Mike DeCourcy: NABC out of step

by Glenn Logan on Oct 8, 2008 6:34 PM EDT in Commentary

Yeah, baby. That's what I've been saying, and now Mike DeCourcy, one of the few sportswriters who's opinion I actually respect, has said it way better than me. I'll just keep this short and cut right to the chase:

The schedule change ought to be no big deal, but the perpetually out-of-step National Association of Basketball Coaches board and executive director Jim Haney have chosen to make it seem as though Kentucky has done something untoward.

That's the real crime here.

The NABC became so indignant about Kentucky's maneuver that one of its representatives approached the SEC and asked the league to force Kentucky to rescind the schedule change. The SEC, wisely and justly, swatted down that notion like UK center Patrick Patterson tossing an opponent's weak-stuff layup into the expensive seats at Rupp.

Subsequently, the organization took this up with the NCAA and petitioned for emergency legislation, which was deemed to be impossible. But it's likely a rule will be passed in time to make an early Madness impossible next year -- under the guise that skill development sessions should not be public events.[emphasis mine]

There's more -- a lot more. Read the whole thing. As JL said, embrace the hate!

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Here Here!

I, too, am a fan of Decourcy.

by BBallSophist on Oct 8, 2008 7:07 PM EDT reply actions

The NABC has chosen UK as a target.Too bad,they have a bias.

by -Zoso- on Oct 8, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

I Don't Like Decourcy

But many do.

by FortyYearCatFan on Oct 8, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply actions

I like DeCourcy too

I disagree with him on some things, agree with him on others and generally think he does a good job. I still don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world if everybody has their Midnight Madness the same weekend, but the comparison to football’s spring game is apt and one I had not considered before.

I rather liked this line:

and B) UK is one of the few schools that could have a Madness session at 3 a.m. on July 30 and fill a huge arena.

In that spirit, I think we could amend that quote somewhat:

and B) UK is one of the few schools that could have a Madness session at 3 a.m. on Feb 30 and fill a huge arena.

Gillispie would find a way.

"That's not a Sherman tank, it's Frank Thomas!" - Monkeyball

by JLeverenz on Oct 8, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions

Finally someone in the national

media recognizes the issue at hand exactly for what it is. A freaking witch hunt. The NABC should be ashamed of themselves.

I am proud of Gillispie for not dignifying their BS with any kind of response. Let the fans be outraged while he plays it cools like it’s no big deal. Ice cold baby!

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!

by bluecrip on Oct 9, 2008 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

BTW

here is their contact info. It would be cool if we could get 23,000 letters or phone calls to their office complaining about their treatment of OUR COACH!!!!!!

NABC
1111 Main Street
Suite 1000
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2136
(816) 878-6222 (NABC) phone

Let’s get em!!!!
(816) 878-6223 fax

by bluecrip on Oct 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

Tubby still president?

(Now I’ll sit back and watch the post count grow exponentially by the time I come back to work in the morning! Bwa Ha Ha!!!)

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Oct 9, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

I liked

It’s as though there are thieves in the bank vault emptying out the cash and jewels, while Haney is out front making sure folks like Gillispie take only one of the free calendars on display

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Oct 9, 2008 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions