STrib: Pitino vs. Pitino? Why thank you, ESPN

[BleedGopher]

per the STrib:

ESPN had an idea for a showpiece college basketball game, and the way it was pieced together provides a glimpse of how the cable giant can control college sports.

What if the University of Louisville, the 2013 national champions, played an all-expenses-paid game in Puerto Rico in November of 2014, network officials thought. Better yet, what if the marquee attraction pitted coach Rick Pitino against his son, coach Richard Pitino of the Minnesota Gophers?

ESPN first approached Louisville and, after getting its agreement, then dialed Minnesota, making it appear that the Gophers were only along for the ride.

“ESPN, really, made a suggestion of, ‘How would Minnesota look in this game?’ ” said Louisville senior associate athletic director Kenny Klein. “It was basically a joint thing” between Louisville and ESPN to approach the University of Minnesota.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/253297811.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue

Go Gophers!!

 

[zambam]

Didn't Richard specifically say he was hoping to wait to play Louisville because he wants his dad to be able to help build the program for a little while? I remember reading something to that nature. If I'm remembering correctly, I'd speculate the only reason he agreed to this was good exposure. He probably wanted to wait.

 

[bemidjigopher]

Didn't Richard specifically say he was hoping to wait to play Louisville because he wants his dad to be able to help build the program for a little while? I remember reading something to that nature. If I'm remembering correctly, I'd speculate the only reason he agreed to this was good exposure. He probably wanted to wait.

The way I see it I know Louisville has a good class, and it will end up better than ours on paper, but they're bringing 7 players, that's a lot of new faces. I know we will bring in at least five, but the only player we lose of significance is Austin, we bring back four starters, will have four seniors in our top six. Louisville's going to have to rely on their young guys a lot next year and the perfect time for us to jump them is on opening night when they're playing their first game and Rick's still trying to figure his team out.

 

[Rouser]

In college hoops, ESPN often has the ultimate say... A tidbit for SS at end...

Story in Trib today... SS, you will find a nice nugget about a 2015 pre season Tourney for the Gophs at the end.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/253297811.html

 

[AO54]

That might be a new record for ignorant comments. A lot of outrage that we didn't make money despite traveling to Hawaii. The program profits $10 Million annually and we're apparently upset that we don't make as much money when we play road games as home games.

 

[MadtownGopher]

Rick said Richard wants to play him next year because Richard knows Louisville is losing everyone. Rick said that in a joking manner, but there is definitely some truth to it.

 

[MadtownGopher]

We won the Puerto Rico tournament last time we were in it right?

 

[Rouser]

Bottom line, you spend money to make money. I think the long term benefits can pay off for playing these cash drain events. Hopefully through exposure (TV) and recruits want to play in these type of events.

Sadly, I think there is some strategy to it as well which affects our home schedule. Our overall non conference schedule will always be solid if we play in these events.. but I think it does take away a marquee home game. Doesn't have to be that way.. but I think that is the case.. heck, I have traveled to see them twice in 4 years so I guess its working on me.. but in the end, I would also like to see at least one home game against a Marquette / Iowa St type program.

 

[jaymil]

Rick said Richard wants to play him next year because Richard knows Louisville is losing everyone. Rick said that in a joking manner, but there is definitely some truth to it.

We should have a pretty good shot to win that game, especially if Harrell goes pro.

 

[Holy Man]

That might be a new record for ignorant comments. A lot of outrage that we didn't make money despite traveling to Hawaii. The program profits $10 Million annually and we're apparently upset that we don't make as much money when we play road games as home games.

Agreed. The team provides a bundle in revenue for the department. But I can see why fans beef about having to travel to the Bahamas to see decent competition. The guy quoted about Atlantis must have been in a different venue than I was. I thought they set up the ballroom nicely and the relatively few seats actually made the environment much better than a larger arena. It helped it feel intimate despite the smaller crowds than at home.

I've been to the pre-season tournaments a couple of times and I am anything but well heeled. Anyone who is a little resourceful can get there a lot cheaper than than the canned packages. I agree with Steve Erban, though, it's a bad deal when the tournament controls the tickets and gouges the people who plan in advance.

For what it's worth, I highly recommend them if you can get the time away. Smaller crowds and venues give you real up close views. I've never sat as close as the two preseason tournaments I've been to, and it's pretty cool. Usually some decent basketball, too.

