The Forgotten Art of Scheduling: Why College Basketball Needs a Revamp
As I scanned the schedule for the upcoming games, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment wash over me. Where were the marquee matchups that would draw in casual fans and generate buzz around the sport? Instead, I was met with a lackluster lineup that paled in comparison to the excitement of college football and the NFL.
A Golden Opportunity Missed
I reminisce about the good old days when college basketball used to kick off on Friday nights. Those were the days when games were played on boats, and the atmosphere was electric. But then, the sport made a crucial mistake by changing its scheduling strategy. Remember the 2017 Indiana/Kansas game? It was a thriller, but unfortunately, it got lost in the midst of football fever.
A Smart Move, But Not Smart Enough
Fast forward to 2019, and we saw the introduction of the Champions Classic, which brought some much-needed excitement to the season opener. But somehow, we’ve managed to regress. Today, we’re left with a dearth of compelling games, and I’m left wondering why college basketball insists on going head-to-head with its more popular counterparts.
Embracing Niche Status
Let’s face it – college basketball is a niche sport, and we diehard fans will always tune in, no matter what. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to attract a broader audience. By pitting ourselves against college football and the NFL, we’re essentially shooting ourselves in the foot. Why not own Tuesday and Wednesday nights, when the competition is less fierce?
A Call to Action
It’s time for college basketball to rethink its scheduling strategy and stop trying to compete with the big boys. By doing so, we can create a more level playing field and give our sport the attention it deserves. So, let’s make a change and bring back the excitement that once defined college basketball.
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