Big Ten Basketball: Why I Miss the SEC

by TNS
(Ohio)

I moved from Western Kentucky to Central Ohio about 18 months ago. I attended many games at the University of Kentucky, and very seldom saw an empty seat. I also very seldom saw a loss, but that is another story.

Since I have been in Ohio, I have had the opportunity to attend several Ohio State basketball games. They have a very competitive, but young, team. To my amazement, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of empty seats for games against top ten teams such as Wisconsin and Indiana at a time when the Buckeyes need key wins to get an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament.

I would have never saw this at Kentucky. I don't understand this. I don't want to hear that this is just a football state. Kentucky is "just a basketball state", but the football team will draw very well as long as it is competitive.

It is almost as if basketball is just killing time until football practice starts. While the SEC loves football, it does treat basketball well, at least at several of the schools. Could it be the style of play or talent level? I don't think so. There is just something about Big Ten basketball that does not seem to appeal to everyone, at least in this area.

At least we get to see SEC games on ESPN and CBS on a regular basis.