don’t like the one and done. I think it’s bad for NCAA basketball. Some talented players can’t make the grades in college and I understand them departing. When players are one and done they are not true team members. I would like to see players dedicated to their team and university. Get their degree. Yes Duke is an example of that. I have always respected them and also hated them when we play Duke. I hope Powell and Young stay hogs next year. Go Hogs beat Vandy!
At the same time, think of Duke one-and-dones like Corey Maggette, Luol Deng and Kyrie Irving. Given Irving’s injury so early in his freshman year, he is the first legit “half-and-done” high lottery pick.
Looks like Nerlens Noel will join him in that designation.
@Evin, it’s pronounced Constantinople
Ah… the glory years. I like it.
I gave up on thugball long ago. I prefer the football Razorbacks, not because of the game, but because the Hogs are the best soap opera on TV. I’m giving up my season tickets — I’ve held them since 1966 — because you can see more on TV, avoid the long drive to Fudville, and sleep better for not contributing to the greed at the U of A.
The obvious lack of interest by the one-and-done’s in their college of choice flies in the face of what the college experience is supposed to be.
It’s the ugly nose on a pretty face.
Good article. And yes college b-ball sucks lemons these days. But quit knocking Gonzaga – they would mop the floor with our beloved Hogs.
A little overboard by Vickery but I love him. He is the best at what he does. He is Van Buren’s best!!!
Biggie, as a matter of full disclosure, I do have the Zags in my Elite 8. Losing to New Mexico.
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