A month from today the Toronto Raptor open up training camp. But if you are in need of a basketball fix prior to that the Dino Blogger has an answer for you. NCAA vs CIS games are going on all across the country. For a complete list of games and times in your area here is a link to all the games scheduled.
I thought while I am mentioning this it would be a good time to talk about the CIS and NCAA. They are very different and for one big reason. That reason is Scholarships the NCAA has them and CIS does not for athletics. That is why any serious basketball talent in this country will make their way south of the border. There is the odd exception to the rule but for the most part if you are good enough you will take your talent to the NCAA.
I have had friends who were athletes in both the NCAA and CIS. There was a guy from my high school that ended up going to South Carolina and eventually transfer to Stanford. He was recruited by a ton of schools. In this person’s case they were not only a talented basketball player but they were highly intelligent. It was rumour back in high school and I can’t remember if it was actually true but he had an offer from Harvard that is how smart I am talking. Another person I knew played in the CIS and went on to play with Canada’s National Program and played pro ball in Europe. He was just someone I knew not a close personal friend or anything. What happened to the guy that went to Standford? Given his brains he is likely doing very well for himself in a post basketball life. He has not turned up on my facebook so I have no idea what he is doing.
I also had many friends that played football in the CIS even one that went on to play in the CFL. Can’t recall anyone I knew that went south of border for football but there may have been one or two. I am just mentioning all of this to point out I have had some experience in knowing and watching the CIS in the past.
Charles Barkley who I do not know but would like to as he seems like a fun guy. Sir Charles made the famous comment that NCAA Athletes are like the last forum of legal slavery in the United States. Extreme statement but it is not without merit. A free education is great and it is a growing expense has many of you that are heading back to college already know. But the amount of money these basketball and football programs make is mind blowing. In fact NCAA College Football gets started today and you will find almost all of these games on T.V south of the border. These games are like an infomerical for these schools. Who are the stars of these shows? The athletes and all they get is free education and a chance for the very elite to turn that into a pro career. But they are one injury away from seeing that all go away. Is that fair? I don’t think so. That is why if Chris Webber took cash at Michigan which is an NCAA Rules Violation, I say good for him. If Reggie Bush did the same playing football at USC same thing good for him. the time has come that these kids get some of the huge amount of money these school’s are making off their backs.
Here in Canada the time has come that athletes get a free education. CIS schools in no way draw anything close to the amount of money that NCAA schools do. However the same fact of what is the most visible marketing tool a school has? Sports is that marketing tool and it provides them some press and attention on a much lesser scale. But still it is something that at least deserves athletes to get a free education for being representing the school on the field of play. The time has come.
It is the right thing to do for both sets of athletes in the NCAA and CIS. I want to say that if you have a school in your area go out and support it. College sports in Canada may not have the top athletes but they have had some very good ones over the years. There is nothing more fun than a college game and the cost is very low. Give it a try if you have a chance. These games where some of the big boys from down south come here are a good chance to go check out some high quality basketball. In some cases you may be surprised at how some of our schools do against them. Carleton Ravens basketball program is the most elite schools in this country and they have a solid program that can match up with U.S schools. One thing is for sure they will give it there best shot.
Have A Happy and Safe Holiday Weekend
Tags: CIS, College Athletes, College Basketball, NCAA
