College basketball issues

Dave Gavitt, former commissioner
Big East Conference
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Discussing how the style of play in college basketball is emulating that in the NBA:

"Walt Frazier and Bill Bradley made basketball an art form. It was really spectacular to watch. But you can't blame the kids. It's a cultural thing. Al McGuire always used to say 'Look in their refrigerator.' Of course they aspire to play in the NBA. Along the way, the game has been affected."

Jerry Brewer, columnist
Louisville Courier-Journal

"When we discuss American basketball's problems -- primarily a lack of fundamentals, me-first play and a style-over-substance mentality -- it always comes back to development and the need for star players either to go to college or stay in college longer.

"There are two problems with this thin thinking. First, the NCAA cannot just go to the NBA, express support for (Commissioner David) Stern's idea of a 20-year-old NBA age limit and watch as it is enacted. An age limit would require league owners and the players' association to agree and put a rule in the collective bargaining agreement.

"And second, this problem is bigger than just young players going pro. The American system of developing players has become one of shortcuts. The pro dilemma has been a factor in this, but so are greed and an enormous pressure to win. ...

"College basketball survives on the coaches' ingenuity and players' spirit. The NBA now is just a league of raw physical talent. ...

"In Europe and other rising basketball continents there is a mission and unrelenting passion to fulfill it. Over here we are waiting for a new charge.

"(NCAA President Myles) Brand has enlisted college coaches' help, and they are developing a plan for the future of NCAA hoops. The NCAA and NBA should have similar focused communication on improving basketball. Together, they could start the process of aligning our game."

Norm Stewart, former head men's basketball coach
University of Missouri, Columbia
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Recalling his tenure on the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee when the three-point shot was adopted in 1986:

"I remember someone said, 'If we have the data now, why wait another year?' So somebody made a motion that we bring in the three-point play, somebody seconded it, they voted on it and passed it. Ed Steitz, who was a guardian of the game ... I thought the man was going to have a coronary right there."

Kim Anderson, head men's basketball coach
Central Missouri State University
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In a positive way, (the three-point shot) stretched the game, stretched the floor a little. I think it made the game more exciting in some respects. It did open up the lane a little bit. But negatively, I think it eliminated the mid-range game. There's no mid-range player. It's either shoot the three or take it to the rack."

Doug Elgin, commissioner
Missouri Valley Conference
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Discussing scheduling trends in Division I:

"The culture in Division I men's basketball in regard to nonconference has changed significantly in the last 10 to 15 years. It's much more financially driven. You don't see coaches returning favors or playing someone because of relationships that much. And there's a hesitation on the part of coaches in the top third of Division I to go on the road much, if at all."