As we begin to unravel the past year, one thing has been abundantly clear: just about everyone has frayed nerves. This week I ask that we all take a step back, breath in deeply, and be kind.
Mental health concerns are probably not the topic you were expecting to read in the Musings this week, but it’s something that needs to be said. Our family has had challenges that are likely no different than many of the readership. So many new questions to be answered and parents and friends that have no answers. How does this relate to basketball? Has anyone noticed all the teams in women’s basketball at Division I pausing and/or cancelling the remaining games left on the schedule?
Kim Mulkey, the leader of the defending Division I National Champion (2019) Baylor Bears, didn’t mince words this past week. "The answer is this: The season will continue on. It's called the almighty dollar. The NCAA has to have the almighty dollar from the men's tournament. The almighty dollar is more important than the health and welfare of me, the players or anybody else.”
Whatever your opinion, The NCAA decided to cancel Winter Sports Championships for Division III. Is Division II next? There are about 100 women’s teams that have reached the 11 game threshold to qualify for NCAA postseason. The number is slightly higher on the men’s side. With over 300 teams and only a few weeks left, it’s hard to imagine a regional happening.
Canisius was the latest Division I group to stop the season due to “health and safety concerns”(Full Release here). Some teams have been playing with as few as four scholarship players on the Division I level. This isn’t normal. The stress of classes and basketball can be hard, but clearly it’s just too much for many.
I’ve talked to one coach who has individual meetings with his players weekly just to make sure everything is ok with each of his student-athletes. I’m not sure if that’s the standard, but it should be! I challenge everyone to put yourself in the shoes of the students for a moment. Think about essentially losing a year of college.
Injuries have plagued many teams and one has to wonder if conditioning is a factor. Has this disjointed season caused unnecessary injuries? Whether it’s mental health or physical health please listen to those around you and know even if you’re ok, there could be people close to you who are not.
The Musings has been a place our readers come to find answers and common sense. Maybe this column is neither or both, but thanks for indulging me.
My Favorite Things
Best Fans!!! I thought some of you would like some insight as to which fan base is the most rabid!
3) Southern New Hampshire: If you look up loyalty in the dictionary you will see a picture of a pair of SNHU fans. This duo, (Tim & Dana) are what you want in a supporter. They care about the program, the coaches, and the players. We all should be so lucky to have friends like that!
2) Jefferson: Have you ever been to Philadelphia? The Rams have a spirited rooting section thanks in large part to the brilliance of men’s coach Herb Magee and Athletic Director and women’s coach Tom Shirley. It’s a group that is used to winning and cheering on their team at the loudest decibel level possible. I’ve received a lot of mail from this group and they always are a kind contingent.
1) Bridgeport: You may be stunned to know that the Purple Knights take this one EASILY!! UB fans are blindly loyal and make writing my column a lot of fun. If I rank Bridgeport men’s team anything but #1, chances are I’ll hear from somebody in Purple Knight Nation. Having UB remain in the region is very important for so many.
I’d like to conclude this week by inviting everyone to take a look at Chris Granozio’s column on Concordia's closure if you haven’t already. The Super 75 continues this week….Plus Steve Z will be back to recap the region’s women’s hoop action! Thanks for reading!
Thoughts? Comments? t.p.mccaffrey@gmail.com