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A Chance to Sit Down With Two Commissioners
6:55 P.M. THURSDAY, JAN. 8, 2009
JUSTIN CANGE
The other day I got caught game casting an NHL regular season game. While this may be considered a disgraceful or perhaps embarrassing act by some, I felt compelled to defend my actions. It was a slow night, I was already on my computer and, well, the Blackhawks are having a great season (especially for Hawks standards). A coworker lambasted me in front of a group for "always having a team to cheer for" like it's a bad thing. I thought about that attack for a minute, before halting my argument and realizing that there is no point throughout the year where my sporting void isn't filled.
And it is with that long-winded intro I am reminded of the beauty of the sporting calendar as December turned to January. If you're like me, you're equally relieved and saddened that the holidays are over, you're anxious to fill your 2009 with a variety of trips and social engagements, you're afraid to look at your online bank statement, and you're more than ready for college bowl season to be over. (See most previous columns predicting this).
You're also stoked to see how these next eight weeks play out as the Bears begin conference play this weekend.
If there was a college basketball commissioner, wouldn't it be hilarious to have him or her sit at the same desk in some TV studio as the college football commissioner this time of year?
Studio host: Mr. (or Mrs.) football commissioner, what are your thoughts on the sport as we near the season's final game?
Football commissioner: Well, once again, I want to first thank our corporate champion, Pontiac, and remind everyone that they can still vote for this year's game-changing performance. With that said, wasn't bowl season terrific?
Host: Uh, I suppose, yes. What are your thoughts on the latest BCS disaster?
Commisioner: Disaster? We had a thrilling national championship game played between undoubtedly the country's two best teams, and I'm sure you'll agree that if Oklahoma wins they are certainly the best team in the country and Texas is a deserving No. 2...despite its head-to-head result way back in October. If Florida wins, this country will be united in rewarding the Gators the crown as they defeated the champions of not only the SEC East, but also of the Big 12.
Host: Sure, but what about Utah.
Commissioner: What about Utah?
Host: They're the country's only undefeated team and they beat Alabama more convincingly than Florida did.
Commissioner: Yes, but isn't the controversy what makes our sport great?!
Host: Moving forward, college basketball's commissioner joins us to discuss the season as we are now just nine weeks from selection Sunday!
Commisioner: Thanks for having me. I know many of you watching at home have no idea which teams are in the top 25, let alone what your own school has done in non-conference play this season, but we want to remind you...it doesn't really matter anyway.
Host: Well certainly, there's been some great, meaningful games already, take for instance...
Hoops Commissioner: (interrupting) No, not really. We're very much aware that while our premiere teams are playing at tournaments in gyms the size of your middle school in islands you can't point to on a map, most of our fan base is focused on the final weeks of football season and, of course, the uniqueness of the bowl games.
Host: Mr. Commissioner, what do you mean to say, that the season begins now?!
Hoops Commissioner: Of course not. But kind of, yes. We just want to remind the fans that our sport has an Associated Press poll, but you don't need to follow it. Our sport uses computers to factor in strength of schedule, but you don't really need to understand those numbers either. In the end, if your team is even remotely close to being considered good enough to play for the national championship, it will have its shot.
Football commissioner: Yes, just like our sport.
Host: Though not...whatsoever.
As BU embarks on conference play do yourself a favor and make sure selection Sunday (March 15) is marked on your calendar. It's a new year and a new season in your sporting calendar. This one won't disappoint.
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