joelind

There are two types of men in the world: those who cry at the end of Field of Dreams, and those who lie about crying at the end of Field of Dreams.

Having reffed both sports at a very high level, I can tell you that the atmosphere in basketball and dealing with coaches is very different. It’s all game long, a constant back and forth, and there is a mutual understanding between basketball refs and coaches. It’s part of what makes reffing it so much fun. I’m happy that Roger Ayers (who always referees games at a Final Four level) handled the end of the game the way that he did. This was not a confrontational situation. Uconn hit a buzzer beater a few seconds before the viral moment between Ayers and Hurley. Ayers is telling Hurley that the game isn’t over yet (there was a clock adjustment from 0.02 to 0.04 - which is notable for catch and shoot). Hurley isn’t physically contacting him, he’s just between Ayers and the scorer’s table. I’ve been in some wild environments/end of game scenarios both in basketball and football. They feel surreal and you are in a state of shock to an extent. This is how great officials handle these situations, so kudos to Roger Ayers and congrats to UConn.

Dusty May watching his players cut down the nets

Listen to the words of Sheridan Gorman’s mother, Jessica: “As a mom, I’m angry. And I’m completely heartbroken. We’re going to fight for justice for our sweet Sheridan. And we’re going to fight for change.” Pray for this family and fight alongside them.

BASEBALL IS BACK.

It needs to be said every year... Nobody. Does. Opening. Day. Like. Cincinnati.

Clock strikes Opening Day

The biggest thing that stood out to me at Jerrod Calhoun’s introductory news conference is how united everybody is behind this hire. Former players from all eras…Huggs’ guys…Mick’s guys…Bearcat fans…college basketball experts — everyone seems to agree that Cincinnati landed the right coach. Next season can’t get here fast enough!