This year's NCAA Tournament feels different. There's a palpable buzz in the air, fueled by the explosive growth of the women's game and captivating matchups on the men's side. Forget the tired media analysis - the energy is undeniable, and it's the women's stars who are stealing the show.
Phenoms like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are electrifying fans with their jaw-dropping skills. These generational talents are captivating audiences with their "did-you-just-see-that?" moments. Legendary coaches like Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Geno Auriemma (UConn) add another layer of intrigue, further boosting the game's prestige. Record-breaking viewership for the Iowa-LSU quarterfinal is just a glimpse of the unprecedented interest women's basketball is generating.
For some fans, this fervor evokes memories of a bygone era. Seasoned college basketball enthusiasts will recall a time when the game unfolded like a serialized story. Players became familiar faces, returning year after year. Rivalries simmered, dynasties rose and fell, and Cinderella stories captured hearts. This continuity fostered a deeper connection between fans and the game.
Of course, nostalgia glosses over the sport's exploitative past, rife with corruption and hypocrisy. But even with its flaws, the game offered a stage for players to develop over time. Teams built chemistry, overcame heartbreak, and ultimately, victories felt earned. There was a sense of belonging, a feeling of watching family achieve greatness.
For some, the passion for college basketball began in a simpler time. This writer's own love affair with the sport started with Patrick Ewing, a high school phenom coached by his father. Those nail-biting Georgetown teams, led by the iconic John Thompson with his signature towel, were a formative part of his basketball education.
He remembers not just Michael Jordan's legendary freshman game-winner, but the agonizing aftermath. The image of Georgetown's Fred Brown mistaking James Worthy for a teammate and accidentally passing him the ball is permanently etched in his memory. He vividly recalls John Thompson's act of grace in that moment, comforting a heartbroken Brown on the sideline in a display of sportsmanship that remains unmatched.
College basketball has undoubtedly transformed, with both positive and negative consequences. Gone are the days of players like Patrick Ewing spending four years at one institution - a near-impossible feat in today's one-and-done era.
Thankfully, positive change is also afoot. Today's athletes finally have the long-overdue right to profit from their name, image, and likeness. College players are appearing in commercials and earning money - and it's about time.
The women's game, experiencing explosive growth, is leading the way in preserving a sense of continuity. The WNBA's age minimum of 22 allows stars like Caitlin Clark to flourish over multiple seasons. Fans witness their evolution – from phenoms as underclassmen to national sensations as seniors. This allows players to build a deep connection with the fans.
But it's not just about on-court dominance. Stars like Clark, Bueckers, JuJu Watkins, and Angel Reese exude personality and style. They're empowered to capitalize on their talents, adding another dimension to the game's appeal. Then there's Dawn Staley, arguably the most charismatic coach in collegiate hoops. A legendary player and a trendsetter, she boasts an impressive collection of Coach of the Year awards. Her South Carolina squad, undefeated at 36-0, has a chance to rewrite history against Clark and Iowa in a potential ratings-smashing championship matchup.
There's already significant buzz surrounding Clark's potential inclusion on the Olympic team. Given her immense popularity and ability to draw viewers, it's hard to imagine the Olympics overlooking her. After all, the Olympics are ultimately a television event, and NBC would be foolish to leave her off
