We've been arguing for a few years now that the
NBA is in serious trouble. At first it was because fundamentals among
American players have sharply deteriorated. And now the perception of the
NBA, aside from basic skills, has drastically deteriorated.
Hockey is at best on life support. The NBA is in serious trouble.
And college basketball? It has an unbelievable opportunity, if they are
only willing to exploit it and market the game accordingly. But it won't
last forever.
They are being smart, though,
in forming the College Basketball Partnership. Even though right now
college basketball looks much better than the NBA or NHL, Baylor is not
forgotten, and the potential for disaster is always there. But a systemic
look at the game, and a new marketing approach to reflect new realities, is
definitely in order.