College Basketball Trivia

Isn't it a shame that pro sports has been sullied by filthy lucre while college sports remain so pure?

(Pause)

Okay, I've returned from laughing at my semi-clever and ironic comment. (Okay, it wasn't really that funny... but still...). I did intend to post about college basketball, but I am curious as to whether or not any of you have thoughts about the Cameron Newton situation at Auburn? Until more evidence comes out either way, it really is all based on hearsay. And if he is innocent of any wrongdoing and this is all some bizarre plot to discredit Newton, it probably is an even greater sign of how sick college sports is right now and how far beyond reform it is. But that doesn't mean that I can't love college sports.

On Friday night, Michigan State, who was ranked in the top 5 for almost everyone who issued preseason college basketball rankings and advanced to the Final Four last year, took on Eastern Michigan University. As expected it was a blowout, the Spartans won by thirty points. But there were some notable points.

Eastern Michigan's Brandon Bowdry had 32 points (although he did go 10 for 28 from the field) and had 15 rebounds. He has made most news outlets preseason All-MAC team. From all that I have read about him, he kind of reminds me of Brandon Hunter, the Ohio University player who got drafted in the second round by the Boston Celtics in 2003. Bowdry might be a player to keep an eye on this season and if his team is able to make any headway in the postseason, he might land on some NBA teams' list of potential second round draft picks.

Eastern Michigan also has a 6'10" 285 pound sophomore starting at center. And as has been said many times, you can't teach size. But if Friday night is any indication Matt Balkema has a long way to go before he is a pro prospect. He had all of 2 points and 1 rebound in 12 minutes. At that rate, he might not be starting for Eastern Michigan very long.

Speaking of problems with college sports, Kentucky is most likely going to have to do without European big man Enes Kanter unless they win their appeal with the NCAA. And it is presently far beyond my cognitive abilities to ascertain the intentions of the NCAA.