The Dark Reality of College Basketball
The calendar has turned to a dreaded time of year, and it’s not because of the dwindling number of football games left or the tease of spring weather. The real culprit is the forced viewing of ACC basketball on Monday nights. A league that was once revered has devolved into a shadow of its former self.
A Personal Connection to the ACC’s Glory Days
Growing up, I was immersed in ACC basketball. My old man, a Wake Forest alum, ensured that our household was always tuned in to the league’s games. The late 80s and 90s were a golden era for the ACC, with powerhouse programs like Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest dominating the college basketball landscape.
The ACC’s Current State: A Far Cry from Greatness
Fast-forward to the present, and it’s hard to recognize the league that once held such prestige. Duke has become the Gonzaga of the ACC, with the rest of the teams struggling to keep up. Louisville and Clemson are the St. Mary’s and BYU of the WCC, while UNC, Boston College, Miami, Syracuse, and Cal are all underperforming. The league’s overall quality has taken a nosedive.
The Consequences of a Weak League
The ACC’s decline is evident in the lackluster performances on display. Take, for instance, the recent game between Pitt and Virginia. Pitt, still vying for an NCAA Tournament spot, suffered a crushing defeat at home. The 13-point underdog Virginia dominated the game, leaving Pitt’s coach, Jeff Capel, to issue a half-hearted apology. The fact that Pitt wasn’t even competitive raises serious questions about their tournament worthiness.
A League in Disarray
The ACC’s coaching carousel is another indication of the league’s struggles. With Brad Brownell set to become the longest-tenured head coach in the ACC next year, it’s clear that the league is in a state of flux. The constant turnover has disrupted the continuity and competitiveness that once defined the ACC.
Time to Relegate the ACC from Big Monday
It’s time to acknowledge that the ACC no longer deserves the coveted 7pm Monday slot on Big Monday. This prime-time spot was once reserved for the best of the best, but now it’s being wasted on lackluster matchups like Pitt vs Virginia. Instead, why not give us a Big 12 doubleheader? It’s a more deserving conference that would provide a more exciting and competitive viewing experience.
The ACC’s fall from grace is a harsh reality that even its most ardent fans can’t ignore. It’s time to face the music and relegate the league to a less prominent time slot. The viewers deserve better.
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