U of L vs. UK hoops.

I’m on record as saying I’m not a fan of the game.

I hate it but accept that Kentucky has been the far more successful program during my lifetime. I’d just as soon not have to get all worked up annually, as I am inclined to do. Always grateful the day after, when it’s over win or lose.

Both schools have won nattys in a season when they lost to rival.

For me, the game is a nuisance. I realize I’m in the minority. And that it’s not going away. Though a tip on November 11 indicates some don’t consider it in the realm of Blue Devils/ Tar Heels or Hoosiers vs. Boilermakers.

Still I’ve been ruminating about the very strange timing of next year’s meeting between a couple of highly ranked squads on the uptick.

Early November. Middle of the week.

Most odd.

Haven’t the slightest clue how this date was arrived at?

As lopsided as this rivalry has been since its gestation in Knoxville ’83, it remains reasonably compelling nationally.

And fodder for office coffee room brawls locally.

 * * * * *

The NCAA is considering rule changes which would ostensibly speed up endings of ball games, and eliminate the incessant reviews.

Coaching challenges, like the pros.

It will be under consideration for at least year, it is reported.

Meanwhile, there is a simple, time-tested way to end games without relentless fouls, reviews and timeouts. With excitement and tension.

Elam Ending.

 * * * * *

Awhile back, I started getting posts on my FB thread from something called “Louisville Cardinals all fans.” Capitalization its.

Each post heralds some absurd signing or abdication or another.

None of which make sense.

None of which have ever been reported  by any legitimate chronicler of U of L athletics.

None of which has proven to be true.

I stopped paying attention, thinking it might actually be some AI generated hoohah posted by a prankster.

Today a fellow who is actually part of the crew that televises Cardinal games for various networks, reposted from that bogus site some obvious BS about Pat Kelsey rejecting absurd offers from schools that have coaches firmly in place.

I gotta believe it is TOTALLY FAKE. Capitalization mine.

Then on my feed comes another nugget of fauxness. To wit, that former Grand Canyon star Tyon Grant-Foster had committed to Louisville. Replete with a photo of the SF in a Cardinal uni.

Which has not been reported by any other media outlet. Local or national.

Oh yeah, it was dated three days ago.

Which is to say my fellow Cardinal acolytes: When it comes to “Louisville Cardinals all fans,” caveat emptor.*

*Buyer beware. 

 * * * * *

A couple of other things.

One sports.

One not.

I haven’t the slightest understanding why ESPN is ending “Around The Horn.” Now that Wilbon and Kornheiser have gotten a smidge out of touch, Tony Reali and panels are easily my favorite sports talk show.

And, at my non-sports blog, I’ve posted this piece about the band Little Feat.

— c d kaplan