The Problem with Fairytales

The NCAA just loves having Loyola in the Final Four because it gives credence to the myth of the D-I student/athlete.  The more times Ramblers’ coach Porter Moser talks about character or the more times TV announcers mention that a Loyola player is a junior or senior (four of the five starters are upperclassmen), it helps viewers to forget the “one-and-donedness” of Rick Pitino and John Calipari.

But not everyone loves a Cinderella story.  In yesterday’s Tribune, Sean McManus, the chairman of CBS Sports, said Loyola making the Final Four was “not the best of all scenarios.”  Here’s why:  “From a television standpoint, you really root for the big teams,” like Calipari’s Kentucky squad that couldn’t be bothered to shake hands after its loss to Kansas State.  You see, Kentucky is one of “the bluebloods,” by which McManus means their games make a lot of green for CBS.

But not to worry.  The NCAA doesn’t need a Cinderella in the Final Four every year.  Things can go back to normal in 2019.  There’s your March madness.