The Starting Five

Ok. Here we are again. Except this time, we’re not making stops in the warm-weather climates of Florida or the Carolinas. We’re not dealing with fresh out-of-the-box programs. No here, for better or worse, tradition is the norm. Tradition you can literally smell, and feel. But the question is this: Can the Big Ten stir the echoes again and matter as more than just a punchline? We’ll find out in this season coming up, with the inclusion of another tradition-soaked power program in the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But as it stands now let’s study the records, go back through the crates, and see if we can’t start a little bit of a debate.

The ground rules: This list requires both college and professional performance. My ultimate ideal for this is an All-American in college, a pro-bowler and a HOF in the pro’s.

Also, I’m going to try to use only inactive players. It’s far easier to judge with this when we’re talking about guys whose careers are over. It’s the Tyson Principle. (Quick explanation: During the apex of his career you could have had a realistic argument about whether or not Mike Tyson was the greatest heavyweight ever. But then, after a few devastating losses including to the men who could safely be called the peers of his era, it’s a lot harder to make that same argument now.)

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One of the best the biz has to offer. Can’t wait to see him do the Final Four

After 27 years with the network, CBS and Billy Packer have decided to part ways. Packer and CBS mutually agreed to this last year. Packer did a total of 34 Final Fours. Can you imagine seeing that many great games?

In steps a very capable Clark Kellogg…

“With his unquestioned popularity and performance over the years, Clark Kellogg earned all rights to this top spot,” Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports, said in a statement Monday. “Like Billy Packer, Al McGuire or any of the most highly regarded broadcasters, Clark is an original voice with his own style and perspective.”

I’ve always admired Kellogg’s work. He sees the game from a player’s vantage point and has a very intellectual and professional approach to his analysis. Since this was announced yesterday (7/15), I have an interview I conducted with Clark shortly after the National Final over the phone after the jump.

Here’s a statement Clark just sent: “I’m extremely grateful for and excited about this wonderful professional opportunity. I’m very much looking forward to it. The NCAA Final Four is one of the premiere sporting events in the world and I feel privileged to be part of the CBS announcing team.”

Thanks Clark. Best of luck to you.

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You mean I have to dislike this kid now?

Something I wrote after the Penn State loss.

Terrelle Pryor, the nation’s top-ranked high school quarterback according to the ESPN 150 and the top unsigned senior, announced that he’ll attend Ohio State at the news conference at his high school in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

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