I’ve already written about the drama that happened on the court Saturday night at the Palestra when Penn took on Harvard. As strange as it might sound, the drama that happened off of the court was just as compelling. At the end of regulation, as the referees huddled to determine Continue Reading
A heavyweight classic at the Palestra
After it was all over, after the third “final” buzzer had sounded, interviews had been conducted and pronouncements made about the night’s place in the history of the Palestra, I walked up to the second level to look out over the now-empty floor. To my surprise, I found Harvard freshman Continue Reading
Quantifying the eye test: How do the top teams compare?
College basketball players and teams are endlessly compared to one another. Putting context to our observations is a vital part of what we do not only as hoops fans, but also in our everyday lives. Of course, our eyes often deceive us: Catch Texas at any time in January, and Continue Reading
I believe: A program blossoms in the Ancient Eight
Ivy League basketball story lines are usually predictable. The “last true student-athletes” earning their education and still finding time to play basketball. The reality, however, is much more nuanced. Beyond the obvious challenges balancing of schoolwork and sports, the Ivy League basketball experience is far from typical. Conference play is Continue Reading
Making the little ones count: Introducing Free Throw+
All college basketball teams are unique, but some are more unique than others. If we could quantify uniqueness (don’t tempt me), Wisconsin would certainly be near the top. The Badgers, darlings of the tempo-free community for years, are not only the slowest team in the country on a possessions-per-game basis; Continue Reading