Challenge to MU, KU basketball fans: Let's make this happen
Yael T. AbouhalkahFine, so today the University of Missouri announced it has extended its “Braggin’ Rights” men’s basketball game with Illinois.
As a KC-area college basketball fan, I say “Big deal.”
Let me know when something important happens: When are MU and the University of Kansas going to play each other again?
The MU-Illinois series has been going on for a few decades.
But the KU-MU rivalry has existed for 100 YEARS.
The fans of both schools should want it to continue.
They ought to be banging on the doors of the athletic directors of both schools to make it happen.
Sure, there are some hurt feelings by KU fans over the departure of MU to the Southeastern Conference.
As a KU grad myself, I say: Get over it.
The tradition of playing the University of Missouri is more important than what conferences the two schools play in.
So everyone needs to calm down, stop pounding their chests about how mad they are about the recent changes and get back to doing something positive and worthwhile.
Simply put, that means working out a non-conference basketball game between MU and KU.
Play it in KC at the Sprint Center.
Rotate it on the Lawrence and Columbia campuses.
That’s not what is most important.
This is: Get the game going again. The real fans of college basketball in the KC area are the only people who can make that happen now.
Mark Hastert
7 months, 1 week agoI understand why KU is mad about MU’s leaving the Big 12. I am too but a century long tradition shouldn’t be cast aside. Besides, now they have more to fight about.
Phil Cardarella
7 months, 1 week agoAs hilarious as it it for two guys who lettered in “nerd” in high school to be discussing sports, I have to agree with Yael that keeping the rivalry going is a good idea — especially if they play at Sprint each year for neutral ground.
Yael T. Abouhalkah
7 months, 1 week agoOK, guilty as charged on “nerd” level.
However, I did letter two years each in cross country and in track at good old SM West. And don’t you dare say running isn’t a sport!
Phil Cardarella
7 months, 1 week agoActually, I lettered in Debate, the ultimate Nerd Letter.
Also, I learned to duck & hide — so I did not have to learn to run.
And, if the NCAA Final Four were being held in my front yard, I would watch TMC instead. BUT, a game is still a good idea for the schools and the communities.