Why We Used to Like Basketball
You may recall hearing on “Iowa Almanac” last Thursday about the Drake University men’s basketball team playing in the 1969 Final Four against ultimate champion UCLA, during the heart of that school’s dynasty. On that same date, March 20, of this year, today’s Drake team upset Missouri in this year’s tournament. I always like synergy like that.
And while the Bulldogs season ended on Saturday, there was something about it that reminded me of why watching college sports used to be more fun, before all the money ruined things.
First, there’s coach Ben McCollum, who is a throwback on the sidelines in that he wears a nice white shirt and bright blue/school colors necktie. Remember when basketball coaches all dressed up for games, typically wearing full suits? That all changed with COVID, and I for one like seeing a coach who isn’t hanging out in athletic wear as if he himself is going to check in to play. Granted, some of those workout outfits probably cost more than suits, but no matter.
Second, the group of fans—real live adult males—who stand behind the bench and wear nice white shirts and bright blue/school colors neckties in support of their team and coach. Did I even see Dolph Pulliam, the longtime broadcaster and member of the Drake Final Four team, standing there in such an outfit? It developed organically this year and therefore was the best kind of phenomenon.
Third, the fact that the NCAA wouldn’t let Griff II, the live bulldog mascot, into the arena for the games was fun to show how dumb we’ve made some of these rules. Apparently Griff II wears a letter jacket and sits in a custom chair on the sidelines, sleeping through most of the games, waking only at the end to check the outcome. This time, he was the king of the parking lot and subject of all manner of support on social media and in TV coverage.
As I record this on Sunday night, rumors are that the coach may ditch Drake after only one season to take over at Iowa. That, sadly, is the business part of the game that has turned so many of us off. I certainly don’t blame him.
But regardless, how cool to see last week. One shining moment, indeed.
