What Could Have Been and Shouldn't Be...

Tonight Memphis visits UMass in a game that ranks no better than 15-20th on the "best games of the day" list. It is two unranked opponents; Memphis expecting to get better and contend for their conference crown, UMass one of the bottom half of the A-10. So why would this game even raise an eyebrow when glancing over the schedule?

Because of the eyebrows both programs raised from NCAA in years past. UMass made the Final Four with Marcus Camby in 1996. Memphis played in one of the all-time classic Finals two years ago with Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Of course, neither of those two events ever happened... that is if you consult the NCAA record book.

Both of those Final Four appearances have been "vacated" and money earned was order returned under penalty. Both of those teams were of course coached by John Calipari (who has never been directly implicated).

My question is, WHY schedule each other this year? There are over 300 Division I opponents to choose from. There is no natural geographic rivalry, no particular impetus to bolster strength of schedule with each other, so why open the inevitable comparison and remind fans and the country of just what was "lost"?

It just doesn't make sense to the Maniac...

Want More? Have something to Say?
Read, Rant, Agree, Disagree...Curse at Us (nicely please)
Do it all @ MarchManiacs.com