 

[Rouser]

Agreed. The team provides a bundle in revenue for the department. But I can see why fans beef about having to travel to the Bahamas to see decent competition. The guy quoted about Atlantis must have been in a different venue than I was. I thought they set up the ballroom nicely and the relatively few seats actually made the environment much better than a larger arena. It helped it feel intimate despite the smaller crowds than at home.

I've been to the pre-season tournaments a couple of times and I am anything but well heeled. Anyone who is a little resourceful can get there a lot cheaper than than the canned packages. I agree with Steve Erban, though, it's a bad deal when the tournament controls the tickets and gouges the people who plan in advance.

For what it's worth, I highly recommend them if you can get the time away. Smaller crowds and venues give you real up close views. I've never sat as close as the two preseason tournaments I've been to, and it's pretty cool. Usually some decent basketball, too.

FWIW- for the few tourneys I have traveled to attend, I never once bought a package through the school or the "official sponsor". Always cheaper to do it alone. I also highly recommend doing it at least once. The smaller crowds and venues give you a great intimate look at the team.

 

[bottlebass]

FWIW- for the few tourneys I have traveled to attend, I never once bought a package through the school or the "official sponsor". Always cheaper to do it alone. I also highly recommend doing it at least once. The smaller crowds and venues give you a great intimate look at the team.

I'm thinking about making the trip this coming fall. Any other advice? Wasn't planning on using a package. Do you have to buy tickets to the whole tournament or can I just buy tickets for what would be their first couple games? Did you buy the tickets through the U or elsewhere?

 

[Goldy Gopher]

Story in Trib today... SS, you will find a nice nugget about a 2015 pre season Tourney for the Gophs at the end.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/253297811.html

A couple other teams that will be in Puerto Rico for 2015 are Butler and Utah via http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166356/2015-16-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE
Also found that Western Kentucky will be one of the teams in the NIT Season Tip-Off with 11 more TBA via http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2013/12/2/5166354/2014-15-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE

 

[Monty519]

We won the Puerto Rico tournament last time we were in it right?

Yep, the year we beat UNC and then West Virginia to win the title. I still can't believe how that year turned out.

It sucks for fans of these schools who want to see their team play marquee home games, but it's the cool thing to do now, these neutral court games. I personally like the home-home series, but whatever.

 

[mplarson7]

Yep, the year we beat UNC and then West Virginia to win the title. I still can't believe how that year turned out.

It sucks for fans of these schools who want to see their team play marquee home games, but it's the cool thing to do now, these neutral court games. I personally like the home-home series, but whatever.

Can't go wrong with the games on military bases though. Always seems to be a great atmosphere.

 

[Holy Man]

I'm thinking about making the trip this coming fall. Any other advice? Wasn't planning on using a package. Do you have to buy tickets to the whole tournament or can I just buy tickets for what would be their first couple games? Did you buy the tickets through the U or elsewhere?

My guess is that pre season NIT tickets will be pretty easy to come by. MSG is not a high school gym like they play in in Hawaii. And New York will be easy to find a place to stay, but may not be cheap. I hope you have friends you can bunk up with. Flights might be pricey too since it includes Thanksgiving.

If you call the Gopher basketball office they should be able to help you with tickets. In the past, the ticket office has been unhelpful in that regard, but they are getting better. You should also be able to get them on Ticketmaster or through whatever service MSG uses for selling tickets. I doubt the crowds will be huge so you may get a chance to sit in the "Gopher crowd" no matter where you get your tickets.

Should be a great time.

 

[die hard gopher]

That might be a new record for ignorant comments. A lot of outrage that we didn't make money despite traveling to Hawaii. The program profits $10 Million annually and we're apparently upset that we don't make as much money when we play road games as home games.

I agree. Just brutal.

 

[bottlebass]

My guess is that pre season NIT tickets will be pretty easy to come by. MSG is not a high school gym like they play in in Hawaii. And New York will be easy to find a place to stay, but may not be cheap. I hope you have friends you can bunk up with. Flights might be pricey too since it includes Thanksgiving.

If you call the Gopher basketball office they should be able to help you with tickets. In the past, the ticket office has been unhelpful in that regard, but they are getting better. You should also be able to get them on Ticketmaster or through whatever service MSG uses for selling tickets. I doubt the crowds will be huge so you may get a chance to sit in the "Gopher crowd" no matter where you get your tickets.

Should be a great time.

I was inquiring about going to puerto rico...