Date Posted:09:55:58 03/16/04 Tue Author: HC93 Subject: Re: Just for comparison.... In reply to:
Rick
's message, "Just for comparison...." on 10:40:14 03/15/04 Mon
To add to what TS1970 has said, those who support the PL should realize that a large number of good high school basketball players are playing before a couple thousand fans on a regular basis (and that's not just the Lebron James's - attendance figures are like this for high school games in any metropolitan area). Why then would any of these players choose to play "at the next level" in front of only a couple hundred fans? Sure there are some kids who value the education they can get from a PL school, but there are plenty of other schools where they can get a good education AND play before fans who are interested. I've been on the fence about the PL for a long time (and have to admit I waffle on the subject more than I would like), but I am also starting to believe that the PL is simply a dead end for the Cross. This has nothing to do with the fact that this past season was a down year for us - I actually think next year's team is going to be excellent, I just don't want to see HC lose the momentum it's been building. RW has the ability to recruit great players in a more competitive league even if HC maintains its academic integrity - let's hope the administration gives him the shot to do it. However, the question remains whether HC would be seen as a good replacement for a team like St. Bona or Duquesne in the A10, or if the A10 would even consider bringing in HC and another team to bring the league to 14 teams (probably a stretch). If not the A10, I think even the MAAC would be a good move - sure it's also a one-bid conference, but the league is centered around metro areas with teams that attract crowds, more tv coverage, and a chance of going to the NIT if you don't win the league. There's nothing wrong with being the best academic school in your conference -- do you think Stanford is frowned upon because it plays in the same league as Arizona St.? How about Georgetown because it plays in the same league as Seton Hall? Or Duke playing in the same league as NC St.? You get the point - being strong academically doesn't have to translate into elitism. I hate to think of my alma mater being elitist.
